With restrictions easing and events returning, the Ararat City Band has been afforded the chance to dust off its instruments and begin playing once more.
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Yet, not all is familiar for the band. The settings in which they play and practice have been altered to meet COVID-safe protocols, and a new musical director is at the helm.
Bruno Andrade was a member of the band before COVID-19. Ahead of the band's traditional Australia Day performance, it found itself in need of a musical director, and Mr Andrade was asked to fill the role.
It was a challenging induction for Mr Andrade, as the band had just two weeks to rehearse for the Ararat's Australia Day Ceremony.
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He said he was subsequently delighted with how the band had performed upon its return.
"We only had three rehearsals which is never ideal because we're a community band and all the members donate their time and energy towards playing in the band. But it went really well and everyone was really happy," he said.
"It just shows how keen and dedicated the members were."
Mr Andrade himself has been dedicated to music since his early teens.
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"I've always been involved in brass bands, as a player and in committees," he said.
About a decade ago, Mr Andrade also spent time as the Victorian State Youth Band band manager.
He said it was during this time he "dabbled a bit in conducting," but it was still a relatively new experience.
Mr Andrade said he was particularly excited to be the Ararat City Band's musical director due to his admiration for what it had achieved in recent years.
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"The last five years the band has done amazing things," he said.
"From having about 10 members to becoming state champions and national champions numerous times, it's been a massive achievement.
"Now we've just got to try to build on it and get the next generation going so the band can keep thriving."
The band would usually be involved in the Australian National Band Championships at Easter, but the event has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
The band's next big outing will therefore be Ararat's Anzac Day ceremony.
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