Band Mid-Year News and Report
22nd of July, 2016
Whyalla Community Brass has seen a busy past financial year, with around 45 performances or
appearances being undertaken. The busiest time of year is always typically December, when the
bands caroling season and fundraising program takes place.
PICTURE: Whyalla Community Brass involved at "Whyalla Carols in the Park" 2015. The band provided some pre-show entertainment.
Expenditure and funding of the band cost nearly $9,000 last financial year. On the back of local job losses
and local financial pressures, the band noted that the 2015 Christmas fundraising campaign realised a
decrease of income at approximately 5 - 6%. The expenditure amount included a large capital investment (or
much needed major capital purchasing program), which included the acquisition of a locally built specialised
trailer. The trailer is a secure, weatherproof enclosed structure enabling instruments and other equipment to
be loaded and transported safely and securely. This is of particular importance given that many members of
the band are elderly or are challenged by physical disabilities.
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The band has been able to
manage and
finance its operations in a modern, up to
date manner, reducing overall costs to
its operations and the community. Other
than the normal fundraising participation
of members and friends of the band, we
are able to utilise a cache of privately
loaned brass instruments and a private
music library. This has ensured a
supply of instruments and music at
near zero cost to the band.
PICTURE: Malcolm Turnbull, one of many politicians visiting Whyalla to discuss the future of Arrium. Job
losses are already creating financial impacts on the city, not for profit groups & local business.
Private music rooms also donated for use by the band has ensured a safe weather proof rehearsal area for
members. For larger accommodations, the Anglican Church of Whyalla has further
assisted to provide
facilities at a low cost.
Further efficiency is
achieved through the
“General Sponsorship”
program which realises a
working relationship
between private enterprise
and individuals through
sponsorship donations.
Where ever possible,
Whyalla Community Brass
makes purchases locally,
and this past financial year
has seen thousands of
dollars returned to our local community businesses and industries, including Bedford Phoenix industries.
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The past year has also
seen the membership of
the South Australian Band
Association. This is the
peak body for brass and
concert bands in South
Australia.
The realisation of ethics
and standards in brass
banding is important, as is
the need to keep in step
with
changes in banding,
governance and the greater
brass banding world.
PICTURE: Band Members Dean & Cheryl Stewart featuring in a Stratco Whyalla promotion.
Whyalla can now exercise voting and make submissions regarding this state body and the decision
making processes. The “S.A.B.A.” has great human and other resources within this area of the arts, and is
invaluable to operating effectively within the community. The band is also experimenting with a concert
ensemble concept, aimed at including instruments such as saxophone and clarinet.
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There were two
significant events which
had both an effect on our
band, the community and
extended community over
this past year.
We celebrated the
contribution of Mr JimTerry
to brass banding, and the
then Whyalla Youth
Orchestra which included
the establishment of the
annual “Jim Terry Brass
Band Award”.
PICTURE: Band Sec. Reg Warnes & Anglican Minister Ali Wurm at the Annual Church Parade/Jim Terry Band Awards.
The other event was the passing of former mayor Jim Pollock, whom had graciously filled the role of Patron
for the band. Jim Pollock, a long term Whyalla “warrior” and leader.
PICTURE: Whyalla Community Brass performing at the Mt Laura Homestead Museum.
Whyalla Community Brass looks forward to 2017 with all its challenges for the band and our city with
optimism and even celebration, as we commemorate 105 years of continuous brass banding in our great city!
Next year will be a year of consolidation as we continue founding and laying the foundations of the new band.
We continue to thank members of our community and look forward to working with them next year.
Annual Brass Band Award
Presented.
16th of November, 2015
Whyalla Community Brass band has announced that the winner of this
years inaugural “Jim Terry Memorial Brass Band Award” has been
presented to band veteran - Mr Raymond Powell.
The Jim Terry Memorial Brass Band Award has had its inaugural presentation held on Sunday, at St
Martin’s Anglican Church. The award - named after James (Jim) Terry, recalls the contribution of former
Royal Marines Bandsman Mr Jim Terry, to the past Whyalla Citizens Band and Whyalla Salvation Army
Band (Citadel Band), including his service to the then “Whyalla Youth Orchestra”.
