Young Musicians Set Sights On Brisbane By Chelsea Ravizza

Cecillia Cason and Jye Ravizza have been selected to attend the highly acclaimed Queensland Band Association’s (QBA) Youth Band Development Camp in Brisbane from Monday 8 January to Friday 12 January 2024.

The pair have been prominent members of the Burdekin Brass Band for over nine years collectively and have been granted the opportunity to attend the QBA’s Youth Band Development Camp in previous years.

Cecillia, Jye, and other local members attend two-hour band sessions every Tuesday evening in Home Hill, with additional one-on-one support if necessary, in the lead-up to upcoming concerts and performances.

The fantastic opportunity to attend the QBA’s development camp is presented to the junior musicians of the Burdekin Brass Band who have been committed members for at least a year.

The Burdekin Brass Band applied for and was generously awarded the Regional Arts Development Grant by the Burdekin Shire Council, which will cover half the costs of Cecillia and Jye’s attendance at the camp, with the Band covering the remaining expenses.

Cecillia has been a valued member of the Burdekin Brass Band for six years, and her talents as a musician are celebrated both across the Burdekin and beyond.

“Burdekin Brass Band has been so welcoming, and I have always felt supported in what I’m doing,” said Cecillia.

The 2024 trip marks Cecillia’s fifth year in attendance of QBA’s Band Camp where her musical talents have been greatly celebrated.

In 2023, Cecillia was awarded as the most improved player, and for 2024, Cecillia has been awarded the prestigious Leonie Marshall Scholarship Award.

“The band camp is such an experience as it forces you to work harder and improve your playing abilities,” said Cecillia.

“This year I hope to improve more on the technical aspect of my musicianship, as well as to make more friends.”

Burdekin Brass Band Committee Member and parent Kari Ravizza, believes this trip presents itself as a great opportunity where her son, Jye, can improve and work on his passion for instrumental music.

“He (Jye) will have the opportunity to work on developing his skills as a musician with very experienced, well-known instrumentalists and conductors from around Australia and the world, surrounded by like-minded students where he can make new friends,” said Ms Ravizza.

Burdekin Brass Band President, Larry Hudson, invited Jye to join the band three years ago, and Jye believes his calibre as a musician has benefited greatly from being in the collaborative environment.

“I’ve never been in anything like this (The Burdekin Brass Band) before, and I really enjoy playing in this environment”, said Jye Ravizza.

“I enjoyed the camp last year, and the week-long practice will give me a chance to improve at playing my instrument and to learn new songs.”

Larry Hudson believes the QBA’s Band Camps are an excellent experience for young musicians, and he greatly encourages all qualifying members of the Burdekin Brass Band to attend.

“It’s our aim that all our junior members that attend our classes will attend the camp as soon as they qualify,” said Larry.

“There are world class tutors at the band camp, so students get tuition well above the levels we can provide.

“They mix with other musicians, and they can see what levels they can reach by seeing other students. They gain a lot from it.”

The five-day intensive camp entails opportunities for young musicians aged 10 to 19 years to immerse themselves in their passion with the guidance of industry professionals, prestigious musical directors and brass and percussion instrumentalist tutors.

The 2024 Queensland Band Association’s Musical Director will be David Bremner, celebrated and experienced musician and current Music Directors of the National Band of New Zealand, and Wellington Brass.

The Burdekin Brass Band encourages anyone interested to join the learner classes which will resume in the new school year for 2024.

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Local musicians Cecillia Cason and Jye Ravizza. Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza