KALAMUNDA Youth Swing Band will notch up two special milestones this year. The band is set to embark on its 18th season of the Jazz in the Park concert series, with the first concert scheduled for Thursday from 6.30pm.
This year will mark the 21st birthday of the band which was established by Mazenod College music teacher Dave Way in 1989.
Mr Way named the band after the Kalamunda shire, where many of its members lived.
Today the group has members representing up to 15 schools, colleges and universities throughout Perth.
Band manager Marion Shanley said playing music in the big band was a great outlet for many members while they studied.
“Several current and immediate past band members have gone on to make a full-time career in music, while others have studied or are studying a diverse range of careers such as engineering, chemistry, dentistry, nursing, journalism, anthropology, science, art, and of course music,” she said.
There are three bands, with members ranging in age from nine to their late 20s.
The group has toured Australia and overseas, winning several awards as a big band and for individual achievements while Mr Way was at the helm.
When Mr Way retired in 2008 after nearly 20 years, long-time member Jon Fernandes took over as musical director.
“Jon is an accomplished musician, singer, composer and arranger and musical director, as well as playing several instruments,” Mrs Shanley said.
“He maintains the band to a very high standard of music and has received many accolades.”
The band will celebrate its milestone birthday with a concert at Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre later this year.
The Jazz in the Park concerts will continue each Thursday through February and March, weather permitting.