History of MYME

Since the formation of the initial band (Pine Rivers Youth Band) in 1978, there have been various ensembles created over the years, some of which have since disbanded. The organisation was renamed Pine Rivers Combined Bands Incorporated (PRCB Inc.) in 1998 to reflect the admission of the string orchestra. In almost five decades there have been 2 concert bands, a vocal group, a stage band and 5 string groups - (PRASO 1 and 2 which subsequently became MYSO 1 and 2), PRaFS (Pine Rivers Festival Strings), Fiddle Groups, and Chamber Strings.

In 2012, the organisation once again experienced a name change to Moreton Youth Music Ensembles Incorporated (MYME Inc.) to reflect the amalgamation of the Pine Rivers Shire, Redcliffe Shire and Caboolture Shire, and to encompass all performers in the groups.

Concert Band

Pine Rivers Youth Band was formed in 1978 by Peter Roxburgh, then co-ordinator of Woodwind Instrumental Music for the Education Department in the Pine Rivers district. Peter had an extensive musical background, including overseas experience with several of the post-war big bands. He arranged and performed with the RAAF Band in Victoria. Youth Band members initially came mainly from secondary schools in the shire, with weekly rehearsals conducted by Peter in a demountable at Pine Rivers State High School. A Junior Concert Band was created soon after, conducted by Rod Birchell, and rehearsed at Lawnton State School.

The Band's first tour to Charleville and Longreach in 1980, encouraged by Rod Birchell, was a significant milestone, performing to nearly 3,000 people and recording its first album. The Youth Band went on to tour throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales, participating in community events like ANZAC Day ceremonies and charity performances.

In 1985, Ralph Grigg succeeded Peter Roxburgh as musical director. Ralph, a former member of the Queensland Youth Orchestra and a music teacher, had conducted the Junior Band since 1981. A Vocal Group operated for a short while, complementing the Band. By 1990, the group had expanded to include two concert bands based on ability. The association with the First Military District Band strengthened during this time, with Graham Curran and John Bennet taking roles as assistant directors and conductors.

After Ralph Grigg’s resignation in 1997, Steve Mee, a former Military Band member, took over as musical director until 2001. In 1998, the organisation changed its name to Pine Rivers Combined Bands Incorporated (PRCB) to accommodate additional ensembles, including the Pine Rivers Area String Orchestra (PRASO), which was directed by Timo Jarvela.

Maria Jarvela became the band’s conductor in 2002. A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium and Northwestern University, Maria brought extensive performing experience to the role. She was succeeded in 2004 by Marti Nemet, a Hungarian-trained musician, but Marti’s tenure ended in 2005. Peter Pagett briefly stepped in, followed by a longer tenure from 2006 to 2009. In 2008, the band competed in the National Band Championships in Brisbane, winning the Junior C Grade Division. The following year, they competed in Sydney.

Jessica White held a brief tenure before the role of musical director of Concert Band was taken up by Rebecca Verbeek in late 2010. Rebecca had extensive musical experience with Education Queensland as a primary school music teacher. She graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Music in flute performance and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in 2007. Rebecca left the organisation at the end of 2013, and Daniel Trigger took over the reins in 2014. Under Daniel’s leadership, the band achieved notable success, winning at the Queensland Band Association State Titles in 2018 and the National Competition in 2019. Due to study commitments, Daniel resigned in late 2014, and Liam Thomas took over as conductor, overseeing significant growth in the band’s success.

Since 2023, the Concert Band has been led by Stewart Boston-Dart, continuing the tradition of musical excellence and community engagement.

Moreton Youth String Orchestra 1 (MYSO 1)

Moreton Youth String Orchestra 1 (MYSO 1) has a long-standing tradition of supporting young string players in the Pine Rivers area. Originally formed as the Pine Rivers Area String Orchestra (PRASO) in 1996 by Timo Jarvela, the group was created to provide performance opportunities for local string players during a time when string programs were just beginning to emerge in the region. PRASO brought together students from several schools, offering a valuable chance to experience large-ensemble playing and new repertoire.

As membership grew and abilities became more diverse, PRASO split into two groups, with PRASO 1 focusing on the more advanced players. The group continued to evolve, joining Pine Rivers Combined Bands, Inc. (PRCB) in 1998. In 2005, PRASO 1 and PRASO 2 were established, with Timo Jarvela conducting both ensembles until 2010, when Leanne Cahill took over PRASO 2.

In 2012, under Leanne’s leadership, the two orchestras merged to form the Moreton Youth String Orchestra (MYSO), marking the beginning of a new era. At the same time, the organisation rebranded as Moreton Youth Music Ensembles Inc. (MYME). Leanne led the orchestra for two years before stepping down.

