Hugh's Story

Hugh had messed around with a few instruments in Scotland with very limited success before coming to Australia but picked up the trombone and joined the band and has learned skills through the process of rehearsal and personal practice. Hugh maintains that his musical strength is in ensemble playing, rather than individual performance, a testimony to community banding over many decades.

Lower Blue Mountains Community Band was launched in March 1983 by conductor and founder Ron Mallet OAM, who was at the time conducting for Glenbrook and Lapstone Public Schools. Hugh joined in February 1984 and is considered an ‘original’ member and can still recall those days where primary and high school students joined with parents to form the first community band in the lower mountains.

Hugh has maintained continuous membership with the founding organisation which has undergone several name changes, resulting in the current organisation name Blue Mountains Concert Band Incorporated (launched in 2005). He has contributed to a rich legacy and history and BMCB Inc. had found themselves a Treasurer for many years with Hugh volunteering in that role and serving on the management committee.

Hugh is a life member, awarded in 2007 for his service to the band and holding the committee role of Treasurer. He is a valued member of our organisation who still attends every rehearsal and concert, and we all look forward to Hugh being on supper roster with the amazing food he and his family provide! He still drives to rehearsals and playouts and still rides his motorcycles.

Pictured: Hugh McLean with his ribbon awarded by Lower Blue Mountains Community Band in 1993.