VICTORIA SEEKS YOUTH BAND LEADERS

At the recent VBL Delegates Meeting, Jillian Breen announced the retirement of both John M Breen as Director of Music of the Victorian State Youth Brass Band (VSYBB), and herself as Band Manager, so the VBL is now seeking a new leadership team for the Band.

John M Breen has been Director of Music of the VSYBB since 1998, which makes him the longest-serving MD of this Australian banding institution. John, himself a former VSYBB member, completed his secondary and tertiary qualifications at the Victorian College of the Arts and postgraduate qualifications at Melbourne and Monash Universities. He is a regular adjudicator, full time teacher of music, and Director of Music of Moonee Valley Brass. A sought after musician, John has played in many orchestras and shows throughout Australia and in 2005 performed for two weeks in France with Eastern Australian Brass and renowned composer Phillip Sparke.

 In addition to her administrative responsibilities as Band Manager, Jillian for 10 years has organised the Youth Band Tours, sourced and organised gigs, catered lunches for all rehearsals and catered or arranged all meals on Youth Band tours.

John W Breen has been Tour Manager for about 8 years and also for some years while John M was a player in the Band.

The Executive Council of the VBL wishes to publicly acknowledge the enormous contribution of the Breen family to the VSYBB. It is the dedication of bandies such as John M, John W and Jillian Breen that has ensured the ongoing and successful tradition of the VSYBB; an institution unmatched in Australia.

The VBL now calls for applications for the following positions:

Director of Music

Assistant Director of Music

Drill Instructor

Manager

In addition, Peter Wiltshire has announced his retirement as Treasurer. Peter has served the VSYBB for fifteen years, and the VBL also recognises his invaluable contribution to the development of youth banding in Victoria. Expressions of interest are called from individuals wishing to take on this important role.

Position Descriptions are available for the Director of Music and Manager. Please contact Sally Scanu at the VBL who can email or post a copy on request. Telephone (03) 9362 0200 or email vbl@vbl.org.au

Chris Bowman

President, Victorian Bands’ League