The Lara Big Band in Victoria is a community-backed big band that makes big band music accessible, through energetic and contemporary arrangements that engage everyone. As a Basie-style big band, the Lara Big Band's array of saxophones, trumpets and trombones, backed by a rhythm section of percussion, guitar, bass, piano, and fronted by incredible vocalists, ensure a compelling performance.

The Lara Big Band

Background

The Lara Big Band had its first rehearsal on March 16, 2023. The first rehearsal was attended by eight local musicians, most of whom are still with the band.

Throughout 2023, the band grew steadily to have a stable membership of around 18 musicians, with several more who join us for performances from time to time.

The band held its first performance at the Lara Fire Brigade Annual Dinner in November 2023, followed by the Port Fairy Jazz Festival in 2024. Since then, the band has had a variety of local performances in and around Lara and Geelong.

The band incorporated in August 2024 following the collapse of the Lara Community Centre Inc., heralding a new era for the band as an independent organisation.

Our Story

The story of a band is the story of its musicians.

The Lara Big Band was dreamed up to provide an opportunity for local musicians to reconnect with their instrument and their love of music, in a supportive, friendly, and fun environment.

With the valued support of the Lara community, the Lara Big Band has grown steadily, attracting a variety of rhythm, brass, and woodwind musicians of a variety of skill levels, all united by their love of music.

The band is proud to boast membership from their teens to their 80's, from all over the world, and from a wide variety of vocational backgrounds. The strong common thread amongst all our members is a shared love for the language of music.

Our History