Despite the scorching start to the year, Marion City Band, Warriparinga Brass and Warriparinga Youth have been hard at work in preparation for their trip to Brisbane this Easter. Always an early highlight of the banding year, the bands journeyed to Longwood for their annual band camp and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with friends and put in some early practice after the Christmas break.
February has seen another highlight in the history of Marion City Band as Heaven Brass commenced rehearsals on the 5th of February. We are currently seeking enthusiastic members for this friendly and non-competitive ensemble. If you have a free moment, why not pop by the Marion RSL on a Wednesday at 5.00pm to show your support?
For our Aussie readers, we hope that you are managing to stay cool and hopefully you all enjoy this latest edition of Marion City Band’s e-Newsletter.
Recent News
Band Camp!!!
Having enjoyed their time off over Christmas, Warriparinga Youth, Marion City Band and Warriparinga Brass kicked off the banding year by rehearsing their 2014 Nationals programmes over the Australia Day long weekend. Musical Director, Veronica Boulton, had the following to say about the weekend:
"Band camp is a much anticipated annual event for the bands now. It's really inspiring that everyone is so enthusiastic despite the reality of how much the weekend is hard work! I am always amazed at how much the bands improve over the camp - the reality is that the camp is the equivalent of about four or five weekly rehearsals, so we certainly do get a great head start with it. In addition, it serves as an invaluable opportunity for relationship building which is essential for a cohesive team".
Not to be forgotten are the customary 'Band Camp Games'! In a first for Marion City Band's Band Camp, the Boys Team took the gold medal in the hotly contested tug-of-war event. No doubt the Girls Team will be looking to take back their title at next year's competition!
As always, the bandies were well-fed by Head Chef, Sarah Bradley, and her team of volunteers. Congratulations to Veronica, Darren and Sarah making the weekend such a wonderful success!
Community Support: Victoria Hotel
Marion City Band is proud to announce that the Victoria Hotel (located on Main South Road, O'Halloran Hill) has agreed to support the band in its travels to Brisbane generously providing a donation towards the cause. The funds will be used to off-set some of the expenses associated with taking such a large group interstate.
Many thanks to the Victoria Hotel and the Band looks forward to continuing our friendship into the future.
Big Day Out
Marion City Band ventured to the City of West Torrens council chambers to assist in the National Servicemen's Association's annual remembrance ceremony on Saturday, 15th of February. The band played several hymns throughout the service and the National Anthem.
This was followed shortly by a social event at the the National Servicemen's Associations branch in Keswick, where the servicemen and their families enjoyed the entertainment provided by the band. The audience particularly enjoyed the Band's rendition of 'YMCA', with the audience rising to their feet to join in!
Congratulations!!!
Later that same day, the band regrouped to help celebrate the achievements of Band Patron and Mayor of the City of Marion, Dr. Felicity-Ann Lewis. The ceremony was held to recognise Felicity's status as the South Australian nominee for the Australian of the Year award. The Band provided some light entertainment while Musical Director, Veronica Boulton, was asked to say a few words about Felicity's support and encouragement as the Band's Patron.
Mayor Lewis has worked tirelessly throughout her career as Mayor and an educator to create a more inclusive Australia. Band President, George Burton, expressed his congratulations to the Mayor as follows:
"On behalf of the Marion City Bands, I wish to congratulate Felicity-Ann Lewis on her recent award of South Australian nominee for Australian of the Year. Felicity is not only the Patron of Marion City Band and Warriparinga Brass but also the Mayor of the City of Marion and President of the National Local Government Association.
The bands are indeed most fortunate to have such an enthusiastic, energetic and supportive Patron and the award to Felicity is well deserved and makes us all feel very proud".
You say goodbye, I say hello
The band has welcomed a number of new and returned members since our last newsletter, we would like to extend a warm welcome to:
• Nick Bowman (Marion City Band)
• Alex Michelson (Marion City Band)
• Tom Greer (Marion City Band)
• Peter Ollerenshaw (Warriparinga Brass)
• Jesse Ollerenshaw (Warriparinga Youth)
• Lachlan Wilson (Warriparinga Youth)
• Ethan Keen (Learners’ Class)
• Joel Keen (Learners’ Class)
We’d also like to offer a warm welcome to a couple of helpers from our friends at Tanunda Town Band and K&N Spring Gully Brass who will making the trip to Brisbane with us!
• Carly Cameron
• Paul van der Koogh
• Martin van der Koogh
• Helen Ollerenshaw
Happy snaps!!!
Recruitment
Interested in playing with one of Marion City Band Inc.'s bands? Marion has ensembles to cater for players of various standards:
Heaven Brass (Non-competitive)
All brass and percussion players welcome! Beginners welcome too.
