Geelong Concert Band rehearsed with former ABC Young Conductor of the Year Kevin Cameron for the first time on Monday, following a five-year signing.
Dr Cameron, who has lived in Corio for six years, joins the band after two decades leading some of Victoria’s most distinguished ensembles.
“I’ve been involved in musical life within Geelong for a long time,” he said.
When Dr Cameron saw the role come up he “absolutely” had to apply, he said.
“They have more than 30 years of music lineage and success.”
Community music was vitally important and encouraged lifelong learning and engagement, he said.
“It’s about kids understanding adults and adults understanding kids – music is a universal language that goes beyond background, culture, spoken language and social-economic situation.”
Band president Christian Biscombe welcomed Dr Cameron taking the “baton” as new music director seeking to establish the 150-member group as Geelong’s “premier musical organisation”.
“As a community group with high aspirations, we are ecstatic to have someone of Kevin’s calibre on board,’ said Dr Biscombe said.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to draw on Kevin’s talents and build something really special here in Geelong.”
“We’re performing at the Boroondara Eisteddfod in just a few weeks. We have a bit of work to do between now and then but I know that Kevin will relish the challenge.”
Dr Cameron was ABC’s Young Conductor of the Year in 1994, and he also directs Geelong Grammar School’s bands, orchestras, and choir, and Melbourne Conservatorium Wind Symphony.
