School Bands

School band performances are a favourite act in the entertainment package offered every year at the Show. The opportunity to showcase student’s musical abilities is an integral aspect in the relationship between Queensland schools and the RNA. This relationship has seen the interest from schools maintained at a very high level as the potential exposure is unmatched anywhere else. There was a total of 94 schools performing at Ekka 2009 with visiting ensembles from as far north as Rockhampton.

Billy Hyde Urban Upbeat at Ekka: Urban Upbeat @ Ekka allowed bands to participate in an adjudicated event with extra benefits for the players, a live CD recording of the performance and the opportunity to win a Championship Trophy.

The enormous advantage of performing in Urban Upbeat @ Ekka was the provision of a fully professional backline and percussion setup provided by Billy Hyde Music. Also provided was a full set of music stands and technical staff who provided assistance with the setup and attended to the mix. This of course meant bands had the opportunity to travel without their own backline and had an easier setup process. Bands only required their personal instruments, auxiliary percussion, mallets, sticks and charts. School band logistics do not get any easier than this. Urban Upbeat @ Ekka is administered and staged by the team at Billy Hyde Music at the Ekka.

The winners for 2009 are as follows:

• Most Outstanding Ensemble - Freak Morice (Narangbah Valley SHS)
• Most Entertaining Ensemble - Franciscan Colleges Snr Concert Band
• Most Musical Ensemble - Minor Offence - St Patrick's College Shorncliffe
• Best Presentation - St Thomas Moore Choir Toowoomba
• Best Choice Repertoire - Kenmore SHS Symphonic Band
• Best Young Band - Coolnwynpin SS
• Encouragement Award - Alexandra Hills SS

www.billyhyde.com.au/festivals/urban-upbeat/