The Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) is turning 30 this year and they're celebrating it with a momentous anniversary concert. Save the date in your diaries - the weekend of 26 and 27 July is one not to miss for music lovers of all genres, both across the Parkes Shire and further afield. And it's free. "It will be a weekend of acknowledging how important music is to us, and to sustain music in our shire," said Ellen Tom from PSCB. "Music is the universal language we can all share and play at any age - we range from 11 years to 82 years. PSCB became a concert band in 1995 - prior to that it was the Parkes Town Band, commencing back in the 1890s as a Parkes brass band. Throughout its history it has had many conductors and musicians to sustain the band. All volunteers, its stalwarts are Rhonda and Phil Redenback, and Ellen Tom who have clocked-up 28 years. Other current band members who played in earlier years and have returned are Duncan Clement, Paul Dawson, Alison Quinn, Doug Richards, Brian Symonds and Vicki Warwick. PSCB has invited the historic Fire & Rescue NSW Band of 35 musicians and the Orange Regional Conservatorium Wind Ensemble of 40 musicians to be its featured guests for the anniversary concert on the Sunday in the Starlight Lounge of the Parkes Services Club. PSCB will collaborate with nearby regional bands in Forbes, Orange, Griffith, Wellington and others in a workshop on the Saturday. The free community concert will feature a total of 120 musicians performing - this also includes appearances from Subtonic Fusion and Divermento from Orange. The Orange Regional Conservatorium Symphonic Wind Ensemble will bring bold, expressive sounds to the stage with a powerful mix of brass, woodwind, and percussion. Conducted by Rachel Rule, this dynamic group performs everything from classic concert band repertoire to cinematic showstoppers, always with energy and flair. It all gets underway at 2pm on 27 July.
