Something has started for young people who love a melody – and they don’t even need to read sheet music to be a part of it.

The Gunnedah Conservatorium’s Youth Band Night Committee with mentor Sewa Emojong (E.S Emojong Consultancy) provides music opportunities for those aged 12-24.

“It’s just about nurturing the music scene for young people in Gunnedah,” Sewa said.

At its crux, it brings people together for the love of music and to connect with their peers.

It is broken down into three components:

The committee: responsible for organising band nights.

Band development program: helps create band groups which receive mentorship. Already formed bands are also welcome to hone in their skills.

Youth band nights: young talent can perform in a safe and fun space – or even just be a part of the audience to enjoy a safe night out.

Readers may remember the original Youth Band Night during Youth Week, which acted as a pilot. The project was officially launched in August, which will go for 18 months.

The talents of local youth will be given opportunities to be showcased in the band nights and skills refined in a safe space.

The Gunnedah Times spoke with two young members of the committee Paige Johnson and Nethanya Ranasighe.

Paige hopes the project will get more people comfortable performing and encourage them to have a go.

“It’s like a safe space that everyone can just [be a part of] with no judgment,” Paige said.

It doesn’t matter if someone is a complete beginner or looking to make a career out of their skills, the committee is for everyone.

“It’s a way to see what I like and connect with my friends,” Nethanya said.

It is more than just music, it also gives responsibilities to its members. Paige was even the one to recruit Nethanya with a flyer that some may have noticed in shopfront windows.

While the committee is relatively new, Sewa sees how well the team is doing.

“Just getting a committee together … that’s a milestone,” Sewa said. “Coming together, meeting and we’ve got our first [band night] as a new group to look forward to.”

There are currently about six people in the committee and they are keen to see it grow.

The next Youth Band Night will be at the end of this month. It will be alcohol free, with food and adult supervision.

“Come to watch, or come to perform,” Sewa encouraged.