Greater Bendigo
Brass

School Workshops Continue 5th August 2010

Maiden Gully Primary School was Greater Bendigo Brass' next port-of-call as part of its Primary School workshops program. About 100 of the school's grade 4 and 5 students enjoyed the band members taking time out to play for them and to educate them on the finer points of brass music. Thanks go to Maiden Gully Primary School for supporting the day.

School Workshops 30th July 2010

Members from Greater Bendigo Brass attended Golden Square and Maple Street Primary Schools today as part of the bands primary school workshops.

The band introduced the students to what a brass band is; the instruments in a brass band; and where it performs.

Plenty of the students had fun trying out the various instruments (as did some of the teachers) and it is hoped that the sessions give an insight into brass bands and might inspire the brass players of tomorrow.

Australian Youth Orchestra Europe Tour 28th July 2010

Greater Bendigo Brass member Andrew Young is currently enjoying a European Summer as he tours Europe with the Australian Youth Orchestra.

Andrew, who plays tenor horn with Greater Bendigo Brass, was selected to be a part of the tour with the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) which involves the best musicians in the country under the age of 25. Andrew will play french horn on the tour. Also part of the Australian Youth Orchestra for the European tour is Bendigo musicians Louisa Trewartha on trumpet and Bridget Graham on violin.

Well done to Andrew, as well as Louisa and Bridget, on the selection with the AYO and the band hopes the tour is a load of fun and is looking forward to the postcards.

We Won - Bendigo Competitions Society 30th May 2010

Greater Bendigo Brass had a wonderful afternoon at the Bendigo Competitions winning first place in the "C" Grade section under the baton of Doug Trottman, O.A. This is the second year in a row that Greater Bendigo Brass came out on top at the Bendigo Competitions. The band's lyrical performance of its major work item "Four Noble Truths" by Philip Sparkes found favour with the adjudicator, whilst its two concert items included the march "Spacemen" by T.J. Powell and "Trailblazer" by Goff Richards.

Geoff Timcke and Brian Davis had an especially successful weekend with a number of placings in the solo sections over the weekend, while Andrew Young was one half of the winning duet.

Congratulations to all of our guest players who gave up their time to help the band on the day. Further congratulations to Sharon and Brian for their first performance with the band and a big welcome back to Kaid. We also give Doug special thanks for leading the band with such drive, insight and humour.

Three Bendigo Bands 10th May 2010

Greater Bendigo Brass, City of Bendigo Brass Band and Bendigo Youth Brass will be participating in a joint performance prior to the approaching Bendigo Competitions.

On Sunday 23 May beginning at 2.00pm at the JB Osborne Theatre Kangaroo Flat, all three bands will perform their competition items. All three bands have been working hard on their contest preparation and the performances will be a great opportunity to perform their items prior to the contest.

Admission for the afternoon is free.

Cornish Sunday Afternoon 2nd May 2010

Greater Bendigo Brass performed for the third year in a row at the "Cornish Pleasant Sunday Afternoon" held in the historic Methodist Church (now Uniting Church) in Wilson Street, Long Gully.

The afternoon took the form of a church service and featured the musical skills of both the brass band and resident organist, Mr Cliff Ellis. Our resident conductor, Colin Wellard, was unable to attend this year so our president, Brian McMennemin, superbly conducted the band.

The congregation sang, accompanied by the band: To God, with the Lamb and the Dove (Edgware); Now Thank We All Our God (Nun Danket); Abide With Me (Eventide); and, Oh God, Our Help In Ancient Past (St. Anne). The band also played Evening Song (arr Jan de Haan) and The Floral Dance as feature items.

Thanks to the Bendigo Cornish Society for the kind invitation to participate and the scrumptious afternoon tea provided after the service.

Talented Guests from S.A. 29th April 2010

Greater Bendigo Brass was privileged to have two special guests at rehearsal with Meredith and Shelley from the famous Tanunda Band in South Australia calling in for a blow. Both ladies are playing in Co-Opera's production of Puccini's "La Boheme" and with a night off from their busy schedule, took the opportunity to get their brass band "fix".

It was great to have players of the ladies' calibre call in and rehearse with the band. Greater Bendigo Brass would like to wish continued safe travelling to both Meredith and Shelley as the production begins to slowly wind its way home back home to South Australia.

ANZAC Day 25th April 2010

Great Bendigo Brass took part in ANZAC Day 2010 at both the Korong Vale and Wedderburn services.

There was no rain this year as the band started the day off marching down the street at Korong Vale to the cenotaph and then performing at the service. At the end of the service the band travelled to Wedderburn to lead the ANZAC parade down the main street to the Wedderburn RSL where the subsequent service took place. At the end of the Wedderburn service the band played the march "1914" before joining the servicemen and women, and the public, in lunch and refreshments.

Geoff Timcke played the last post at both services as well as the main ANZAC Day dawn service in Bendigo.

Thanks to the Wedderburn-Korong Vale Sub Branch of the RSL for the kind invitation to again be a part of their services.

Wedding Bells 20th March 2010

Greater Bendigo Brass member Kaid Normington took the plunge when he tied the marital knot. Kaid and his beautiful bride Kara were wed on a sunny Bendigo afternoon in the historic Conservatory Gardens. A small group from the band had the pleasure of playing during the service whilst band percussionist David Turpie showed his prowess on guitar and played during the signing of the register. On behalf of all members and supporters of the band, we would like to congratulate Kaid and Kara and wish them both all the best for their new life together.

Pasties and scones 19th March 2010

A great night was had by all as Greater Bendigo Brass had the pleasure of performing at the Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival Cornish Concert. The Concert was a celebration of all things Cornish and involved Cornishmen and their descendants from all states of Australia as well as special guests from Cornwall. The evening was a rollicking night of music, poetry, song and dancing and involved the band playing a number of brackets and finishing with a rousing rendition of "Trelawney".

Solo Success 12th March 2010

Geoff Timcke and Hayley Weston had a successful Eaglehawk Solo and Party Competition coming second in the Open Duet section whilst Geoff came first in the Open Cornet and Open Slow Melody sections. Greater Bendigo's principal Euphonium Pat Duggan also had a great day winning the ensemble section, not on euphonium, but on recorder! Well done to Geoff, Hayley and Pat.

Australia Day at Lake Weeroona 26th January 2010

Greater Bendigo Brass again took part in entertaining the crowd at the Bendigo Australia Day Celebrations. The band's first engagement for 2010 saw the band playing in the cool of the morning on the foreshore of Lake Weeroona, entertaining the bustling crowd which had gathered to enjoy the annual Australia Day festivities. The celebrations at the lake simply get bigger every year and the band is pleased to be able to contribute to the day's entertainment.

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