By Abby Walter

Horsham Rural City Band is set to rock Horsham Town Hall as it kicks off its 150th anniversary celebrations.

The Big Band Bash Variety Concert will see senior band musicians and members of its development program take to the stage, joined by saxophonist and television personality Wilbur Wilde as a special guest. 

Profits from Sunday’s event will go towards Wimmera Base Hospital. 

Horsham Rural City Band president Karl Carman said the concert would be the start of club celebrations and members wanted to take the band back to its beginning. 

“About 100 to 150 years ago the band’s main role was fundraising,” he said.

“We thought it was a fitting occasion to do what it would have done back then, with our Big Band Bash Variety Concert. Wilbur is extremely keen and everyone in the band is really excited. 

“We would love to fill the hall for the event.”

Murtoa’s Red Hot Marmas Community Choir will also feature at the celebration.

Jo Ellis, 150th anniversary event committee chair, said the group was organising a major celebration for October 15. 

“We’re planning a street parade and will be joined by visiting bands. Warracknabeal, Stawell, Beaufort and Coleraine bands have all confirmed they will be coming,” she said. 

“We will then have a concert in the old town hall, followed by a formal presentation dinner at the RSL.”

Ms Ellis is the longest-serving band member. “I got my first instrument in 2006 and officially joined the band in 2007, so I have been playing for 15 years,” she said. 

She said the 150th anniversary celebration was a massive milestone that was still undergoing planning. 

“I am hoping we will have some public displays and I’m working to collate history to make a book with help from the historical society.

“I am also hoping to get out and get some testimonials about the band as well. If people would like to keep up with what we are doing, share some history, ask questions or receive an invitation closer to the event they can follow us on Facebook.”

Ms Ellis said the anniversary and celebrations had come around quickly. 

“The band is getting out there this year and we are doing lots of gigs,” she said. 

“The Big Band Bash Variety Concert is part of our celebrations and it would be good for people to get along to.”

Mr Carman said a 150th anniversary celebration did not come around very often for community groups. 

“It is such a major achievement and we want to celebrate history and celebrate music,” he said.

“It’s a pivotal moment in history to celebrate and the band is doing great things that we want to showcase.”

Mr Carman said Casterton band was invited to the event for its role in the city band’s history. 

“Sixty years ago when the Horsham band hall burned down Casterton lent Horsham instruments to be able to keep playing,” he said.

“They are part of our history.”

Mr Carman said the band would be premiering two new songs at the main anniversary event. 

“We are commissioning two pieces of music from Melbourne composer  Jared McCunnie,” he said. 

“The songs will be a short fanfare and a main song. We’re very keen. McCunnie has started working on it so it will be really good to have our own piece written for the occasion.”

Tickets for the Big Band Bash Variety Concert are available through Horsham Town Hall. 

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