Greater Bendigo
Brass
PO Box 538
BENDIGO Victoria 3552
Australia
(formerly Greater Bendigo Concert Brass)
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News Stories for 2008
We're going to the 2009 Nationals 19th November 2008
Greater Bendigo Brass is pleased to announce that it will be competing at the 2009 Australian National Band Championships. The Championships will be held in Sydney over the 2009 Easter weekend.
"The players and committee are really excited about travelling up to Sydney and putting on a good show", Acting Musical Director Colin Wellard said. "There is no higher level of performance for brass bands in Australia than the Australian National Championships so we are looking forward to mixing it with some of the best bands in the country".
Doug Trottman, OAM, has again agreed to lead the band to the competition. "To have Doug on board as Musical Director for the competition is just awesome" Colin said. "Not only does he bring a vast wealth of musical knowledge to the band, but he and his better half Jeanette are lovely people".
Colin and Doug will share the preparation duties with Doug taking the band on the day and Colin playing.
"With the recent departure of a number of students, we do have a couple of empty chairs in the band, but I am confident that we can fill these positions with dedicated, competent musicians who like good music and a good laugh" Colin said.
Bye Bye Pharmacy Students 13 November 2008
It is with much sweet sorrow that the band bodes a fond farewell to three of its number. Tim Deboo, Shauna Boyle and Rendelle Wiseman have all completed their pharmacy studies at La trobe University, Bendigo campus and are heading out to the wide brown yonder of employment elsewhere. All three came to Bendigo to study and all three have proved themselves to be not only great bands persons but also great people
.
Both Tim and Rendelle have a healthy background in brass bands but Shauna was a brass band "muggle" who seamlessly made the transition from French horn to Tenor horn.
"I have really mixed emotions that they are all going" Acting MD Colin Wellard said. "I actually feel a little bit like I am watching birds leave the nest, heading back to their local communities out in rural Victoria as qualified health professionals. So that will be great not only for the three of them, but also the respective communities as a whole. Who knows they might even enjoy working for a change rather than being at University" Colin joked.
Rather than have rehearsal, the band took the opportunity to have dinner together before the trio left so that farewells could be said. GBB would like to thank Tim, Shauna and Rendelle for their contribution to the band and wish them all the best for the future both musically and professionally.
Crusoe College Music Programme 6 November 2008
Tonight Greater Bendigo Brass performed as part of the Crusoe College Music Programme Concert.
The Concert displayed the many musically talented Crusoe College students with performances from rock bands, concert bands and even bag pipes.
As part of the close ongoing relationship with Crusoe College, GBB played a short bracket of numbers including "Sway", "Brass Band Mueledohrf" and "Y.M.C.A". It then joined the school's concert band on stage for a mass number under the baton of the School's Music Co-coordinator, Drew Roberts.
GBB would like to congratulate the students who performed on the evening and would like to thank Drew for the invitation to participate in the proceedings.
As regular MD Colin was away due to work commitments that night, his brother, Ken Wellard conducted the band. The band would like to thank Ken for helping out, it was greatly appreciated.
GBB wins Bendigo Bands' Group Intra-Band Contest 19 October 2008
Thompsons Foundry Band from Castlemaine organised this year’s Bendigo Bands’ Group Intra-band Competition which was held today in Castlemaine. The day featured 7 bands playing for a maximum of 30 minutes. Adjudicated was on a handicap basis for both music and entertainment value.
Greater Bendigo Brass was lucky enough to make it back to back titles and won both the entertainment and music sections of the competition.
"The band played very well and we had a well balanced program" acting Musical Director Colin Wellard said. The bands program consisted of the "new" Australian National Anthem which involved a very funky and energetic version of recently crowned AFL Premiers, Hawthorn's Club Song (along with dancing conductor), the march "Brass Band Mueledorf", the horn solo "On My Own" which featured the band’s solo horn Leonie Wellard, "Batman the Movie", the tranquil "Country Scenes" and finished with the sparkling "Another openin’, another show".
"It was very pleased to have a solid contribution across the band and I must thank the band as well as the guest players we had today for a fine performance. I was especially happy to have conned Leonie to feature as a soloist for our program and she produced a fantastic, emotional performance of On My Own". Colin said.
