Negotiations have been held over several months with an Australian Government official and contacts in China. These negotiations have now paved the way for the VBL to commence plans for a tour of China in May 2009.

The primary appearances will be at the Shanghai Spring International Music Week and the city of Shenzhen in southern China. Other locations may also be added to the tour, including Hong Kong.

This tour will mark the inception of the state brass band of Victoria, which could go under the name Victoria Brass. The final name is yet to be determined. The aim is to continue this group into the future, with local, national and international performances and tours.

The initial enquiry for China was for a marching band, and it is intended that Victoria Brass will have a 25 member marching band from within the overall band of approximately 40 players.

Band Manager and VBL President, Chris Bowman said “The intention is to create a representative brass band of the highest standard, with a professional guest vocalist and bilingual compere”.

At this early stage, the VBL invites expressions of interest from brass and percussion players to form the inaugural state brass band of Victoria. All positions in the band will be auditioned.

Expressions of interest are also invited for the position of Director of Music.

Please send enquiries to the Band Manager, Chris Bowman: chris@bowman.net.au

Further details will be available over the next few weeks.