Skunkworks Community Youth Band Festival – Albury Wodonga

The Cube Wodonga will come alive with the thrilling sound of brass and percussion as the Skunkworks Community Youth Band Festival comes to town for a spectacular day of music-making, showcasing some of the state’s finest young musicians.

The Victorian State Youth Brass Band, directed by Jamie Lawson OM and Nick Beale, will perform a special concert at 12pm. Taking centre stage will be Wodonga’s own Billy Stewart, principal cornet and one of Victoria’s brightest rising stars.

Just 16 years old, Billy is already well known across the Border region as Albury’s Anzac Day Bugler, has performed in bands for local productions such as Legally Blonde, The Little Mermaid and Chicago. He is a proud member of both Wodonga Brass and the newly formed Albury Wodonga Symphony Orchestra and is the current Australian National Junior Cornet Champion and Victorian State Junior Brass Champion of Champions.
Also performing as part of the State Youth Band are fellow local musicians Rory Baines and Samuel Serbinek. The three boys travel to Melbourne to rehearse with the band each month.

The festival also marks the return of local talent Phillipa Edwards OAM, Artistic Director of Skunkworks Community, trailblazing conductor and celebrated music educator. Phillipa grew up in Albury Wodonga so understands the importance of supporting regional musicians to achieve their goals.
“This festival is about more than just performance – it’s about empowering the next generation of musicians and creating opportunities for regional kids to play alongside their peers from across Victoria,” said Edwards. “It’s especially meaningful to bring this energy to Wodonga, where talent like Billy Stewart is proof of what’s possible.”

The Skunkworks Community Youth Band Festival, sponsored by the City of Wodonga, will include a workshop and a public concert, giving local audiences a chance to experience the passion and precision of Victoria’s best emerging brass and percussion players.