Ryde Band is a non-profit, community concert band that plays music in venues around the City of Ryde. Like many older, community bands in Sydney, it started its life as a brass band.
An Inclusive Musical Community
Ryde Band welcomes all individuals who share a passion for band performance. With diverse members spanning various skill levels and ages, the group is open to all instrumentalists who are looking to play in a concert band.
We are continuously evolving our repertoire and fostering growth amongst our members. Ryde Band aims to not only delight audiences with enjoyable music but also support young musicians – many of whom have leveraged their band experience to pursue successful music careers.
The History of Ryde Band
Ryde Band was founded in 1884 and has performed almost continuously since that time. Ryde Council helped establish the band and has provided support for more than 80 years. The Band’s role in the civic and community life of Ryde is and always has been integral to its existence.
Ryde Band History Book
To celebrate the Band’s 140 years we have produced a book about the Band’s history. The book is available for on-line purchase – Click the book photo or QR code to order.
To learn more, play the video at left (you can make the video full-screen)
We’ve Been Waiting for You – Join Ryde Band Today!
Say goodbye to Tuesday evening boredom and embrace our vibrant community! Becoming a member of Ryde Band is great opportunity to connect with diverse music lovers of all ages. Flute players and percussionists, this one’s for you, but we welcome anyone with a love for music to join us.
No instrument? No problem. The band has a number of instruments available for use by members who do not have their own. Uniforms are also partly supplied by the band.
Ready to make music and unforgettable memories with like-minded individuals? Let the music be your guide – join us now! Your talent deserves the stage! …. if you have never played an instrument before and wished you had……..it’s never too late! – join our Beginner Band program – Beginner Band Contact Form. Want to learn more about the program? Info Here.
Fundraiser
Support the Ryde Band Annual Fundraiser – Help Us Keep Community Music Alive!
The Ryde Band is excited to launch our 2025/2026 Annual Fundraiser to support our continuing mission of bringing vibrant, high-quality music to the Ryde community and beyond. For many years, our band members have proudly performed at local events, festivals, and concerts, enriching lives with the joy of live music.
To maintain our instruments, secure rehearsal spaces, and support the development of our talented musicians, we rely on the generosity of the City of Ryde, Create NSW and the Band Association of NSW as well as you, our community. This year, donations collected through our new easy-to-use QR code system go directly to funding these essential needs.
We invite you to scan the QR code displayed at our events or visit our donation page to contribute at your convenience. Even a small gift helps us keep the music playing and foster the next generation of musicians.
Thank you for your support. Together, we can continue to celebrate and grow the Ryde Band!
News
28/03/2026 –Music for All Grant Boosts Ryde Band Repertoire.
Ryde Band is delighted to announce that we have received a $1,500 grant from Music for All in support of our New Music for Growth project. This funding is already at work, with an initial purchase of $674 of new sheet music, helping us offer fresh, engaging repertoire for our learners, experienced musicians and audiences. We extend our sincere thanks to Music for All for investing in community music in Ryde and encourage our supporters to follow Music for All on social media and subscribe to their website to see the range of programs they support.
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27/1/2026 – Ryde Band Kicks Off 2026 Season.
Ryde Band is back for an exciting and fun-filled 2026 season!
Rehearsals resume on Tuesday, February 3rd, at our familiar venue — 2A Cutler Parade, North Ryde:
Adult Beginners Band – 6:15 pm
Concert Band – 7:30 pm
Big Band Ensemble – 9:00 pm
Our first performance is Saturday 28 February 9:30am – 11:00am at Ryde Park Rotunda, Blaxland Rd, Ryde NSW 2112, Australia
This year promises a great mix of entertaining performances and stimulating rehearsals designed to challenge and develop our members while bringing live music to Ryde’s shopping and community centers, including our regular Eastwood Mall events.
A small change for 2026: we’ll now take a break during the first week of each school term holiday, recognising the typically low attendance during that period.
We’re pleased to acknowledge continued financial support from our generous friends at the City of Ryde and Create NSW, including a $5,000 grant received in December 2025 together with regular performance fees. Our sincere thanks also go to North Ryde Uniting Church for their ongoing support and for accommodating our rehearsals again this year.
Stay up to date via our Stack Team App and the Ryde Concert Band website for the latest rehearsal notes, events, and performance details.
