Camden Haven Community Bands Inc

The Camden Haven Concert Band was formed in April 1995 by Sharon Green, the music teacher at St Joseph's Primary School, Laurieton. It was to provide the youth of the Camden Haven with an ongoing vehicle to continue their musical experience beyond their primary school environment. The "St Joseph's Community Band" quickly grew to 40 members, mostly of junior high school age but also from the broader community. To reflect this wider base the name was changed to the "Camden Haven Concert Band". It rehearsed weekly in a variety of temporary venues in Laurieton before finding a permanent home at the former Holy Trinity Church (now owned by Port Macquarie Hastings Council).

The Band became incorporated in 2002 and has diversified to include members from all ages within our community. Over time, various ensembles have been formed under the Concert Band's umbrella. These have included the 'Camden Haven Youth Jazz Ensemble' and the 'Camden Haven Clarinet Combo'.

An Adult Learners Group commenced in 2000 and offered musical tuition to adults who were interested in learning a concert band instrument. In due course, this group commenced performing under the name "Second Wind". This ensemble is now in recess, as almost all the original members are now in the Concert Band.

From 2003, the Band has been included in the cultural grants administered by our local council. This provides an annual subsidy that assists in the provision of community performances during the year. The band has performed with success at Eisteddfods in Taree and Port Macquarie. A tour to the Gold Coast in Queensland featured a performance at ‘Sea World’. The band has provided lunch time entertainment at Darling Harbour in Sydney.

A Youth Band was started in 2004 under the direction of Iain Pole, who was, at that time, the Assistant Musical Director of the Concert Band. Originally, the band practiced in two locations - Laurieton and Wauchope following the same program. The intention being that they would perform together as the "Camden Haven Youth Band". Over time, only one entity remained, with a subsequent rename to "Wauchope Youth Band".

In 2006, Sharon Green started a jazz ensemble that is now known as the “Black Magic Big Band”. With a core group of concert band members, the big band has provided a diversity of musical experience. The Big Band became a separate entity in 2008 and has become well known throughout the Hastings for providing quality entertainment.

While Sharon Green concentrated on the development of the Big Band, Iain Pole continued as the Musical Director of the Concert Band and the Wauchope Youth Band.

Today, under the umbrella of ‘The Camden Haven Community Bands Inc’, there are two bands - the Camden Haven Concert Band and the Wauchope Community Band. These ensembles rehearse the same repertoire and often combine for performances. We continue to be supported by Port Macquarie Hastings Council and our local communities.