In 2013, Jen Barnard became the conductor of MYSO 1. A former PRASO 1 member from 2003 to 2009, Jen was also offered opportunities to mentor PRASO 2 and conduct the group during her time with PRASO 1, under the guidance of Timo Jarvela. Jen holds a First-Class Honours degree in Music (violin) from the University of Queensland and has taught for a number of years in the Moreton Bay area. Under her leadership, MYSO 1 has continued to thrive, building on its proud history and upholding its commitment to nurturing young musicians.

Stage Band

Having been conducted respectively by Ralph Grigg, Jon Adams, Craig Spink and lastly, Nathan Rye, the Stage Band allowed for flexibility in catering for different performance situations while extending the players' musical abilities. Members took pride in building fine arrangements of Jazz, Blues, Funk Rock , Swing and Ballads, performing to, and sharing their music, with their audiences. Unfortunately, due to increasing work/ study commitments of the members, the Stage Band which had been part of the organisation for a number of years, disbanded partway through 2003. The Stage Band was reformed in late 2019 with the intention of providing more advanced members to advance their repertoire in 2020 and beyond.

Pine Rivers Area Festival Strings (PRaFS)

Created by Timo Jarvela and Bronwyn Gibbs in 2003, Pine Rivers area Festival Strings (PRaFS) was aimed at advanced student and experienced adult string musicians (with a minimum standard of Grade 5 AMEB).

PRaFS provided the opportunity for playing and performing string orchestra repertoire at a high level, and employed eminent conductors to assist the group achieve this goal.

Due to the busy schedules of the members, PRaFS was able to give a very limited number of performances each year, preceded by a limited number of rehearsals. The ensemble was a very welcome addition to the cultural life of the Pine Rivers Shire for the 3 years it operated.

Fiddle Group

This group was formed by Timo Jarvela in 2009 with a vision to providing further opportunities to string players in the older age group (post high school) to continue playing in a group situation. Initially a relatively large group, the group has maintained stability for the past 2 years at 7 adult players. The musical focus of the group, although not exclusively, is Scandinavian fiddle music. The original group also featured a harmonium.

In 2015, a Junior Fiddle Group was established in 2015 to provide advanced students with greater challenges and opportunities to explore diverse musical styles. Under the mentorship of Timo Jarvela, the group focused on a repertoire of Scandinavian fiddle music and folk songs, inspired by Timo Jarvela's Finnish heritage. The group disbanded in 2021 as members transitioned to the Fiddle Group or pursued other paths.

Erin Garrott took on mentorship in 2022, followed by Henry Jarvela leading the group on violin in 2024. Today, the Fiddle Group continues as a small, dedicated ensemble that includes guitar, and occasionally features the harmonium alongside the fiddles. The group plays a wide range of folk music, including arrangements created by its members.

Chamber Strings

This group was formed by Timo Jarvela as a trial in early 2016, in response to the growing number of skilled players in the string orchestras who wanted to continue their music after school. It started as a coordination of more experienced players, alongside those keen to keep playing. The ensemble is still active today, with Erin Garrott taking on the mentorship in 2022, followed by Henry Jarvela in 2024.

Moreton Youth String Orchestra 2 (MYSO 2)

Originally known as 'Junior Strings' (and previously as PRASO 2), MYSO 2 was formed in 2017 by Timo Jarvela to meet the growing demand for a second string ensemble. Designed to nurture early string players, this group focuses on developing foundational skills, preparing students to progress into the senior orchestras. Under Timo's mentorship, the ensemble provides a supportive environment for young musicians.

Renamed MYSO 2 in 2024 to reflect its evolving role, the group now includes both primary and junior secondary students, continuing the tradition and purpose of its predecessor, PRASO 2.

Brass Bands

Senior and Junior versions of Brass Band were formed late in 2020 featuring quite a few senior school leavers and teachers wishing to continue playing at a very high level and with various repertoire.

Senior Brass entered the QBA State Competition as a non competitive entry to garner some adjudicator feedback on performance quality. This group also performed at the Moreton Bay Region Christmas Carols at Redcliffe Stadium and Pine Rivers Park. This group was conducted by Chris Hudson. Ossie Jellyman took on the leadership late in 2023.

Junior Brass was made up of students with varying skill levels, all showing great enthusiasm and energy in their music. The group was originally conducted by Evan Osborne and then Jon Adams. Since 2023, it has merged with the Concert Band and is now led by Stewart Boston-Dart.