“The entire band played well today and we were very fortunate to have been able to take first place. Not only was I happy about how the band played today, I was also happy to see all the other bands in the region coming together and having a great time. The Youth Band under Cally Tromans was superb. To see a band filled with young kids whose feet struggle to touch the floor is awesome.
As in previous years, GBB has dedicated its win to a true stalwart of brass banding, namely Howie Matthews. "Howie is quiet champion who is as dedicated as they come" Colin said. "Travelling from Wedderburn to almost every rehearsal, Howie and his wife Marg are icons of Greater Bendigo Brass and brass banding. It is great to have people like Howie and Marg involved in bands. Dedicating the win to Howie is only tiny recognition for the many decades of contribution to brass bands".
Greater Bendigo Brass would like to thank the Bendigo Bands’ Group and Thompsons Foundry Band for organising a great day of music.
| Band | Entertainment | Music | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thompsons Foundry Band | 73 | 85 | 158 |
| Kyneton Municipal Band | 70 | 83 | 153 |
| Greater Bendigo Brass | 92 | 93 | 185 |
| Eaglehawk Citizens' Brass Band | 80 | 88 | 168 |
| City of Bendigo Brass Band | 82 | 86 | 168 |
| Bendigo and District Concert Band | 71 | 87 | 158 |
| Bendigo Youth Band | 66 | 75 | 141 |
Fathers Day Cornish Church Service 7 September 2008
Many of the dads in the band put Fathers Day on a hold last Sunday as Greater Bendigo Brass performed at the historic Long Gully Uniting Church.
The Church Service was arranged by local historian, Mr George Ellis, and the Bendigo Cornish Society to celebrated the link between the Cornish population in Bendigo and the Brass Bands which performed at the local churches.
The afternoon featured the band playing accompaniments for a number of congregational hymns as well as playing a number of feature items, finishing with the rousing "Cross of Honor" by Rimmer. A guest organist was also featured and the day finished with a hearty afternoon tea featuring plenty of scones and cream.
The Committee of Greater Bendigo Brass would like to thank the band members for giving up part of their Fathers Day to perform at the service and would also like to thank the Cornish Society for the kind invitation to play at the service and look forward to working together again into the future
Annual General Meeting 31 August 2008
The Band held its Annual General Meeting today at the JB Osborne Theatre. It was an extremely wet day, but the weather didn't dampen the spirits of the band as all supporters came together to celebrate a great year of work. The band played a few numbers before the formalities and the music was appreciated by all.
As part of the Annual report, a number of awards were made. The recipients were:
- Most Valuable Youth Player - Emily Kemp
- Most Improved Senior Player - Jan Davey
- Most Valuable Musician - Leonie Wellard
- Band Person of the Year - Don Normington
Sam Whillance and Jarrod Handley received 3 Year Service Medals from the VBL while Michael Trewarne received his VBL Badge of Merit for his years of dedication to music in both Bendigo and abroad.
A special award was made to Howie Mathews for his 4 decades of loyal support to the band and mention was also made of his "other half" Margaret for all of her work behind the scenes... congratulation to both Howie and Margaret.
The Committee elections were held and following were elected:
- President - Jan Davey
- Administrator - Don Normington
- Treasurer - Briony Scott
- Player Representative - Brian McMennemin
- Player Representative - Colin Wellard
- Non-player Representative - Joan Dean
The only item of General Business was that Greater Bendigo Concert Brass consults with the Department of Fair Trading to change its name to Greater Bendigo Brass. This motion was passed unanimously.
Congratulations to the entire 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.
3rd Place at Victorian Championships (24 August 2008)
Greater Bendigo Brass made an impression at the recent Victorian Brass Band Championships held at Ballarat by securing places in both the Championship and the Concert Program of the C Grade section. The band was placed third in the Concert Program and were then able to snare third place in the test piece section, which decides the champion band.
"The band played very well" President Jan Davey said. "It's a big program to pull together on the day, but we played well and to take third place in a strong field in the C Grade section is outstanding." The field for the C Grade section included bands from across the state including Shepparton, Wodonga and Melbourne.
