WOW - what a great weekend we had at the Leeton Outback band Spectacular.
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The Leeton Town Band, led by the amazing Ruth Tait, is to be congratulated for the great job they do in promoting community music making in NSW's Riverina/western regions.
Leeton is a beautiful and most hospitable town.
Their town band is a precious jewel, which not only serves its local community, but has a brilliant vision to bring together musicians from across NSW for a weekend of great musical collaboration, celebration and friendship.
Whole bands attend - such as Sydney's Golden Kangaroos and Newcastle's Marching Koalas (what a privilege to spend time with this extremely talented band).
Individuals attend - members of at least 16 bands from NSW and Victoria gathered in 2014 for this unique event.
They were enthusiastically welcomed as honorary members of the Leeton Town Band for the weekend, sat in with other out of town bands, and took part in the incredible massed band performance - 189 musicians (a record) playing together at Leeton's historic Roxy Theatre.
One of the greatest joys of the weekend was to see musicians from isolated rural communities having the opportunity to join a massed band for an unforgettable experience of shared music making.
The Golden Kangaroos were proud to be present once again at this happy festival of concert bands.
As musical director of the GKs, I extend my appreciation and admiration to Ruth Tait, the Leeton Town Band, Leeton council and local businesses for the leadership shown in conceiving and organising this festival. May it continue to grow year by year.
Thank you Leeton. You have a special place in our hearts.
Stephen O'Doherty
Golden Kangaroos