From Monday, budding musicians of all ages and skill levels are being invited to join the Bega All-Ages Development Band - BAAD Band for short.

Bega District Band music director Candy McVeity said the group recognised there are many learner musicians in the Bega Valley, both within school programs as well as adults taking up an instrument for the first time or switching to a new instrument.

"Often these players are not confident enough to go straight into the senior bands that already exist in the Bega valley. BAAD Band aims to fill this gap and provide a pathway to these senior bands so that playing a musical instrument becomes a life-long passion," she said.

Ms McVeity will be conducting the new band and her experience in both music performance and education will ensure a fun and supportive environment.

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Musicians from BDB will also form part of the group to help less experienced players navigate the music. This approach was very successfully showcased at the recent Sapphire Coast Learning Community (SCLC) music camp, where BDB partnered with the student band.

The bands held a joint rehearsal at the camp on the Monday night and their combined performance at Thursday's concert of John Williamson's "Star Wars" exceeded everyone's expectations.

BDB have also been providing free music tutoring to students at Tathra Public School and Bega Valley Public School for the past two years and supported the Bega Valley Public School Band on its very successful preschool concert tour.

"This strategy of having experienced players embedded in the beginner band means the learners can tackle more interesting and complex music than would otherwise be possible and allows the players to experience the power of a full-band sound," Ms McVeity said.

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The Bega District Band is celebrating is 120th year in 2019 and has a proud history of developing local musicians and supporting community events.

However, the average age of the band members has been slowly increasing so that many of the members - some of whom have served for more than 50 years - are now facing retirement from the band within the next 10 years.

To prevent this becoming a reality, BAAD aims to actively encourage new members and continue to develop skills to ensure its ongoing viability.

BAAD band welcomes all instruments (not just brass) and skill levels including absolute beginners and some opportunities may exist for instrument hire.

BAAD Band commences at 5.30pm on Monday, June 3, at the Bega District Band's Hall in Canning St, Bega. Rehearsals will then continue weekly on Mondays, 5.30-6.30pm.

Due to a generous government grant through Create NSW, BAAD Band membership for this year will be at the cost of $2.

For more information contact Jane Woolacott on 0409 076 140.