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News Stories for 2007

Read News for 2008

Christmas Carols (24th December 2007)

The band's first set of community carols were at Maiden Gully Primary School where Emily Kemp made her public debut with the band at her very own school. Congratulations to Emily for taking the big step into the band, we know you will have just as much fun as we do. Emily soon had Jingle Bells embedded in her musical psyche as the band played it for 10 minutes while Santa was running a bit behind time- no doubt due to making toys back at the north Pole. The evening carols were a great way to start the festive season and the band enjoyed the sausages and fruit salad.

The next set of Carols were the Strathdale Carols organized by Rotary and this was, as usual, an excellent night. Coupled with the St Therese's Choir, the band again provided the public with the music for the community carols as well as playing a number of feature items. It was also great to see Kaid Normington drop in and have a blow with the band whilst on holidays from the Army. Kaid, was the Principal Cornet with the band for a number of years and now plays with Brisbane Brass as he is now stationed with the Army in Brisbane. Good to see you Kaid.

Next stop was the band's Christmas break up, where Joan Dean (fresh from her hip replacement) was able to come out and make sure that things at the band were still going ok since her operation. It was great to see Joan and we hope to see her back supporting the band like she has for many years. Santa's helper this year at the break up was Denis and he thoroughly enjoyed giving out the bag of lollies (and the kisses). While everyone was having a good time, many of the younger members of the band trooped off to the adjoining oval where a great game of cricket took place. Everyone had fun and it was agreed unanimously that Andrew Young takes his cricket very seriously and should be barred from playing next year (just joking). Surprisingly Joan opted to stand out of playing cricket.

The next engagement involved the band manning the BBQ at IGA Supermarket at Kangaroo Flat. The BBQ has been a great way for the band to raise funds and the Committee is most grateful to IGA for allowing the band to do this. While the sausages were sizzling Don, Colin, Gary and Pat played a few carols to entertain the hordes of Christmas shoppers.

The last function for the festive year was for the band to play at the Bendigo Rotary Carols by Candlelight at Lake Weeroona. This is the biggest of the local carols with about 5000 people participating in a wonderful nights of entertainment, and the band is honoured to be invited to play at such a prestigious event. Singers, dancers and musicians all take part in a fantastic evening of entertainment topped off with Santa turning up after again the band played Jingle Bells only for 9 minutes this time. The band was fortunate to feature on the program by playing two up beat numbers in "Rocking around the Christmas tree" and " Sleigh Ride".

The band would like to wish all of its players, committee members, supporters and friends a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Brass on Bull (2nd December 2008)

A feature of the banding calendar in Bendigo is the Annual Brass on Bull Festival. Held in the Civic Gardens next to Bull Street in Bendigo, the festivities include all of the bands who make up the Bendigo Bands Group. These bands include Bendigo and District Concert Band, City of Bendigo Brass Band, Eaglehawk Citizens Brass Band, Kyneton Band, Marist Brothers Band, Thompson's Foundry Band and of course Greater Bendigo Brass. Brass on Bull is organised by the Bendigo Bands Group and features all of the bands playing a 20 minute entertainment program- with a mass band starting and ending the day.

After the first mass band performed, Greater Bendigo Brass was first on the stage and featured a program of "Another op'nin'-Another Show, Bohemian Rhapsody, Over the rainbow," the Darrol Barry March "Liberty" and "Hey look me over" from the musical "Wild Cat". The band, played well with Musical Director Colin Wellard being very happy with the short performance. "Considering we are coming up to the festive time of year, I was very happy how the band acquitted itself on the day. Though it was not a competition, I feel it is most important to perform well every time you play and the band did just that."

GBB would like to thank the Bendigo Bands Group for organising such a fantastic day of music and City of Greater Bendigo for supporting the Festival.

The band now looks forward to its community commitments in playing carols over the festive season before having a well deserved break over January.

Bendigo Cup Performance (14th November 2007)

Greater Bendigo Brass had a great morning playing at the 2007 Bendigo Cup. The band was fortunate enough to be asked to play at the Cup, which is one of Bendigo's most prestigious social events, and it did not let the teeming crowd of vocal race goers down. A full compliment of musicians and a spring in the band's step, made for some outstanding music on the lawn area of the Bendigo Jockey Club grounds. With an eclectic program containing pieces like "No business like show business, Mr. Sandman, When the saints go marching in," Michael Trewarne's favourite the old chestnut "Neil Diamond Medley" and the David Bowie classic "Life on Mars", there was something for everyone. It was also great to see Doug Trottman, who was working on the day, stop and say hello.