Conducting Greater Bendigo Brass on the day was the popular brass band figure Doug Trottman OAM.
"To have Doug take the band was a real thrill and we hope to continue our relationship with Doug into the future" Jan said.
There is no rest for the band as it begins planning for a number of local community performances.
Proposed Name - Greater Bendigo Brass (15 July 2008)
GBB has announced that its 2008 Annual General Meeting will take place at the JB Osborne Theatre on 31st August 2008 at 2.00 pm.
Not only will it be a great time to help celebrate a good year and acknowledge those people who have supported the band during this past year, but there will be an important item of official business! The band will be voting on changing its name. After many years of consternation, the band will be formally voting on changing its name by dropping the "Concert" to become "Greater Bendigo Brass".
The word "Concert" has been most problematic with the band as people in the community envisaged the band contained concert band instruments like flutes and saxophones which has never been the case. The name change has been greeted with much support from the band members; however formalities regarding name changes must be complied with so it will officially be addressed at the AGM.
Although only financial members may vote, the band would love to see all its friends and supporters at the meeting to catch up and celebrate the year that was.
Off to the State Titles (14 July 2008)
GBB has announced that it will compete at the coming Victoria State Championships.
"After playing so well and not finishing a place at the recent Bendigo Competitions, the band is keen to get stuck in and make a mark" Committee Member Colin Wellard said. "The band had planned to compete at the famous Tanunda Competition in South Australia, however a change in that particular competitions format meant it was not worth travelling over. The band wanted to be kept busy so Ballarat- here we come!
Leading the band on the day will be Mr Doug Trottman OAM. "As I have recently stepped down from the position of Musical Director and we are in the middle of filling the position, the band is absolutely thrilled that Doug will be taking time out to take the band on the day. People like Doug come around all so rarely so the band is really looking forward to working together and learning from him".
Doug is no stranger to the band having taken rehearsal with band prior to the Bendigo Competitions. Doug has a long and successful career as a champion tenor horn soloist, adjudicator and also a distinguished career conducting top bands including the Footscray Yarraville City Band and the Kew Band.
"I will take the early rehearsals, whilst Doug will take the final couple of rehearsals as well as the performance on the day" Colin said. "Doug and I have worked in tandem previously at the Eaglehawk Band with success so I am greatly looking forward to doing it again".
What's missing from this photo...? (July 2008)
The Conference Centre has been demolished as the redevelopment starts at the Kangaroo Flat Secondary College.
The Conference Centre which once stood beside the gymnasium (shown on the left) was home for the band for a number of years. It was removed as part of the preparatory work for building the new school.
The Band will be based in the new school upon completion.
Musical Director Resigns to become a Playing Member (4th June 2008)
The Committee of GBB has announced that Colin Wellard will be standing down as Musical Director. Colin made the decision prior to the Bendigo Competitions and the band was told at Thursday’s rehearsal. Colin had been Musical Director for 4 years after taking over from Peter Ratnik.
"I have had a blast over the last 4 years. I have enjoyed conducting the band and being a part of a great team and the time is right for a fresh face in the middle." Colin said.
Though Colin has stepped down from the position of MD, he has no intention of leaving the band. "I will definitely be staying on and playing with GBB on whatever instrument the new Musical Director wants" Colin said. "The band has picked up some very handy players recently and, as a whole, has improved from where we were 4 years ago so I am really excited and are looking forward to 'mucking in' and being part of the playing team as the band takes the next step in its development. I am also keen to continue being a part of the development of the junior players. But the main reason for staying is that the band is full of great people who are great fun to be with and I have made so many new friends that leaving simply never crossed my mind."
The Committee is working swiftly in appointing a new Musical Director with a number of very reputable musicians being touted for the position.
On behalf of the committee, players and supporters of GBB, we would like to thank Colin for the hard work and dedication he has put into the band over the last 4 years and look forward to him contributing to the development of the band as a player.
Bendigo Competitions Society Eisteddfod (1st June 2008)
GBB put in a sterling performance at the recent Bendigo Competitions but was unable to make an impression on the placings this year. "The band played well but we made a few too many slips on the day and that really hurt us in the end" Musical Director Colin Wellard said. "We played a very demanding major work in "Resurgam" and we were just not able to knock off the other top bands but that is just the way the cookie crumbles."