The award was presented to band veteran Mr Raymond Powell, also a serving member of Whyalla
Community Brass band. Mr Powell, a senior citizen of 94 years of age, continues active involvement with
Whyalla Community Brass band. Despite having had both hips replaced and battling ongoing ailments, Mr
Powell has shown that disability is not necessarily a barrier to volunteering or serving the community.
Ray’s past service with brass banding in the United Kingdom included playing with the Salvation Army
band there, continuing service here in Whyalla through both the Whyalla Citizens Band, and Whyalla
Citadel Band until it was disbanded in 2011. Ray has served with the band’s Executive Committee and has
also been actively involved with other local community groups including the Whyalla Buff Lodge and the
Meals on Wheels organisation.
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The award comprised a trophy, $200.00,
(generously donated by Beyond Bank Whyalla), a
$100.00 gift voucher for Size Music in Adelaide and
a $50.00 Westland Shopping Centre Gift Voucher,
courtesy of Westland Shopping Centre. The
successful nominee is one who has achieved
outstanding service or excellence associated with
brass instrument performance, or banding in
Whyalla and surrounding district.
PHOTO RIGHT: Migelle Hiscock, Whyalla City Council Group Manager - Community, presents Ray Powell with the personal trophy'
“Anyone young or elderly can be nominated in and around the Whyalla area, either from any of the
schools, colleges, groups or associated bands and we are encouraging young people and schools to be
involved in the music encouragement award” said Phillip Babidge, the Whyalla Community Brass band
Music Director. Nominees meeting the criteria are then assessed by the Whyalla Community Brass Bands
“Executive Committee”, prominent Whyalla community identities, and representatives from the Terry
family.
Mr Stewart Terry son of the late Jim, wife and musician Janette Terry, (now of Adelaide) and the extended
family, have been extensively involved in the founding of the award by Whyalla Community Brass. Mr
Stewart Terry has also made his mark on brass banding in Whyalla, having been a previous bandmaster
with the Salvation Army Whyalla brass band some years ago.
The Terry family has commented that; “Music and in particular – banding, has always been a big part of
Jim’s life”. The family indicated that Jim Terry learned to play an instrument as a young person through
The Salvation Army Junior Band in Newcastle, U.K. Then, in 1940 (at only 17 years of age), Jim joined the
Royal Marines Band. Following the war, Jim Terry continued his love of banding through The Salvation
Army. In 1966 he and his family immigrated to Australia, where Jim took up the leadership of the Whyalla
Citizen’s Band.
Over the next five years, and under Jim Terry’s leadership, the Whyalla Citizen’s Band were involved in
many competitions. Of great achievement was Whyalla Citizen’s Band’s elevation from “D Grade”
registration through to “B Grade”, only just missing out being elevated to “A Grade” status in the 5th year!
During 1972 Jim regretfully concluded his Bandmaster role with the Citizens Band and took up the Deputy
Bandmaster position with the Whyalla Salvation Army Band - becoming Bandmaster in 1975. Jim also
conducted the Whyalla Youth Orchestra at the same time.
Jim Terry’s prior experience with the Royal Marines and brass bands in general, ensured a high standard
of leadership along with an outstanding working knowledge and mastery of brass band music. In 1982 Jim
and his wife Lil, moved to Adelaide. His love of banding continued over the following years, playing with
the Seacombe Gardens and Norwood Salvation Army bands - until he passed away in 1993. Mr Babidge
commented that “Whyalla Community Brass takes great pleasure in celebrating and remembering Jim’s
outstanding contribution to brass banding in Whyalla. We are proud to commission this award”.
PICTURE: (Supplied by the Terry family). Jim Terry receives the band "baton" from former Salvation Army Bandmaster Bevan McDonald.
Editor
Following much research, discussion with family members and band endorsement, this local award plans to have its
inaugural presentation, later this year. The award - named after James (Jim) Terry, recalls the contribution of former Royal
Marines Bandsman Mr Jim Terry, to both Whyalla Citizens Band and later the Whyalla Salvation Army Band, (Citadel Band).
The award will comprise a trophy, and $100.00 to the successful nominee who has achieved outstanding service or
excellence, associated with brass instrument performance, or banding in Whyalla and surrounding district. Anyone can be
nominated in and around the Whyalla area, either from any of the schools, groups or associated bands, Phillip Babidge, the
present Music Director said. Both the young and older veteran’s can be nominated by the community. Nominees meeting
the criteria are then assessed by the Whyalla Community Brass Bands “Executive Committee”, prominent Whyalla
community identities, and representatives from the Terry family.
