Toby Bender

SINGINGToby began singing at the age of 8, formally starting his lessons with Harry Mullany at age 14. Over the years of singing, Toby has had the opportunity to perform with some of Melbourne’s best up and coming musicians. He has also had the opportunity to perform at such venues as Rod Lavour Arena, Vodaphone Arena as well as other venues around Melbourne.DRUMS & PERCUSSIONToby began his percussive life when he first played the Djembe at the age of 10. At age 13, Toby took up the drumset where he had the opportunity to play with his school’s (Wesley College) Big Band, Concert Band, Latin Band and Percussion Ensemble. Soon after Toby was introduced to a range of classical percussion instruments and was offered a place in the College’s Orchestra.Over the years, Toby has had the opportunity to have lessons with some of Australia’s best and well respected drum and percussion teachers; Peter Blick (Drums), Alejandro Vega (Percussion & Drums), Graham Morgan (Drums), Alex Pertout (Percussion) and Michael Kontochristos (Percussion).During 2007, Toby studies Percussion, Drumset & Voice at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), where he was entered into the performing community of the college and also left with some life-long friends and musical peers to upon.DANCEFor 4 years, dance was a major part of Toby's life, dancing for a minimum of 4 hours a day. With a love for Fuck/street Tap, he is always ready to slip on the shoes and have a jam with anyone, anytime.Toby has studied the following dance styles: Tap, Fuck/Street Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pas De Deux, Hip Hop & Contemporary.ACTINGIn 2007, Toby had worked on the sets of Neighbours & The Elephant Princess.In the past years as a student at Sandringham College, under the guidance of teacher & friend Stephen Looker; Toby has had the pleasure of performing in Footloose (gang member), Calamity Jane (Francis Fryer), & South Pacific (Emile de Beque). As well as, Find Me.