Even with the band being sun smart and wearing hats, it was a very hot engagement, though everyone would agree it was most enjoyable nevertheless. Thanks go to Geoff, Hayley, Max and Brendan for helping on the day as well as the tall lady with the hat playing percussion!!

Band Featured in Podcast (11th November 2007)

Greater Bendigo feature on this week's podcast available at www.brasscast.com. The podcast has an interview with Colin Wellard and the band playing the following pieces:

To hear this podcast go to www.brasscast.com then click on the 11th November 2007 or download the mp3 file to your computer.

Emily Kemp - Senior Band Debut (9th November 2007)

Emily Kemp, who is a grade 4 pupil at Maiden Gully Primary School, made her senior band debut on 9 November. She has been learning the trombone for the last two years and will now be making regular appearance at senior band rehearsal. "Emily started learning trombone after the band attended Maiden Gully Primary School to conduct one of its regular Primary School Music Classes" Bandmaster Colin Wellard said.Emily Kemp "Emily wanted to learn trombone - nothing else, which is fantastic, its good to find someone so young with such a good taste in instruments" said Colin, who also plays trombone.

Emily will gradually increase her playing time with the senior band and it is planned for her to play at a couple of the band's Christmas services, including one at her own school. Colin said it was important to ease Emily into the band as he didn’t want her over awed by the band. "Because of the standard of the music the band plays and the fact that Emily is new to the game, it was thought best for her to find her feet so to speak, before we start working on the really hairy stuff" The band would like to congratulate Emily on her progress so far and hope that this will be the start of a long and happy life of music.

On a lighter note, Colin is also confident that Emily will be able to teach the rest of the trombones how to count after a recent counting "experience".

Baby Alexandra(21st October 2007)

Alex Beale

The band would like to congratulate Sara and Nick Beale on the safe arrival of their first child Alexandra Charlotte. Coming into the world on 21 October 2007 at a healthy 6 pound 5 oz, Alexandra, mum (and dad) are all fit and healthy.

The band would like to wish all in the Beale family the best for the future and look forward to watching Alexandra follow in her parents footsteps and venture into music or golf (but not become a Collingwood supporter)!

1st Place - Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod (16th September 2007)

The Band took the long trip down to Traralgon to participate in the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod and came up trumps. The Band won its regular graded section of C grade and then pulled out a supreme effort to take third place in the B grade section, defeating a number of top B Grade bands in the process. MD Colin Wellard said he was over the moon with the results. "I am absolutely delighted" Colin said. "These fantastic results are a credit to the Band and its supporters and are a well deserved reward for all the hard work the Band has been putting in. We have gradually been raising our standards and to knock off three B Grade bands is a just reward for a great bunch of people".

The Band would like to thank all of its players for the commitment leading up to the contest, as well as Danny, Wally, Jen and Broden who permitted for the day. Special thanks to Al Davey for emergency permitting on the day for an unwell Barb Dugan.

The scores were...

B Grade Brass

  1. Boroondara Brass, 280
  2. City of Greater Dandenong Band, 275
  3. Greater Bendigo Brass, 273
  4. Maroondah Brass, 270
  5. Diamond Valley Brass, 268
  6. City of Traralgon Band, 261

C Grade Brass

  1. Greater Bendigo Brass, 252
  2. City of Frankston Band, 249
  3. Warragul Municipal Band, 248

Annual General Meeting (9th September 2007)

The Band held its Annual General Meeting today at the Conference Centre. As a precursor to the meeting, the Band played a few numbers which it plans to play at the coming Traralgon contest. The music was thoroughly appreciated by the supporters of the Band.

As part of the Annual report, a number of awards were made. The recipients were:

A special award was made to Mr Allen Young for all of his tireless work in supporting the Band over the past number of years.

The Committee elections were held and following were elected:

Congratulations to all of the Band for a good year's work. Thank you to the old committee, good luck to the new committee and congratulations to all of the recipients of the awards.

Concert at Forest Street Uniting Church (29th July 2007)

On Sunday 29 July 2007, the Forest Street Uniting Church in Bendigo was where a very appreciative crowd braved the wintry elements to enjoy Greater Bendigo Brass in concert. As one of the band's regular public performances, the performance was a bit of a bonus as the band was also featuring past Victorian Champion of Champions, Mr Ossie Jellyman on both euphonium and trombone.

The performance kicked off with the Grand Contest March "Knight Templar" before Ossie joined the band on trombone to play Williams Himes arrangement of "So Glad" and the Don Lusher classic "Suite for Trombone". Whilst Ossie caught his breath the band performed Nino Rota's "A time for Us" from the 1968 film "Romeo and Juliet" before Ossie rejoined the band for Bill Broughton's composition "Sarah". Ossie was then joined by the band's trombone section of Jim Craddock, Don Normington and Michael Trewarne for an energetic performance of "I will follow him".

