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This initiative aims to expand the Ryde City Concert Band by growing our Adult Beginners’ Band and forming a sustainable Big Band ensemble. Through low-cost, accessible music education and engaging public performances, Harmony in Ryde will enrich our Ryde community, foster inclusivity, and celebrate multicultural expression.

What Harmony in Ryde Brings to Our Community:

• Inclusive Music Education: Affordable opportunities for adults to learn music in a welcoming environment.
• Creative Growth: New musical genres and advanced instruction for our members.
• Community Engagement: Public performances and workshops that bring people together and highlight Ryde’s cultural vitality.

Why This Matters:

The project supports the goals of the City of Ryde Creativity Strategy, including fostering community wellbeing, inclusivity, and creative identity. Ryde is a vibrant, diverse community, and Harmony in Ryde strengthens these connections by offering meaningful cultural activities that enhance quality of life for residents.

Key Activities and Timeline:

• December 2024 – February 2025: Recruitment and marketing in collaboration with schools and community organisations.
• February – November 2025: Weekly rehearsals and professional music workshops.
• April – November 2025: Public performances, outdoor concerts, and Big Band showcases.
• Beyond 2025: Ongoing rehearsals and performances to ensure the sustainability of both ensembles.

This exciting new chapter will help our band grow and thrive while contributing to the cultural enrichment of the City of Ryde.

Stay connected for updates and join us in making harmony happen in Ryde!

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The Ryde Concert Band’s 140th Anniversary Gala Concert at North Ryde RSL on Sunday September 15^th was an unforgettable celebration of music and community! With over 200 attendees, the concert featured stellar performances from the Ryde Concert, Adult Beginners’, and Big Band ensembles, showcasing a mix of jazz, classical, and modern favourites—something for everyone to enjoy.

A huge thank you to North Ryde RSL for preparing the audience seating plan perfectly and providing the afternoon refreshments, ensuring the event ran smoothly. Former band members, including John Sheedy and Bill Poole, attended and expressed their delight in the music selection, while praising the band’s growth since their time.

The event wouldn’t have been possible without City of Ryde’s generous grant funding, which helped bring this milestone celebration to life. We also extend our thanks to the over 50 individuals including, musicians, ushers, stagehands and North Ryde RSL staff who made the concert such a success, led by our Musical Director, Philip Arnold, who worked tirelessly to setup, coordinate and execute a wide-ranging program across our three ensembles.

Peter David Blyth was superb as our MC, travelling from the Sunshine Coast to ensure the event flowed seamlessly. Mike handled the event programs and marketing superbly, and his son Vinny captured the entire event on video. Thanks to Gemma and her team for organising the stage, and to Daniel for the audio setup, recording, and his standout trumpet lead.

Big Band soloists Mike, Jonathan, Daniel, and Lachie were great, and we were delighted to have guest musicians David Dai, Sarah Lewis, and Bryn Arnold join us. Special thanks to our ushers, Conor and Marcus Hedley, for greeting and seating the audience, and to Helen Brayshaw for her heritage uniform display and PowerPoint presentation (gathered from her book on Ryde Band’s history).

Lastly, the band thanks everyone who bought tickets and brought family and friends. Your support helped us to raise another $1,000 for Legacy, the charity which the City of Ryde Council encourages us to support.

Here’s to many more years of Ryde Band making music and celebrating community!

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The Ryde Band is set to reinvigorate our band and ultimately our local performances with the immediate introduction of 30-minute Big Band ensemble rehearsals. This new initiative is an extension of the Ryde Concert Band and reflects the group’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries and exploring new genres.

Designed to cater to our existing band members, the half-hour rehearsals aim to challenge members with more complex pieces and arrangements. This fresh approach is expected to enrich the band’s repertoire and enhance their performances, ultimately bringing even more joy to the City of Ryde community.

Musical Director, Phil Arnold, expressed excitement about the new format, saying that this will offer our musicians new opportunities to grow and explore, while providing our audience with even more dynamic and engaging performances.

The Ryde Band invites the community to experience this exciting new chapter at our upcoming performances, including our 140^th Anniversary Gala Concert at North Ryde RSL Club, Sunday September 15^th 2024 at 2:30pm. It promises an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary big band sounds.