GBB program also included the "Theme from the God Father" and the march "Simoraine".
"I would like to thank the players for their effort leading up to the competition" Colin said. "I would especially like to thank Jenny Magoulas, Ken Boal, Tim Curnow and Roger Adams who played permit with the band." Congratulations go to Vicki Hynde and Emily Kemp for their first competitions with the band. For Vicki it was another day at the office but for Emily it was her first competition ever so well done.
Final scores were
- Northern Brass 87 + 41 + 42= 170
- Sunshine 83 + 40 + 40 =163
- Marist Bros 84 + 40 + 38 = 162
- Greater Bendigo 82 + 39 + 40 =161
- Maryborough 77 + 37 + 35 = 149
Photo courtesy Charlie Jones.
Greater Bendigo & City of Bendigo (25th May 2008)
Greater Bendigo Concert Brass rounded out its Bendigo Competitions preparation with a joint performance with the City of Bendigo Brass Band. Both bands came together at the JB Osborne Theatre and performed their contest pieces for the Bendigo Competitions which takes place next weekend. Said GBB Musical Director Colin Wellard "It was great for both bands to come together and run through our respective items on a stage and in from of an audience. Though both bands are serious about our music and use the performance to iron out some kinks in the music, both bands enjoy each others company so it makes the day even more worth while. We have held a number of pre-competition performances with City of Bendigo Brass Band before and we hope to continue doing so into the future."
Greater Bendigo has been drawn to play at 1.30pm on Sunday 1st June 2008 as part of the Bendigo Competitions Society eisteddfod. "We are playing well at the moment so hopefully this week we can clean up a few little passages in our music to make our performance next Sunday even better" Colin said.
GBB would wish City of Bendigo Brass Band all the best for the weekend’s competitions.
Doug Trottman, OAM conducts (18th May 2008)
In preparation for the upcoming Bendigo Competition, GBB was privileged to have Australia band legend Mr Doug Trottman, OAM take rehearsal for the day. Mr Trottman is a well respected horn soloist, conductor and adjudicator and the band was most pleased that he was able to take time out to run the band through its contest items.
"I was just rapt when Doug agreed to come down" GBB Musical Director Colin Wellard said. "Doug's musical skills are absolutely fantastic and his work ethic and sense of humour really made the day most worth while". "I was fortunate enough to play under Doug whilst he had both the Footscray-Yarraville and the Eaglehawk bands. I was so pleased that he and his better half Jeanette were able to come today. Considering he is currently suffering with a bad back, it was just like old times and the whole band had a heap of fun".
ANZAC Day in Korong Vale & Wedderburn (25th April 2008)
GBB again 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. David Turpie showed his versatility on the day playing side drum for the march and then cornet for the services. A man of many talents is that lad!
Jan Davey gets VBL Life Membership (13th April 2008)
At the recent Victorian Bands League Annual General Meeting, GBB's own Jan Davey was presented with a well deserved Life Membership of the VBL. It is an understatement to say that Jan is pivotal in the affairs of GBB and has been a staunch supporter and advocate of the band and music as a whole for many many years.
Jan commenced with Greater Bendigo Brass (formally known as Greater Bendigo Concert Brass, Bendigo Citizens & Boys Band, Bendigo Central, Strathfieldsaye Municipal and Strathfieldsaye Marong (Hopetoun) Municipal Band) in March 1957 and was an active committee member. Bendigo Citizens & Boys Band formed Bendigo's first marching girl team of which Jan was to become leader. The band and marching girls combined to perform many marching demonstrations as a combined unit and the marching girls took out various local and state awards; Jan frequently being judged best leader. Jan remained marching girl representative and committee member of Bendigo Citizens & Boys Band and in 1974 was appointed to the position of the band drum major. Thus Jan became the first female drum major in Victoria. She went on to take out numerous local, state and national titles as best drum major, and winning Australian Champion Drum Major (over all grades) in 1981 at Burnie Tasmania.