Let’s make 2026 another musical year to remember!
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1/10/2025 – Spring Concert Series – That’s a Wrap!
Next Up: The Granny Smith Festival!
The Ryde Band’s 2025 Spring Community Concert Series closed on a high note, attracting appreciative audiences to four performances in local Ryde venues. From outdoor celebrations at Lachlan’s Line Square to a lively Legacy Week event at Eastwood Mall, and jazz energy at Field of Mars Reserve, each concert showcased the dedication and talent within our Beginners, Concert, and Big Band ensembles. These concerts really celebrated the power of music in our Ryde community.
Our final event, “Harmony in Ryde,” was held on Saturday, September 27th at North Ryde School of Arts Main Hall, with Tutti Music’s Gemma Lee guiding our Adult Beginners Band and Joshua Mann leading both our Concert and Big Band ensembles. A special thank you to both Gemma and Joshua on seamlessly stepping in for our Musical Director Philip Arnold, who was away on a well-earned holiday. Gemma’s leadership Joshua’s confident direction ensured a polished performance at every venue. The commitment of our musicians has made the performances a highlight for performers and listeners alike.
We’re especially grateful for the partnership and funding from City of Ryde and Create NSW, whose support helps us share live music with the Ryde community.
Don’t miss our next performance at the Granny Smith Festival: Saturday, October 18th, 9am, Trelawney Street Stage, Eastwood. Follow the link below for the full festival program!
3/08/2025 – Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Free Concert on September 27th!
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15/08/2025 – Ryde Band –Free Community Performances This Spring!
The Ryde Band is delighted to announce upcoming free concerts bringing music to our Ryde community. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the sounds of our talented musicians.
Lachlan’s Line Square – Sunday 24 August 2025, 1:30–3:00pm
(Weather permitting) Relax outdoors with performances from our Beginner Band, Concert Band and Big Band.
Join us on Rowe Street to enjoy live music while supporting Legacy Week. Featuring the Beginner Band, Concert Band and Big Band.
Both Eastwood and Lachlan’s Line Square events are generously supported by the City of Ryde through community grants and direct performance funding, aligning with the City’s strategic plan for vibrant cultural engagement.
Music on Mars – Sunday 21 September 2025, from 2:00pm
Field of Mars Reserve, 220 Pittwater Road, East Ryde A special outdoor Ryde Big Band 20 minute performance as part of an afternoon organised and supported by the Ryde Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society.
Harmony in Ryde – North Ryde School of Arts – Main Hall – Saturday 27 September 2025, 1:30pm–3:00pm (refreshments following)
Join us in North Ryde to enjoy live music and mingle with your friends and neighbours over cake and tea after the performance . Featuring the Beginner Band, Concert Band and Big Band.
Come along and enjoy these free performances – perfect for families, friends, and lovers of music.
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28/06/2025 – Ryde Band’s Winter 2025 Community Concert: A Celebration of Music and Community Spirit.
On Saturday, 28 June 2025, the Ryde Band hosted a exciting free community concert at the North Ryde School of Arts Main Hall. This special event, open to all friends, family, and local residents, formed part of our “Harmony in Ryde” program, proudly supported by the City of Ryde. Our goal is to foster community spirit, share the joy of live music, and encourage new members to join us.
The afternoon’s program showcased Ryde Band’s ensemble, featuring musicians from our Adult Beginner, Concert, and Big Bands. The Beginner Band impressed with a selection of challenging pieces, demonstrating their growing confidence and musical skills. It was inspiring to witness their 18 month progress and enthusiasm, reflecting the supportive and inclusive nature of our band.
The Big Band played a lively set of jazz favourites, delighting listeners with familiar rhythms and classic melodies. Their performance highlighted the energy and fun that make playing in this ensemble such a rewarding experience.
Rounding out the program, the Concert Band undertook a diverse repertoire, spanning a variety of musical genres. From magnificent overtures to contemporary arrangements, they showcased both versatility and musical dedication.
We are grateful to the City of Ryde for their generous support, which makes events like these possible. Through music, we continue to build connections, celebrate diversity, and enrich the cultural life of our Ryde community.
If you’re interested in joining the Ryde Band, whether as a beginner or an experienced musician, you will be welcomed. There’s always room for new members and new friends!
