Jennifer has been making music and teaching piano for more than 45 years, inspiring everyone from beginners to seasoned band players.

She leads The Shire Concert Band, Shire New Horizons Bands, and Sydney Southeast Symphonic Winds — and has also created school music programs, concerts, and camps along the way.

Recognised with the Cook Community Award and trained at Trinity College London, she’s passionate about sharing the joy of music with her community.

When she’s not waving a baton or sitting at the piano, you’ll likely find her travelling, cooking up something delicious, or playing games with friends and family.

Ralph is a proud member of the New Horizons Band in Sydney, Australia. While music has always been a big part of his family’s life — with his wife Jennifer and their children being lifelong musicians — his own musical journey began later in life, at the age of 61.

For most of his working years, he was involved in sport and focused on raising their children. Music was something he loved deeply, listening to everything from 60s middle-of-the-road classics to jazz, classical, and musicals. But he never imagined himself as a player — until retirement gave him the time and opportunity to explore that side of life.

With Jennifer’s wonderful encouragement, he joined the New Horizons Band beginner group and took up the bass clarinet. Just six months later, he progressed to the intermediate band, and within a year, he was performing with the concert band. You could say he enjoys a challenge!

Within two years, he began playing with The Shire Band — a sister group to New Horizons — aimed at secondary school students working at a Grade 3 to 5 level. It’s been a joy to be part of such a talented and enthusiastic group.