Swan Hill Harmony Band – Community Project for Harmony Day 2025
NOW LIVE! sessions start March 14 – REGISTER NOW! (Scroll to bottom for F.A.Q’s)
Join us in a unique, large-scale community music-making event celebrating inclusivity and creativity.
What’s Happening?
We’re assembling a diverse group of participants—of all ages and experience levels—to perform in a vibrant parade on Harmony Day, April 5, 2025. Inspired by past NOISE ORCHESTRA iterations, this event promises to be a memorable musical celebration.
How Does It Work?
- Attend Playing Sessions: Choose from multiple weekly practice times. Select sessions that fit your schedule – can vary each week.
- No Musical Experience Needed: We’ll provide easy-to-play instruments in a fun, pressure-free environment for everyone.
- Bring Your Instrument: If you play an instrument bring it along! Graeme will craft a part specifically for you.
- Be Part of Something Big: The final performance is a mobile, moving musical moment, bursting with powerful grooves. Join us!
Sign up HERE or telephone 0433 910 874 or email swanhillharmonyday@gmail.com
Get Involved in MAKING!
Graeme is leading hands-on junk instrument-making sessions, where we’ll build drums, shakers, bells, triangles and more, using recycled materials.
- No Experience Necessary: Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just curious, all are welcome.
- Session Times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at Burke Lodge, exact times TBC.
Playing Sessions Schedule – choose one per week when you register
We run practice one in week one, practice two in week two etc – the same session, multiple times. Choose the session that suits you best, and feel free to change week to week. Of course you are welcome to come to as many as you like! It’s up to you.
| Fridays 6pm | Saturdays 10am | Saturdays 1pm | Sundays 1pm | |
| Week 1 – Playing session 1 | March 14 | March 15 | March 15 | March 16 |
| Week 2 – Playing session 2 | March 21 | March 22 | March 22 | March 23 |
| Week 3 – Playing session 3 | March 28 | March 29 | March 29 | March 30 |
Dress Rehearsals – tick all that you can attend when you register, from Monday 31 March, Wednesday 2 April and Friday 4 April, all at 6pm
We will finalise the dress rehearsal date/s when we gauge which ones work the best for everyone.
Testimonial
“Graeme’s knowledgable and inclusive leadership style created a wonderful atmosphere in which we could immerse ourselves. The harmony created was not only a musical achievement but very much a social outcome too.”
~ Girgarre Junkestra member, 2024
F.A.Q.
I want to make instruments but not play in the parade. Can I do that? – YES!
I want to play in the parade but don’t want to make instruments. Can I do that? – YES!
I want to make instruments AND play. – YES!
How many practices do I need to attend? – Ideally, try to get to all three playing sessions (one in each week). Coming to at least two is recommended, but you can turn up in week 3 and still join in. No-one is excluded.
Can we keep the instruments after the parade? – YES!
I am retired – is this something I might like to do? – YES – Your experience and skills are invaluable in both making and playing
‘I am a baby – can I be in the parade?’ Yes – you can be pushed in a stroller or carried in a sling or a backpack. Your parents or guardians will need to provide you with ear protection during the rehearsals. If you can hold a small shaker you can play with the band too.
I don’t think I can stand for long during practices or walk in the parade. Can I still participate? – YES! We’ll cater to all physical abilities, and you’re welcome to remain seated during playing sessions.
Are the sessions open to all abilities? – YES! Everyone is welcome.
Are children welcome? – YES! Children of all ages are welcome.
Can my child participate without me? Can I drop my child off and collect after the rehearsal? – Yes but only for children 12 years and older. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a participating adult throughout the session.
Can I bring my under-12 child but wait in the car or sit in the corner? – No…One of my general rules is for everyone in the room to be participating. It will be a lot of fun for everyone.
I play a musical instrument. Can I use it in the Harmony Band? – YES! Graeme will write a part for your instrument that fits perfectly with the band.
Another question? Please do contact Graeme or post a comment below