Teaching aural musicianship in band

Peter Francis is now a semi-retired music teacher having taught for more than 30 years in Both Classroom and Instrumental Music in Queensland schools. He worked for a number of years as a sessional lecturer in Multi Instrumental Fundamentals at Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Peter also held the position of conductor of the Queensland Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony for 12 years an organisation that awarded him life membership. Peter is currently the Musical Director of the Redland City bands as well as the founder and director of the Redlands Adult Starters Bands. 

Knox Wind Symphony (KWS) was established in 2017 by Artistic Director, Daniel van

Bergen, who recognised the need for a community ensemble in the Knox City Council area. The group’s full symphonic wind band instrumentation is chaired by school leavers, teachers, and music enthusiasts of all ages. KWS performs a wide range of music from light entertainment pieces to advanced wind band repertoire.

KWS regularly share concerts with Wantirna College, Vermont Secondary College and Bairnsdale Secondary College to strengthen the pathways from high school music programs into the community. Collaboration with groups such as Chime Choir, Whitehorse Orchestra, Grainger Wind Symphony, Glenferrie Brass and Melbourne Rainbow Band have broadened the band’s musical scope and connections. Performances in the community have included Knox Fest, Knox Stringybark Festival, and Bandstand Sunday held each year at Federation Square.

The group also enjoys the challenge of competing in the Yamaha Australian

National Concert Band Championships and the Victorian Bands League State Band

Championships.

The band is always looking for opportunities to perform and share their love of music with the

community.