The band then performed Goff Richards' "The band played on", Alan Fernie's "Yellow Submarine"(which might have been needed due to the amount of much needed rain which was falling at the time) and "Fanfare of Praise" by Robert Redhead. Ossie then rejoined the band and gave a blistering performance of variations on "Mockingbird Hill". To cap off the program was Barrie Gott's arrangement of "From the Heart", complete with Ossie wandering casually through the audience during the performance.

As an encore was called, the band responded delivering a spirited paso doble in the the evergreen arrangement of "Amparito Roca" which bought to an end a great day of music.

It was a fantastic afternoon of great music and great entertainment which was thoroughly enjoyable to be a part of and one which both Ossie and band hope can be repeated in the near future.

Andrew Young - Sponsorship to USA 25th June 2007

Andrew Young will shortly be leaving Australia as he jets from our Aussie winter to a summer in the USA. Andrew has been fortunate enough to gain a scholarship to the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute.

The annual National Trustees' NSO Summer Music Institute is an intensive four-week program offering professional-level performance experience for talented young musicians ages 14-21.

Every American summer approximately 70 students from all over America and overseas meet in Washington D.C. to attend the National Symphony Orchestra's Summer Music Institute (SMI). The Institute offers four weeks of private lessons, rehearsals, coaching by National Symphony Orchestra members, classes, and lectures to prepare aspiring musicians for their futures in music.

The Institute will present two free concerts in the famous Kennedy Center Concert Hall with conductor Elizabeth Schulze and the Institute Orchestra on July 15 and 28, as well as four free chamber music concerts on the Millennium Stage.

The band would like to congratulate Andrew on his selection to attend the Institute and wish him a safe and enjoyable time in America (remember- they drive on the opposite side of the road).

Well done Youngy!!

Bendigo Competitions Results (3rd June 2007)

The band had a mixed day at the recent Bendigo Competitions. Though the band was placed equal 1st on points with Marist Brothers band in the aggregate score in the C Grade Brass Section, the trophy was awarded to Marist on a countback to the major work for which they received higher points. Greater Bendigo Brass Band Musical Director Colin Wellard was philosophical. "I am disappointed in one sense that we drew with Marist Brothers and were not awarded the trophy, but rules are rules. On the other hand I was pleased about how we played as a whole and that we went down fighting and giving 100%". Colin said he was really pleased with the band's application on the stage. "Everyone in the band contributed to a rock solid performance across all three pieces, which is most pleasing". Colin also thanked Roger Adams, Broden Ford, Karen Davey, Patrick Mudge, Ken Boal and Max Pearce for helping on the day on permit. "We are truly a lucky band to be able to call upon such helpful and accommodating people like we did on Sunday to help fill the ranks"

Colin said the day was notable as it was Jarrod's first competition on euphonium after stepping up from baritone. "Its good to see the young players like Jarrod and Sam Whillance really starting to make a big impression upon the band"

A number of the band played in solos across the Bendigo Competition period. In the piano sections Sam Whillance received 3 second places, a honourable mention and was awarded the Leila Watson Scholarship, while Andrew Young chipped in for a lazy 4 first places and 2 third placings. In the brass section Genevieve McPherson dusted off the trumpet and received an honourable mention in the open trumpet/cornet section while Colin Wellard received an equal third placing playing EEb tuba in the open other instrument section.

1st - Marist Brothers Band - conducted by Matthew Pankhurst Scores
Partita for Band, Wilby 86
Taskforce, Joe Cook 40
When She Loved Me arr. Timcke 41
Total Points 167
2nd - Greater Bendigo Brass Band - conducted by Colin Wellard Scores
Crusade, van Der Velde 84
I’ll Walk with God, arr. Richards 41
When the Saints go Marching in arr. Richards 42
Total Points 167
3rd - Maryborough City Brass Band - conducted by Jenny Wagstaff Scores
A Saddleworth Festival Overture, Richards 80
Barnard Castle, Richards 38
The Young Amadeus, arr de Haan 39
Total Points 157

Concert with City of Bendigo Brass Band (27th May 2007)

On Sunday 27 May, the band was lucky enough to be able to participate in a "pre Bendigo Competitions" concert with the City of Bendigo Brass Band. Held in the beautiful Forrest Street Uniting Church in Bendigo, the performance involved both bands playing their competition numbers for the approaching Bendigo Competition and then coming together together at the end to play "The Flintstones" and the old favourite "Death or Glory". Though both bands were short in a number of key areas due to player commitments, the afternoon was a great success both musically and socially. GBB would like to thank the City of Bendigo Brass Band, their conductor Andrew Trewartha and Kevin Dobson for supplying the venue and would like to wish all players from both bands all the best for the competition.

