ABOUT US
Founded in 2024, the Melbourne Symphonic Winds, Inc. aims to bring woodwind, brass and percussion musicians of Melbourne together to play and perform the best music in the Concert Band repertoire at the highest level.
Musicians of Melbourne frequently discuss the gap in the community band scene of an ensemble focusing on playing major works. Participating in Melbourne Symphonic Winds projects is intended to give community musicians new challenges via distinct and time bound projects such as competing in the annual Australian National Band Championships.
FROM LITTLE THINGS, BIG THINGS GROW
2025 Australian National Championships
Melbourne Symphonic Winds are looking forward to participating in the 2025 Australian National Band Championships competing in the Premier Grade.
If you would like to keep in touch with us regarding future opportunities feel free to fill out the contact form below.
Musical Director
Ryan Parks is a conductor and music educator based in Melbourne, Australia. Originally from the United States, he relocated to Melbourne in 2017 after earning a Bachelor’s of Music Education. He currently serves as the Director of Bands at Our Lady of Sion College in Box Hill and is advancing his academic qualifications by pursuing a Master’s of Music Education and Wind Conducting at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.
In addition to his educational roles, Ryan is an active member of Melbourne's band community. He has previously conducted the Southern Area Wind Band and is the current Musical Director for the Engineering Music Society Symphonic Wind Ensemble at the University of Melbourne. His leadership extends to professional organisations, as he is the Vice President of the Victoria chapter of the Australian Band & Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA).
In 2023, Ryan was honoured with an invitation to conduct at Melbourne Youth Orchestra's summer school, where he directed one of the symphonic bands. He also presented a professional development session on rehearsal techniques in Tasmania, sharing his insights and strategies with fellow music educators.
Ryan's enthusiasm for band music, cultivated during his time in the US, continues to thrive as he shares his passion with musicians and audiences across the greater Victorian community.
