Box Hill Academy Brass (BHAB) was established in 2013 as a band for beginner brass students aged 5+.
The main objective of BHAB is to promote ensemble skills, which help to develop collaborative learning and teamwork. Rehearsals present a fun and friendly atmosphere in which new players can learn to play a brass instrument.
All ages and abilities welcome, no previous experience with music is required.
We have 2 groups, both rehearse on a Tuesday (at 411 Middleborough Road) during the school term:
- 4.30pm-5.30pm Beginner group (Beginner to approximately 5th grade AMEB)
- 5.30pm-6.30pm Intermediate group (Approximately Grade 5/6+ AMEB, by invitation/audition)
BHAB do several community events throughout the year, some of these may include:
- Concerts at Box Hill Town Hall with the other bands within the organisation,
- School fetes,
- Bunnings BBQ busking/small group performances,
- Eisteddfods and State/National Championships (some years),
- Soirees at the band hall,
- Solo performance opportunities,
- Collaboration concerts with other community groups.
Come down and have a go! Music is universal to all and at any level.
Musical Director
Lauren Innes
Lauren Innes has been a member of the Box Hill City Band Inc. since 2013. She is the current principal cornet of Whitehorse Brass and began conducting Box Hill Academy Brass in 2015.
Under Lauren’s direction, Box Hill Academy of Brass has grown to be a youth brass band consisting of two ensembles, beginner and intermediate. They perform at various community events, eisteddfods and festivals, a highlight being the National Band Championships in 2018 and 2024. Under her guidance, the band have been promoted to Junior B Grade and recent came 2nd in the State Championships at that level.
In addition to her involvement with Box Hill City Band, Lauren teaches individual and group brass lessons. Lauren holds degrees from Monash University and Victoria University in Arts and Education (P-12). She is currently employed by Wesley College, Koonung Secondary and Norwood Secondary College as a classroom music teacher, instrumental music teacher and musical director.