Camden Community Band has done the town proud, finishing third overall in its grade at the 2026 NSW State Band Championships in Penrith.

Competing in the Open D Grade Concert section at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, the Camden musicians delivered an outstanding performance, taking first place for their Own Choice selection, third in the Test Selection and fourth in the Hymn Tune, securing third place overall.

Led by conductor Murray Bishop, the band performed Amazing Grace arranged by Frank Ticheli, The Dark Ages by Mark Ford and its winning own-choice piece, Imaginarium by Randall Standridge.

The achievement came during a landmark year for the NSW State Band Championships, celebrating 130 years and attracting a record 79 bands from across NSW and the ACT.

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley praised the role community bands play in bringing people together.

“These championships provide a unique opportunity for members to come together and be a part of the wider banding community, to rehearse, learn and grow as musicians, and to be inspired by the excellent performances of others,” she said.

Band Association of NSW President Jeff Markham said community and school bands remained as important as ever.

“They provide opportunities for people of all ages to come together, learn, perform and create something collectively that is greater than anything we could achieve alone,” he said.

For Camden Community Band, the weekend ended with silverware, a podium finish and another proud chapter in its contribution to the musical life of Camden.

Congratulations Camden Community Band, you’ve done Camden proud!