29/06/2026
🎶 Sound the Trumpets… We’ve Got a New MD!
With the full support of the band, we are thrilled to announce… cue drum roll… Renée Boland as our new Musical Director.
After serving as our Acting MD for the past couple of months, Renée was officially appointed just before the Bendigo Eisteddfod — and now we finally get to share this exciting news with our community.
Meet Renée — the energy, talent and leadership behind our next chapter — check out her bio below.
Renée was born and raised in Alice Springs where she attended Bradshaw Primary School and St. Philips College. She began piano lessons at the age of 4 and went on to learn Flute and Saxophone, under the tutorship of Janet Newland, Marg Collins and Jim Lawrie. Renée was actively involved in numerous Eisteddfods, recitals, musicals, ensembles and bands, including the Alice Springs Youth Band. It was in the Youth Band, under the baton of Jim Lawrie, where she first learned about the foundations of discipline, team work, performance and fun, that shaped her future work with concert bands.
Renée began teaching instrumental music at the age of 16 and continued tutoring and playing music after moving to Sydney in 1995. During her thirty years in Sydney, Renée played and recorded with various ensembles ranging from amateur to professional, in venues from Parramatta Stadium to the Sydney Town Hall and the Opera House.
After a 12 month return to Alice Springs in 1999, Renée moved back to Sydney and began directing concert bands after completing an ABODA conducting school with the late composer, arranger, musician and educator, Jerry Nowak.
Under the mentorship of highly respected band educator Garry Clark, Renée developed her skills as a conductor and concert band director (along with her love for a strong low brass section). Her favourite aspect of directing is working with a band to develop ensemble skills, as she believes this is the foundation for truly connected playing.
Working primarily in the Hills District, Renée worked with some of the most recognised primary, secondary and community band programs in the state. Her bands achieved frequent success at the Yamaha Competition, Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival, Sydney Eisteddfod, State, and National Competitions. During this time, Renée also enjoyed touring regionally and internationally with her bands.
Renée moved to Bendigo in 2025, joining the Bendigo District Concert Band on Alto Saxophone. She is excited to take on the role of Musical Director and work with the wonderful musicians of the BDCB. She hopes to guide them in growing their presence as a community band who gives back to the city of Bendigo, while offering a welcoming place of enjoyment and experience through a shared love of music.
