Geelong brass theatre debut

GEELONG West Brass Band has scored its first theatrical gig providing backing to New Zealand Dance Company.
The band will play in the troupe’s performance of Rotunda when the dance company visits Geelong for the first time.
The show, which takes inspiration from Anzac war stories, will mark the centenary of Australian and New Zealand involvement in World War I.
Promoters said the dance company’s first full-length production brought to life a world of traditional band rotundas, iconic landmarks among many early 20th Century communities in both countries.
The show is on a national tour arriving in Geelong next month and drawing on the talent of brass bands in each city.
Geelong West Brass Band had been rehearsing for its theatrical debut since the start of the year, the promoters said.
The 30-piece band would be on stage throughout the 85-minute performance.
Band musical director Jeff Steele said members were thrilled to be involved in the unique project.
“It’s something totally new and we feel privileged to be a part of what looks to be a very moving production,” he said.
“We’re well-prepared, we’re putting the final touches on the music and learning some new marching choreography.
“We’ll put on a brilliant performance for the people of Geelong.”
New Zealand Dance Company recently flew in conductor Marc Taddei and artistic director/choreographer Shona McCullagh for a rehearsal with the Geelong band ahead of the company’s official arrival in Geelong.
“There is something in the voice of brass band that carries the emotional weight of a community’s joys and sorrows,” McCullagh said.
Promoters said Rotunda fused “shadow play, mace twirling, brass band, Maori tradition and contemporary
Dance”.
Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s Playhouse theatre will host Rotunda from 21 to 23 May.