community music at its best
ABOUT US
Monash Concert Band
The Monash Concert Band is a volunteer based band attracting players from within the City of Monash and surrounding neighbourhoods. From amateur to experienced, young and not so young, musicians are treated to playing in a relaxed environment, with the focus being on a team effort, building confidence and enjoying the concert band experience. The atmosphere is social and inviting with lots of fun to be had along the way. Its members are seasoned performers in the City of Monash and are always sought after for major performances and events. If you have the passion and desire to play great music with a group of like-minded people, why not join us every Thursday evening and experience it for yourself. Go to our ‘join us’ page for more information.
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Dr. Chris McGillen
Dr Chris McGillen has been a conductor, musician and teacher for over 25 years in many settings, from school, community, and tertiary to professional engagements. He is passionate about the role of music making in the community, particularly for mature age musicians who bring enthusiasm, dedication and life experience to this arena, as well as high expectations from the person on the podium.
Chris, a committed clarinettist, also worked for six years as the concert band director at the annual Harrietville Music Camp (2003-2008) run initially through the Council of Adult Education which included members of the Monash Concert Band. He established and directed the Ballarat Wind Ensemble, which was the key support group for the annual Carols by Candlelight in Ballarat for many years. Chris holds a Masters Degree in Music from the University of Leeds (Performance and Conducting), a Masters in Education from Federation University, and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Melbourne in Music Education and Composition. He is currently completing a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership, which focuses on evidence-based approaches to leading learning organisations.
Chris has performed and toured throughout Australia and internationally with the Australian National Youth Band, Australian Wind Sinfonia, Melbourne Wind Orchestra and Victorian Symphonic Winds. He has completed advanced conducting training through the Symphony Australia Conductor Development Program, mentored by Graham Abbott over a three-year period in Perth and Melbourne.
His daily work at St Michael’s Grammar School as Director of Ensembles includes responsibility for programming highly structured and creative events throughout the year in venues as diverse as Deakin Edge, Melbourne Town Hall, the Melbourne Recital Centre and Hamer Hall.
Committed to community action over the years as a Rotarian and as Vice-President of the East Burwood Centre (an emergency relief and counselling charity), Chris is always seeking ways to encourage and empower others to make connections within their own community. In our age of social media that tends to isolate and polarise, community music making is more important than ever.