This contest also saw the beginning of a very successful marching period with the band winning the "B" grade quickstep. Jan has also lead her band to success in many other national, state and regional championships. She is a respected marching coach and has been sought after by many bands for drill tuition.
In 1994 Jan was invited by the VBL to apply to become a State Registered "Drill Adjudicator" and to sit on the Drill Advisory Board. She was the first female to be appointed to this position. Jan has continued to be an enthusiastic and active member of Greater Bendigo Brass band holding the position of President for 6 years. In 2004 was elected as President of the Bendigo & District Band Group. This is the first time a female has been elected to this position. In 2005 Jan decided to teach herself the tenor horn. With her son Alan, and daughter Karen both experienced musicians she thought she would give them some real competition. Jan is ever grateful to have been born into a brass band family and says that "Apart from my own family, it is the best thing to have happened in my life, and I hope I can continue to contribute to the betterment of banding for many years to come."
On behalf of the committee, the members and supporters of the band, we would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Jan on a thoroughly deserved award. The Life Membership of the VBL is acknowledgement of Jan's selfless contribution to bands. Congratulations Jan.
Bendigo Easter Gala Procession (24th March 2008)
The band put its best foot forward and marched in the Monday Easter Gala Procession. In mild conditions the band marched the 2 kilometre route through Bendigo to the applause of a very enthusiastic crowd.
The band was led by Daryl Wagstaff from the Maryborough Band as GBB's Drum Major, Jan Davey, is on the injured list and was unable to march. Big thanks go to Daryl for helping out and we wish Jan a speedy recovery. The bands ranks were also complimented with a number of players from Shepparton, Eaglehawk and Maryborough Bands and so a big thank you to these players. The banner boy for the day was non other than 9 year old Colby Wellard who led from the front. It was the first time that Colby had led the band in a procession holding the bands banner and he did a superb job. Well done Colby!!
Bendigo Easter Fair (23rd March 2008)
In weather more suited for Melbourne, GBB performed on stage as part of the Bendigo Easter Fair festivities.
The band was rapt to have been offered a place on the music program in the Bull Street precinct and didn't let the public down with a sharp and varied program. Over the space of the hour the band performed the weather went from drizzle, to beating sun to overcast and finally settled on mild conditions. It was great to see Julie Boyer, Bruno Siketa and Karen Davey up from Melbourne for the performance while Alan Davey also made the time to also come up from Melbourne and play next to his mother. Thanks go to all members of the band as well as Andrew Lethlean from Pugg Mahones Irish Pub for the kind invitation to be a part of the program. Big thanks also to John Cairnduff for making the 3 hour trip back from Moe to be a part of the band. That is dedication for you.
Farwell Band Room (20th March 2008)
Greater Bendigo Brass bade a fond farewell to its old home the Conference Center. Past and present players gathered for a night of music, chatting about past glories and catching up. Highlight of the night was President Jan ceremoniously using a crow bar to remove the old 1989 opening plaque off the wall. After viewing Jan's crowbar skills, the band is hopeful that Jan doesn't have to ever revert to a life of crime. It was great to have a number of present and past players take time out from their academic studies to make the journey to the band room for one last time. It was especially pleasing to see past trombonist Adelaide MacLemon who is is currently studying a law degree in Melbourne take time out to say hello.
All rehearsals will now take place at the JB Osborne Theatre until the band's new facility is ready to be occupied.
Bendigo Easter Music Festival (16th March 2008)
Greater Bendigo Brass will be making the most of the Bendigo Easter Fair carnival. The band has entered for the Gala Parade on Easter Monday and has also been asked to perform in the Bull Street Music festivities to be held the night before.
"As the band is not attending this year National Band Championships in Queensland, we are very keen to participate in the Bendigo Easter Fair" Musical Director Colin Wellard said. "The Band had already entered for the Gala Parade to be held on Easter Monday and was then invited to participate in the Bull Street Music festivities. Bull Street will be closed off to traffic while various local artists will strut their stuff on stage. As it will predominantly feature blues, rock and soul artists, for a brass band to be asked to perform is quite an honour. We are looking forward to being able to entertain a big crowd" Colin said.
