Sharon Stacey - Bari Sax

Music has been an important part of my life from an early age, as a ballet dancer and member of a choir. However, I had hit middle age before the chance to learn to play an instrument and read music came about when the music teacher needed a hand at my children’s high school in regional New South Wales.

I gave myself a tenor saxophone for my birthday, arranged lessons with a student from the Newcastle Conservatorium, took AMEB exams and joined the Shire Band as well. A move to Biloela in Central Queensland meant becoming an honorary ‘Brass bander’ and helping establish a swing band both of which were kept busy in the community. I learnt to play a mean “lager phone” too! 

Moving back to the ‘big smoke’ of Brisbane was a bit daunting musically until I found myself a place at Brisbane Symphonic Band, where I played tenor in the Concert and Swing Bands and organised the joint libraries for 10 years. 

Four years ago I joined the Second Wind Concert and Big Bands, playing tenor sax for two years until a successful grant application allowed the band to acquire a beautiful baritone saxophone which I am currently playing in both bands.

Second Wind is a Committee managed Community Band. As a member of the Committee, I have learnt about the organisational and music challenges in banding and assisted in mounting events such as the 2021 Music Workshop, as well as being the Uniform Coordinator and Big Band Librarian.  Community bands bring together people who love making music and that has to be a good thing!