Marist Brass Band

Bendigo, Victoria

About Marist Brass

Marist Brass prides itself on being one of Central Victoria's great Brass Bands. Located in Bendigo, the band traces its origins back to 1910 and the Marist Brothers College. Those links remain today with the band hall located in one of the old classrooms.


Our bands regularly compete in local, state and national competitions, and perform at community events such as Australia Day, ANZAC Day, and the Bendigo Easter Festival among many others.


Our members are drawn together by their love of music as well as the joy of socialising with like-minded people. New members are always welcome, and we accept new players of any background, race, religion or nationality.

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If you play brass or percussion (or would like to learn!) please visit our band room ​on a Tuesday or Wednesday night, or contact us via email, phone or Facebook.


Everyone is welcome at Marist Brass!

Our Bands

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Beginner A​cademy

Tuesdays 5-​5:45pm

Our Youth Academy program is ​designed specifically for those ​who want to learn to play a br​ass instrume​n​t!


Open to anyone ages 10+, th​e Beginner Academy teaches ​ students how to read music,​ and how to play an instrument ​ within an ensemble. ​

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Tutorial Group

Tuesdays 6-6:45pm

Designed exclusively for adults, ​this group is open to over 18s, ​and is perfect for anyone who ​has taken a break from music ​and wants to ease back into it, ​or those who are in the 'Senior ​Band’ but want some additional ​support.

No-one is 'too old'!



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Marist Brass Band

Wednesdays 7:30-9:30pm

Marist Brass Band is our 'Senior ​Band', and competes at a 'D' ​Grade level at competitions.

A good understanding of music ​is required, and familiarity with ​your instrument is a must!


The 'Senior Band' is open to ​adults of all ages, and those ​aged 13-18 upon invitation.

Learn to Play

Our Academy groups are designed to get you performing right from the start!


Rehearsing weekly, each group aims to perform in public at least 3-4 times a ​year. Performance opportunities include playing at the Bendigo Eisteddfod, the ​Marist Brass ‘Carols in the Cathedral’, parades, and other community events.


Academy students are also encouraged to perform individually

throughout the year. Opportunities can include busking at the

Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival, performing a solo at a competition or

public performance, sitting an Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) ​exam and much more! At times, Academy members are also given ​opportunities to play with the 'Senior Band' and sit alongside experienced ​musicians to further their musical education.


The cost is just $50 per school term,

which covers instrument hire, music, and tuition.

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Claire McLean

Musical Director & Coordinator

Marist Academy Program

Claire grew up in the regional town of Taradale, and began taking piano lessons when she was just 7 years old. She took up the ​French Horn at 11, and over the next few years played with many school and community groups. Claire was also a member of ​the Australian Youth Choir for several years, a highlight being performing at Hamer Hall with the Vienna Boys Choir in 2003.


In 2006, Claire moved to Melbourne where she studied economics, mathematics and financial planning. Claire joined the ​Bendigo & District Concert Band and the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra after relocating to Bendigo in 2011. In 2013, she joined ​Marist Brass, and helped to establish the Marist Academy of Brass.


From 2015 through to 2020, Claire was Principal French Horn with the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra where she had the ​honour of playing Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony, which contains one of the greatest horn solos in orchestral horn repertoire. ​Claire plays with a variety of ensembles in Bendigo, including the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra and the Bendigo & District ​Concert Band, and has been in the orchestra for numerous musicals staged by Bendigo's Nexus Youth Theatre Company, the ​Bendigo Theatre Company, and Tribe Youth Theatre. Currently, Claire is a member of Marist Brass, the Inner West Symphony ​Orchestra (Melbourne), and Glenferrie Brass (Melbourne).


During the day, Claire works for a financial planning practice in Bendigo, and by night she teaches music privately to individual ​students. Claire has been secretary of Marist Brass since 2015, and plays Solo Tenor Horn in the Marist Brass Band.

Colin Wellard

Musical Director

Marist Brass Band

Marist Brass is excited to announce our new musical director for 2024, Mr Colin Wellard.

Colin started his musical journey at the Eaglehawk Citizens Brass Band on cornet and was an inaugural member of the ​Bendigo Colleges Symphonic Band. Whilst at Eaglehawk, Colin started conducting, establishing the bands Junior Band ​with great support of the bands legendary cornet maestro Peirce Grenfell.


Colin then undertook successful conducting stints at both Bendigo and District Concert Band and Maryborough Citizens ​Brass picking up National, Victorian and South Australian State titles along the way.

After many enjoyable years at Eaglehawk Citizens as both a player and conductor, Colin moved to Greater Bendigo Brass ​first as a player and then as assistant conductor to the legendary horn virtuoso Doug Trottman OAM.


Over the years Colin has been fortunate to be able to fill in as Conductor at several brass bands and in recent years has ​played EEb bass with Geelong West Brass Band.


Colin is currently employed by Catholic Education Sandhurst in the Capital Planning and Infrastructure team.

Colin will commence his role with Marist Brass from January 2024, and the band is looking forward to a great year of ​community banding



Upcoming Events


Casual Cuppa Concert

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When: Wednesday 20th March

Time: 8-9pm

Where: Marist Brass Band Room

Cost: FREE


Come and listen to what our band has been ​working on this year, and join us for a cuppa, some ​cake, and a chat after!

Volunteers & Support

Marist Brass is run entirely by a group of dedicated volunteers. Our members spend many hours ​each week organising, planning, and coordinating rehearsals and events. Marist Brass is completely ​self-funded, and relies heavily on fundraising efforts, and the generosity of sponsors. No matter how ​big or small, your contribution is much appreciated, and will assist us in performing in Bendigo and ​surrounds for the years to come! Here are a few ways you can help:

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Donate

We accept donations no matter how large ​or small, and tax-deductible donations can ​be arranged. All donations go straight to ​the band, and are used to purchase new ​music, repair and purchase instruments ​and much more.


Did you know that the instruments in our ​band can cost up to $25,000 each?

Help us purchase new instruments for our ​youth program, and donate today!


In-kind support

From raffle prizes, performance venues hto ​handy-man jobs – we’re always looking for ​in-kind support!


In bigger news, our band room is in ​desperate need of a renovation, and our ​band trailer needs painting and outfitting ​so we can visit the wider community.


If you can help us out, we’d love to return ​the favour by promoting your business!

Volunteers

As a small community group with ​limited resources, we are always on the ​lookout for volunteers to assist with ​things such as running raffles or selling ​tickets at our concerts.


We always need extra hands to help out ​with logistics on ‘gig days’, so even if ​you can’t make an ongoing ​commitment, we’d still love your ​support!


Contact Us

Download our Member Information Guide below for more information about joining, or contact the band today!

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Claire McLean - Secretary

0448 000 975

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band@maristbrass.org.au

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Marist Brass

PO Box 512, Bendigo, VIC 3552

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