GBB's Easter Performances are:
Sunday 23rd March 2008 - Bull Street Music Festival from 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
Monday 24th March 2008 - Bendigo Easter Festival Gala Parade starting at 12.00 noon.
On the Move (15th March 2008)
Today was the big day. Greater Bendigo Brass bent its collective back and moved its trophies, equipment and all its worldly goods out of the Conference Centre in preparation for the Centre's demolition next month.
Trailers, utes, trolleys and a lot of sweat were used moving all of the bands equipment into temporary storage.
The Band will be rehearsing in the JB Osborne Theatre whilst the new rehearsal hall is being build. "The band sees the interim rehearsal arrangements as short term pain for long term gain" Musical Director Colin Wellard said. "The Conference Centre is being demolished as part of the construction of the new school and this will result in a bigger, better facilities for the band to use". At this stage it is anticipated that the band will be at the JB Osborne Theatre for about 14 months, while the new facilities are being constructed.
The band has not moved its rehearsal equipment because the last rehearsal in the Conference Centre will on 20th March 2008. "The band is rehearsing for its Bendigo Easter Fair performance on Easter Sunday so we didn't want to make any big rehearsal changes until after our Easter commitments" Colin said.
As the rehearsal on 20th March 2008 will be the band's last function in the Conference Centre, the Band would love for as many past and present friends and supporters to come out and see the Conference Centre for one final time. The Band will rehearse on 20th March from 7.30pm to 8.45pm with drinks and nibbles to follow and everyone is invited.
On the Move (17th February 2008)
The members of Greater Bendigo Brass have rolled their sleeves up and are in the process of packing up to leave home. The "Conference Centre" at the Kangaroo Flat Secondary College, which the band has called home for a number of years, is earmarked for demolition to pave the way for a new school.
At this stage all buildings on the Kangaroo Flat Secondary College site will be demolished, except for the JB Osborne Theatre which was recently refurbished.
A new school will be built on the existing site. The band will temporarily base itself at the JB Osborne Theatre awaiting the completion of the building works. The new school will include a performance facility which the band will move into and call home. The new facility will have all the amenities the band currently enjoys as well as being considerably bigger!!!
So over the coming weeks the band will be busy packing away over 100 years of its past history in preparation for a bright future.
Australia Day (26th January 2008)
Today GBB performed at Lake Weeroona, Bendigo as part of the Bendigo Australia Day extravaganza. The band played a tight hour long program to a vocal and appreciative crowd on Australia's National Day. The Christmas break cobwebs were well and truly blown out with a toe tapping program played in the shady surrounds of the lake, and thankfully in the cool of the morning.
The Band thanks Geoff Timcke and, Louisa and Trevor Trewartha for helping on the day.
Australia Day was also the conducting debut of GBB's percussionist Dave Turpie. Dave marked his first public performance as conductor leading another band, the Bendigo and District Concert Band through a very eclectic and well received program. Dave was only to happy to fill in for regular conductor Jayson Hague and it was interesting to note that Dave's conducting involved the odd bit of "air drumming" in certain spots. Well done Dave.
Preview of 2008 Calendar (1st January 2008)
Whilst the band is on a break, it is the ideal time to let everyone know what the band has in the pipeline or is investigating for next year. Starting with Australia Day, the band will again perform at Lake Weeroona as part of Bendigo 's Australia Day Celebrations. The band plans to march in the Bendigo Easter Parade and hopefully also at the Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Parade. It is tentatively planned that in April, the band, in conjunction with the Golden City Pipe Band, will hold a major Celtic performance at Bendigo's finest performing Arts venue, the Capital Theatre. Some final details are being worked out before an official announcement will be made so stay tuned for details shortly.
ANZAC Day is penciled in as the band loves being a part of the services at Korong Vale and Wedderburn.
The band also hopes to record a CD in the middle of the year containing the band's favourite items from its performance over the last couple of years. In November, the band is planning to host an old fashioned "Sing-a-long" and then- its Christmas time!!
Like the add on TV- that's not all!!. The band will also compete at the local Bendigo Competitions and has agreed in principle to go to the South Australian Band Championships held in the famous tin shed at Tanunda.
Of course there will be other things that will pop up across the year, but we hope that gives you a rough idea of the busy year planned for the band.
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