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Wednesday, 29 October 2025
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Musicians young and old shine in Warragul Municipal Band
2 min read

Whether you're almost in your 90s, or you aren't quite a teenager yet - if you love playing music in a group, you'll be right at home in the Warragul Municipal Band.
The band's oldest member, 86-year-old Brian Milkins, and youngest member 11-year-old Alfie Bucknall will showcase their musical skills on stage with the Warragul Municipal Band for the 140th Anniversary performance on November 15.
And, both players will celebrate their birthdays just before the performance date.
Brian can be found with a euphonium in hand, while Alfie shines in the percussion section.


"I play the euphonium, but I've played cornet, which is the smallest instrument of the band, for most of my life," Brian said.
Brian found himself playing the euphonium after a previous band he played with didn't have anyone to play the sections. However it was a natural switch.
"I was the square peg in the round hole at home because Dad was a euphonium player, my two brothers were both euphonium players, and I was a cornet player. I gradually made the (euphonium) team."
Brian joined Warragul Municipal Band two years ago, having previously played with and conducted for the Ballarat City Band.
After surviving a heart attack and a quadruple by-pass, Brian's children who live in Gippsland, encouraged him to move closer to them. Once he and his wife settled into their new home in Newborough, Brian began looking for a new band to join, ultimately settling on Warragul.
"They're lovely people, they really are. That kept me here."
Alfie became involved with the band after some encouragement from his grandma, a former municipal band player. When she saw an advertisement seeking young players to join, Alfie soon became involved.
"I mostly play the (drum) kit, but I also play some bass drum, cymbals, glockenspiel, timpani, lots of different things," he said.
Alfie said he enjoyed playing collaboratively with other band members.
"Playing in a group, it's like a jigsaw puzzle, you need all the different pieces for it to sound really good," he said. "It's really fun to play with lots of different people of many different age categories. They teach me lots of things, they're really nice."
Brian said without young players like Alfie, groups like the Warragul Municipal Band wouldn't have a future.
"I remember when I was Alfie's age and I used to look around the band (and think) oh there's some pretty old geezers in there, but now I'm one of those old geezers!" he said.
"Young players are the future of the band. I've had my day; it's Alfie's day now. As he grows up, it'll be his time."