Musical director Wally Pope spoke about the band's achievements over the past 12 months and emphasised the importance of team work as a major factor in the band's success.

He also spoke about the growing Junior Development program, which now has 17 participants ranging in age from 5 to 16, and how this bodes well for the future of the band with a number of juniors almost ready to step up into the senior band.

Also integral to the success of the band this year has been a number of grants that have contributed to the ongoing financial viability of the band and allowed it to purchase a number of vital pieces of equipment.

The Band appreciates the support of the Myer Foundation for funding to buy instruments for the juniors, Ararat Rural City Council for their help with Band Sunday, FRRR for a grant to buy instruments for the senior band, the Ararat RSL and Ararat Community Enterprise for help with purchasing new uniforms and Pacific Hydro funds to purchase new instruments and a set of music stands.

Highlights of the year included a successful return to contesting, the band placing first at the Bendigo Competitions in May and following this up with a second place at the Victorian State Brass Band Championships in August, as well as the Variety Concert in September and requests to play at a number of community events throughout the year.

"It is great that groups within the Rural City are recognising the great music the band is making, and are specifically requesting that we perform at their events," musical director Wally Pope said.

"This is also reflected in the fact that we have already been asked to perform at the same events again in 2015."

Presentations made at the Christmas break up saw David Cosgriff awarded the George Sing Bandsperson of the Year while the William 'Bill' Powell Junior Bandsperson of the Year was awarded to Joseph McColl.

The Most Improved award went to Amy Stevens while the Ray Humphries Most Improved Junior award went to Izzie Pope.

This year the Musicianship Award was presented to Tammie Meehan while the Most Improved Learner was Jacob Pearce.

Band practice resumes on Monday January 19 in preparation for Australia Day and junior groups will resume on Monday February 2.

Anyone interested in joining the band please contact Sandra Pope 0413 624 175.