Maiden Gully Primary School Workshop (17th May 2007)

150 grade 4,5 and 6 students from Maiden Gully Primary took part in a number of brass workshops held today. Pat and Colin spoke to the students about brass bands, the instruments of the band and the the benefits music can bring. Also featured on the day was Emily Kemp, who performed a duet with Colin on the trombone. Emily is currently learning trombone with GBB. The day was a lot of fun with students and teachers alike testing out their musical skills on a range of brass instruments. Our thanks go to Mr John Bloomfield for arranging the great day.

Colin Wellard - Executive of Victorian Bands' League (29th April 2007)

GBB's MD Colin Wellard has just been elected to the Executive of the Victorian Bands' League. Colin, joins new President Chris Bowman and other new faces in John Kelly, Jamie Lawson and Robyn Solum as new members of the Executive Team. The Victorian Bands' League Annual General Meeting was held today at the Box Hill Band room and was well attended by bands.

The results of the election are:

ANZAC Day (25th April 2007)

The Band participated at both the Korong Vale and Wedderburn ANZAC Day Services. Continuing with the long standing association with both townships, the band started off the day marching at Korong Vale and then participated at a service at the town's cenotaph. At the completion of the service, the band then moved on to Wedderburn and a considerably longer street march started the proceedings of their ANZAC Day events which concluded with a service at the local RSL. The last post at both services was played by Peter Scott

National Band Championships (8th April 2007)

GBB had a very successful 2007 National Band Championships. Held over the Easter weekend in Ivanhoe Victoria, the band was placed a very creditable 3rd out of 12 bands and was only a matter of points behind the eventual winners Geelong West. Second place went to Marist Brothers and GBB would like to congratulate the Bendigo based Marist Band on their placing. GBB won the hymn section and was placed third in the Test Piece. The adjudicator was very complimentary about the band's music suggesting that its standard was that of a B Grade Band! To further make the weekend a success, the band was placed third in the Parade of Bands - a big well done to Drum Major Jan for leading the band.

Two of the band's members played solos at the competition with Andrew Young being placed third in the Open French Horn section, while Julie Boyer was placed tenth in a talent packed Open Trumpet Section. Well done to both Andrew and Julie.

The weekend included a number of people who competed at their first Nationals (Harry, Sam and Shauna) and a couple of old Nationals campaigners who competed at their first Nationals with GBB (Bruno, Tristan, Genevieve, Robert, Brian and Toota)

The band would like to thank our permit players who contributed to such a fantastic result. Roger Adams, Nick Beale and Broden Ford on percussion as well as Ossie Jellyman on trombone and Karen Dave on cornet. The band is extremely grateful for their dedication and contribution toward the success of the weekend.

Big Hill Primary School (27th March 2007)

Colin, Pat, Peter and Don attend the Big Hill Primary School today and carried out a work shop on brass bands, the instruments of the band and the benefits music can bring. The morning session went well with the children participating fantastically. A number of lucky students had a first hand blow on a brass instrument. The band would like to extend its thanks to the staff of Big Hill Primary School especially Mr Phil Seaton who organised the morning.

Mark Ford Conducts Rehearsal (11th March 2007)

Past MD Mark Ford took rehearsal for the day and assisted in the band's preparation for the coming National Band Championships to be held in Ivanhoe over the Easter weekend. Marks wealth of experience was greatly appreciated by all in the band and it is hoped his polish will assist the band in its performances at the Championship.

New Band Members (10th February 2007)

The band is pleased to announce the signing of Robert Hallinan on euphonium and Tristan Rebien on cornet. Genevieve McPherson who is studying medicine in Bendigo has also joined the band on a dual registration from the famous Footscray Yarraville Band. Steve Rielley has returned to the band after an absence of some years. Both Genevieve and Steve play cornet. The band would like to welcome all of the new players and hope you enjoy making music with the band.

Australia Day (26th January 2007)

Band played bright and early for the bustling crowd at Lake Weeroona for Bendigo's Australia Day Celebrations.

Peter Scott's 21st (22nd January 2007)

The band's flugel player Peter Scott turned 21 today. Peter has been busy not only with Greater Bendigo Brass commitments but also with his other band "Bang!Bang!Aids!" and their recent touring. The band's first single "Dead Ant Dance" has been receiving good air play on the National Youth Broadcaster Triple J. Happy birthday Pete from all of the band.

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