Chris, who admits he was a bit rusty, is bolstering the back line as the band tries to take its third Nationals title under Mark.
"Last year was amazing. Listening to the band from the sidelines. They were brilliant. And now I am a playing part of that team. Exciting stuff." said Chris.
Appreciated
Kew are again using the competition to cement its place as one of Australia's finest brass bands ever, while looking to send Mark Ford "off in style" as he gives his last performance with Kew as conductor.
The band is hoping to make the performance another one to remember and show Mark Ford that his efforts are, and have always been, appreciated.
The band is strong, playing well, looking forward to the nationals — yet trying to find a replacement for the most successful conductor we have ever had.Michael Mathers, Secretary, Kew Band Melbourne
Currently ranked inside the worlds top 100 the band is performing strongly on the contest stage having only been narrowly beaten by Brisbane Excelsior in the last three National titles it contested — twice in Australia and once in New Zealand.
The band has enjoyed two Nationals victories with Mark at the helm (along with several 2nd placings) and numerous state and interstate titles during his combined service of 11 years.
New MD
Where does this leave Kew? In an “interesting” position according to band secretary Michael Mathers. “The band is strong, playing well, looking forward to the nationals — yet trying to find a replacement for the most successful conductor we have ever had.”
“There’s not just a pool of great conductors out there waiting for an invite.” said Mathers. “The right person needs to be ‘in a position’ to take the job on” he said.
But Mathers is confident the cards will fall into place. “We’ve been through all of this before. It’s never easy and often not fun. But we’ve lost and found conductors many times. The Committee is solid and hardworking and is managing the change as best we can.”
“Ideally, we want someone ready to hit the ground running as soon as the Nationals are over … but that doesn’t give us much time to look. We are hoping they will approach us knowing the position is coming up” he said. “The position is there for the taking.”
Until then, the band is charging full steam ahead towards the Brisbane nationals.
