Youth band jet sets to Hong Kong

Youth musicians Tom Zooeff, Jess Foley and Annabelle Smith. 154587 Picture: VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS

By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS

LOCAL Yarra Ranges students will have the opportunity of a lifetime when they travel to Hong Kong as part of the Australian Youth Band next month.
Year 12 students Jess Foley and Annabelle Smith will travel with the band and their music teacher Richard O’Toole.
Mr O’Toole has been involved with the Australian Youth Band for 12 years, and this tour of Hong Kong will be the seventh international tour he’s participated in.
“The students are very excited about this tour,” he said.
Both Ms Foley and Ms Smith said they were very excited to have the opportunity to play their music internationally.
“We have had lots of community support, and we love any opportunity we get to promote the band to different cultures,” Ms Smith said.
“I am looking forward to having this international adventure and to exploring Hong Kong Disney Land,” Ms Foley said.
Before the students set off on their jet setting international adventure, they will perform a one-off show in Mooroolbark for local audiences.
The extraordinary 50-piece band will play a variety of music from classical, jazz, pop and even theatre and show tunes.
For your chance to see these amazing talented young members of our community, grab a ticket to their one-night-only show at Mooroolbark Community Centre from www.ach.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
Doors open at 2pm on Sunday 29 May for this extraordinary performance.