Tate Papworth
Finding ways to stay connected during lockdown can be difficult… for a large scale marching band it’s almost impossible.
But don’t tell the MMG Concert Band of Victoria, a community Marching and Concert band based in Brimbank that.
The band has been unable to run rehearsals during this time, but have taken to Zoom for catch ups on a weekly basis, during its normal rehearsal time to check in on its members.
Just as impressive is the fact that the bad was able to construct a virtual performance of a Maltese march called Ma Taghmlu Xejn (also known as First Anniversary) while in isolation.
Band member Rebecca Xuereb said it was a fantastic way to stay engaged with each other and the music.
“It’s very difficult for a band to adapt to something like this… typically we’d be out in the community performing,” she said.
“The virtual performance was a lot more tedious than it may look… we actually each recorded our own piece from home, sent it through to the conductor, who weaved it into the virtual performance.
“I actually found it challenging because in my 20 years of experience I’ve learned to wait for an intro and other parts of the song, whereas this was just me.”
While it was a challenging assignment, it more than paid off with feedback to the performance overwhelmingly positive.
“It was a huge effort to put it together, but the reaction we have gotten has been fantastic.. people have told us they loved it and really enjoyed it. “We’d love to do another one, so keep your eyes peeled.”
To watch the performance visit: youtu.be/xpacFwwGnA4
