By Ashlee Simpson • President
Above: The Lara Big Band pictured with Community Bank Lara District Board Chair Andrew Hillard at the Rosewall Community Centre Lara Open Day, Saturday 23 May 2026.
In April 2026, Community Bank Lara District granted the Lara Big Band with the funds to undertake a series of targeted equipment upgrades and maintenance improvements aimed at enhancing the accessibility, health and safety, and performance quality of the band’s rhythm section. These upgrades ensure our percussionists can operate and perform confidently and comfortably while maintaining their full musical contribution.
A key investment was the purchase of an acrylic drum sound shield designed to reduce the direct volume projection of the drum kit. This important addition supports the band’s commitment to health and safety by protecting the long-term hearing health of musicians while also improving the overall sound balance of the ensemble. Drummer Jack Blackwell says “it is fantastic we have access to a professional piece of equipment.”
Community Bank Lara District also funded a range of items aimed at improving the accessibility and ergonomic set-up for low-mobility musicians. A mounting table provides a stable surface for small instruments, keeping them within immediate reach and reducing excessive movement. This supports a comfortable and accessible playing space, significantly improving the rehearsal and performance experience for musicians. Percussionist Gillian Allen, who directly benefits from these additions, reflected on the value of this equipment and her involvement in the band:
“Having the cowbell stand is just great as it means I’m hands free! The mounting table is just perfect – I’m not having to dive to the [equipment] box on the floor. I’ve enjoyed being in the band since inception and seeing how it has grown. For me, I am enjoying learning a new skill as the percussionist – never too old to learn new skills!”
Gillian Allen, Lara Big Band Percussionist
Finally, additional percussion assets – including new drumheads, a cowbell and a drum seat – have ensured the longevity of our existing equipment while expanding the range of instrumentation available to the band. These additions allow us to perform an even broader repertoire of charts and styles.
Above (from left to right): Gillian Allen (Percussionist), Peter Corcoran (Vocalist/Percussionist), Jack Blackwell
(Percussionist) and Sheyne Berry (Secretary, Community Bank Lara District Board) with the upgraded equipment.
By removing barriers that may otherwise limit participation in the band and investing in accessible, high-quality equipment, the Lara Big Band continues to enable the participation of all community members.
We were delighted to celebrate these upgrades alongside Andrew Hillard (Chair) and Sheyne Berry (Secretary) from the Board of Community Bank Lara District at the Rosewall Community Centre Lara Open Day on Saturday 23 May 2026:
“The Board have been impressed with the growth of the Lara Big Band. They have achieved so much in the short time since their inception, and we are pleased to support them in developing their performance and professional look.”
Community Bank Lara District Board