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Following the exciting announcement of Ryde Band’s new Adult Beginner Band Program, the initiative has kicked off with an overwhelmingly positive response from the community.
Since unveiling the program for adults eager to learn or return to playing musical instruments, Ryde Band’s rehearsal space in North Ryde has been alive with enthusiasm. Phil Arnold, our musical director along with help from Gemma Lee is responsible for leading the initiative.
“We are thrilled by the enthusiasm and interest we’ve received,” Arnold remarked. “It’s encouraging to see so many people interested in wanting to learn to play music and taking on this new challenge.”
The program, tailored for individuals with varying levels of musical experience, is providing a structured training regimen starting from the most fundamental level. With instruments available for hire, prospective musicians can explore their musical interests.
“Many adults have expressed regret for not taking advantage of this sort of opportunity earlier in life. With this program, we’re proving it’s never too late to pursue your passion for music,” Arnold emphasised.
Drawing from his extensive expertise in building musical communities, Phil Arnold is determined to create a vibrant and inclusive environment where adults can flourish musically.
“Phil’s track record speaks for itself,” said a spokesperson for Ryde Band. “His role in expanding the Lane Cove Bands organisation is a testament to his ability to nurture talent and foster a love for music across diverse audiences.”
As the program gains momentum, Ryde Band encourages all interested individuals to seize the opportunity and join the musical adventure. For more information and to get involved, interested parties are urged to contact Ryde Band through the following link.
Beginner Band Contact Form
With the inaugural sessions already underway, Ryde Band looks forward to welcoming more hidden talents and fostering a community united by the joy of music.

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The final instalment of the Ryde Band’s three-part Festive Season Concert Series unfolded on the corner of Cutler Parade and Chauvel Street in North Ryde, creating an unforgettable evening for music enthusiasts and holiday revellers alike. Against the backdrop of festively decorated houses adorned with Christmas lights, the band delivered a charming performance featuring popular Latin music, show tunes, and a heartwarming selection of classic Christmas carols.

The atmosphere was magical as families gathered on surrounding lawns and footpaths, joining in the sing-along and soaking in the joyous spirit of the season. The music and lights set the perfect mood as attendees strolled through the neighbouring streets, marvelling at the dazzling variety of Christmas decorations illuminating the houses and gardens.

However, as the darkness deepened, the skies took an unexpected turn. In a dramatic twist, rain began to pour down, bringing an abrupt end to the festivities. Everyone sought shelter, marking an unexpected climax to an otherwise enjoyable evening. The sudden downpour added an exclamation point to the festivities, reminding everyone of the unpredictable nature of outdoor events.

Despite the untimely conclusion, the majority of the Band’s program had been successfully completed, leaving the audience with cherished memories of the performance. As the rain subsided, everyone dispersed to dry off and/or resume their Christmas street light viewing, bringing a bittersweet end to performance.

While the rain may have cut the night short, the melodies and the festive glow of Christmas lights lingered in all those who attended, ensuring that the final Ryde Band concert will be remembered as a unique and resilient celebration of community and music.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

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Ryde Band is excited to announce that in 2024 our musical director, Phil Arnold, will introduce an adult beginner band program at our rehearsal space in North Ryde.

Many adults see their children playing in school bands and often wish they had started when they were young. Well, it’s never too late and here is your chance! Phil has over 20 years experience in leading start-up bands and was instrumental in growing the Lane Cove Bands organisation from from a single, small concert band to, now, over 200 members across 6 bands, ranging in repertoire from classical music to traditional, popular and jazz. Find out more by contacting us through our contact form.

The bands skilfully navigated a repertoire that spanned marches, show tunes and beloved pop classics culminating in a captivating rendition of ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ by the combined ensembles. Following the musical performances, attendees enjoyed light refreshments, showering the performers with generous congratulations. Special mention was reserved for the newly formed primary school band, whose commendable effort in such a short time earned them well-deserved praise. The event not only showcased musical talent but also fostered a sense of community spirit and the emerging holiday cheer.

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Ryde Band took central position in Eastwood Plaza for their second performance under their new Musical Director, Philip Arnold, following his debut conducting on June 24th at the mall. The Band’s energy under the guidance of their new musical director was evident from their first note.

The mall’s casual atmosphere once again proved to be the perfect backdrop for the band’s performance. Passersby were drawn in by the popular melodies, unexpectedly turning the busy mall into an impromptu concert venue. The band’s delightful performance left a trail of smiles and foot-tapping.

Thomas Burge, a former band member and an acclaimed trombone player, made a special visit to listen and enjoy the music of his former band. Thomas, who had left the band many years ago to pursue a remarkable career in the United States, has been a part of some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. Having performed with the likes of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Augusta Symphony Orchestra, Winston Salem Symphony Orchestra, and Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, his accomplishments are nothing short of inspiring.

The band is now eagerly preparing for more memorable performances in the coming days, with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. On Sunday August 27th at Eastwood Plaza, Ryde Band performances will help support The City of Ryde start of Legacy Week activities which recognises the significant contribution that Legacy Australia has made to the Ryde community since its inception in 1923. Legacy Week, which will be held from 27th August – 2nd September 2023, is known for its Badge Day and the iconic badges are offered as a token of appreciation for the donation made by the public. Legacy is a charity providing services to Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service.

Join us on Sunday, August 27th, at Eastwood Plaza for an extended program featuring popular tunes, show tunes, movie themes, swing, and much more. Ryde scouts will be present, collecting donations for Legacy. We encourage you to show your appreciation by generously contributing to this worthy cause.