Getting into the swing of it

Ask a member of the Sydney Homotones what kind of music they play, and you’re likely to get a long answer. “We play a whole range of music – from classical, jazz standards, swing and pop, to more modern pieces composed for concert bands,” musical director of the community band Cathy Chan said. “And, of course, disco and showtunes.”

The members of the Homotones are just as diverse. Nearly everybody in the band is gay or lesbian, but they also have friends and family of gay and lesbian people in the group.

“Our members all come from different backgrounds,” Chan said.

“Some are professional musos, some used to play in high school, and some people have only taken up instruments as adults.”

For many, the Sydney Homotones provide a community connection, with members coming along to be a part of something.

There’s a definite social side to the band, Chan says, with even a few intra-ensemble shack-ups over the years.

For others it’s “a haven – during the week they’re an accountant or an actuary, and this is their creative outlet”.

Last year The Homotones celebrated their 10th anniversary with a gala concert at the Metro Theatre. This year their big annual fundraising performance was at Slide, which Chan says is “such a classy venue, it was such a pleasure to be invited to perform there”.

As always, they’ll be performing in the Mardi Gras Parade and other community events.

See www.sydneyhomotones.com for open rehearsal and performance details or email sydneyhomotones@hotmail.com.