Big Band at the Empire
From humble beginnings as wind ensemble, to a much saught-after professional line-up, the USQ Big Band has gone from strength to strength over the past three decades.
The Band, as we know it today, was established in 1985 by Michael Byrne, one time lead coranglais with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and USQ’s then new Lecturer in Winds. Building on the foundations of the Music Department’s early wind ensembles, Michael’s passion and persistence saw a place cemented for a Big Band within the music program and on the local entertainment scene. His charismatic character and stage presence and a passion for the music of the Big Band era, led the band from the rehearsal rooms to as far as the international stage.
By the early 1990’s, word had got out about the Band, and they were is constant demand. Fledgling tours saw the Band’s reputation grow further afield and soon their annual ‘dance card’ was full. Notable tours included appearances at Byron Bay and northern NSW, the Gympie Muster (picture 500 people line-dancing to In the Mood), Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island and the Brisbane Convention Centre. The undisputed highlight of this era was the Band’s 1995 ten-day tour to Hong Kong where they performed at universities, high schools and in the national Cultural Centre foyer for opening night of Phantom of the Opera.
The Band entered the new millennium with a new leader and a new name. Former Associate Principal Clarinet with Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, Martin Crook took-up the baton for the new-look Ergon Energy USQ Big Band in 2001. Under Martin’s leadership, the Band explored and introduced new repertoire with a distinctly modern edge – adding funk, jazz and groove to their charts. Highlights have included annual appearances at the Ballandean Wine Festival (on one occasion as support act for James Morrison), performance with guest vocalists, Rhonda Burchmore, Kate Ceberano, Sharni Russell and Sophie Martin; jazz guitarist, George Golla; and jazz musician, Kerin Bailey at the Empire Theatre.
Today, the Band’s membership is largely drawn from music students of the University of Southern Queensland, regularly augmented by Alumni, community and professional artists. With the tremendous support of Ergon Energy, the Band enjoys an active and far-reaching performance season including regional tours, school workshops, professional and community appearances.