Once upon a time...

The Second Wind Community Band was established in July 1998 by the amalgamation of two bands - the Kedron and Spring Hill Adult Starters Bands - that both began in 1996 as part of the Australian Academy of Music's Adult Starters Band Program.

The program was developed to encourage adult learners to take up an instrument and learn how to play it in a band setting. Most of the players had never learnt an instrument before and some were learning a second instrument. The pre-requisites to joining were "to have left school & the ability to breathe" (quote from Peter Francis - Conductor and Program Coordinator, 1996). Approximately 10 bands were created within a 2 year period in South-East Queensland.

The Kedron Band began in February 1996 under the leadership of conductors Aileen Brockett and Lyndal Green with approximately 55 players. Spring Hill Band began a few months later with similar numbers.

By April 1998 the numbers in both bands had declined and Aileen left to have her first child. The two bands decided to amalgamate with Sue Clarke as conductor and to become incorporated as an independent band named Second Wind Community Band Incorporated.

Once amalgamated, the band was directed by Alisa Jones, with Tamara Keen ably assisting for a period of 8 very successful years.

This was followed by a year under the guidance of Bevan Messenger and Samantha Sleep.

Kevin Brown and Phil Ryan conducted jointly between January 2004 and June 2005 whereupon Kevin took sole leadership. Early 2006 saw Jacob Cavanough taking up the baton to assist Kevin.

At the end of 2007, Kevin retired from his role in Second Wind to move north to a teaching position on the Sunshine Coast.

Jacob Cavanough took over the leadership role in 2008, joined by Samantha Cockerill as co-conductor.

The band currently has a membership of about 40 ranging in age from school-goers to seniors.  The band encourages members to develop their musical skills through rehearsals, intensive weekend workshops and performances.  All members enjoy being part of the band and are committed to excellence in playing while still having fun as a group.  The band also provides the secondary benefit of being a social outlet for members through its many rehearsal, skill improvement, and social activities that occur throughout the year.

Many members began with little or no experience and learned their musical skills through playing and rehearsing as part of the band program.  Other members have joined the band to continue their love of playing the instruments they learned in school or elsewhere.

The band, while originally established through the Adult Starters Program to improve members’ musical skills, has developed into a community-focussed ensemble that aims to provide enjoyment and entertainment to the southeast Queensland community.  Our schedule of performances demonstrates our commitment to providing a benefit not only to the Brisbane community but to regional venues as well.