Northwestern College Returns from Australia
7 Concerts, 4 Workshops and a Salvation Army Service Project
 This past May, the Northwestern College Symphonic Band went on a 14 day tour to Australia and Tasmania with Classical Movements, Inc. While visiting Melbourne, Hobart, Launceston and Sydney, the Band gave 7 concerts, participated in 4 workshops and helped the Salvation Army with their various service projects. Director Monte Mumford of Tasmania, along with many of his colleagues, was central to this tour, making all of these concerts possible.
The Northwestern College Symphonic Band participated in numerous workshops. They worked with many local elementary and high schools, where the band mixed in side by side among the students so that they could experience what it is like to play in a college band. After the school workshops, the Northwestern College Symphonic Band treated the students to a concert of their own. The NWC Symphonic Band also performed their own evening concert at the Launceston College Concert Hall. The band participated in many joint concerts as well. They played with the Hobart City Concert Band, The University of Tasmania Wind Orchestra at St. John's Church and the Box Hill Salvation Army Concert Band and Big Band. For their final performance, the Northwestern College Symphonic Band played at the Music Page Wind Band Festival.
One day during their trip, the Northwestern College Symphonic Band spent the entire morning helping different local Salvation Army missions complete service projects. For these service projects, some students were taken to a few of the places where the homeless live to see how the Army provides relief, while others visited an emergency crisis center, which provides temporary care and housing for victims of domestic violence. A different group went with the Trombone Quintet to a care center for the elderly. The quintet set up some adjustable tables as make-shift stands and played arrangements of jazz and hymns for the residents.
On their days off, the Northwestern Symphonic Band took a tour of the Sydney Opera House and the Cadbury Chocolate Factory. They also were able to go on the Tahune Forest Airwalk which is a walk high above and through the tree tops some 20 meters above the forest floor over the conjunction of the Picton and Huon Rivers.
"I was absolutely in awe of the lifestyle and hearts of the people over in Tasmania. So many of the people I met just seemed to enjoy every moment in life and cherish what they have", said Laura Stenzel, sophomore percussionist.
Contact Classical Movements to schedule your next tour!
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