Mr Stewart Terry, son of the late Jim, has been very involved in the founding of the award by Whyalla Community Brass.
Stewart has also made his mark on brass banding in Whyalla, taking over The Salvation Army Whyalla Band leadership at a
later stage.
The Stewart family has commented that; “Music and in particular – banding, has always been a big part of Jim’s life”. The
family indicated that Jim Terry learned to play an instrument as a young person through The Salvation Army Junior Band in
Newcastle, U.K. Then, in 1940 (at only 17 years of age), Jim joined the Royal Marines Band. Following the war, Jim Terry
continued his love of banding through The Salvation Army. In 1966 he and his family emigrated to Australia, where Jim took
up the leadership of the Whyalla Citizen’s Band.
Over the next five years, and under Jim Terry’s leadership, the Whyalla
Citizen’s Band were involved in many competitions. Of great achievement
was Whyalla Citizen’s Band’s elevation from “D Grade” registration through to
“B Grade”, only just missing out being elevated to “A Grade” status in the 5th
year! During 1972 Jim regretfully concluded his Bandmaster role with the
Citizens Band and took up the Deputy Bandmaster position with the Whyalla
Salvation Army Band - becoming Bandmaster in 1975. The Whyalla Salvation
Army Band was one of the largest Salvation Army bands in its Australian
Southern Territory, at the time. Jim also conducted the Whyalla Youth
Orchestra at the same time.
The author of this article can personally attest to the high standard of
leadership with regards to Jim, along with his outstanding working knowledge
and mastery of brass band music. In 1982 Jim and his wife Lil, moved to
Adelaide. His love of banding continued over the following years, playing with
the Seacombe Gardens and Norwood Salvation Army bands - until his
passing in 1993. Whyalla Community Brass takes great pleasure in
celebrating and remembering Jim’s outstanding contribution to brass banding
in Whyalla. We are proud to commission this award.
PICTURE: (Supplied by Dean Stewart).
Jim Terry in the Whyalla Citizens Band.
to Whyalla Concert Band in 2013…. And beyond!!
16th of February, 2015
What really did happen in 1938?
The Mc Bryde Terrace “Band Hall” was donated by the Broken Hill Pty Ltd in 1938. “The Company” maintained
the premises, which also doubled as the companies “Pay Office”. Thus Whyalla Citizens Band became known
what it is today. Mr Stewart, a life member with Whyalla Citizens Band, (now with its “offshoot” Whyalla
Community Brass), recalls the days of this use. “There even used to be a security man standing next to the
stalls holding a rifle” Mr Stewart said.
One of
the most memorable performances of thenewly instituted “Whyalla Citizens Band”, was on
the visit of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, to
Whyalla, in 1954. Following the Queens visit the
Whyalla community rallied to show support for our
towns band. The public, local business and the
Broken Hill Pty Ltd donated 3,600 pounds to the
band as a gift, ($7,200). This was a huge boost and
went to the purchase of much needed new
instruments.
Tanderra Craft Village Performance
30th of August, 2014
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Whyalla Community Brass attended Tanderra Craft Village today, delivering over an hour of music to village goers. The
time out to personally convey positive feedback to band members.
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The weather could not have been better with almost clear
skies, a pleasant breeze (carrying the smell of incense from
various stalls) and a mild to warm temperature of about 24
degrees! The band has further bookings at Tanderra Craft
Village for this year, and looks forward to attending these
further events.
Band donated new "A Frame Sign"
- by Option A Signs.
28th of August, 2014
A South Australian sign company based in Adelaide who
undertakes major signage projects throughout the state,
(including some undertaken in Whyalla), has offered
Whyalla Community Brass a brand new “A frame
sign".
Option A Signs, instrumental in major signage projects
undertaken in Whyalla - including signage at the newly
constructed Whyalla Hospital wings, has shown support
for Whyalla Community Brass, kindly donating the sign.
Apart from Whyalla Community Brass's distinctive
uniforms, the sign will identify the band at its
performances, along with the names of our sponsors.
Whyalla Community Brass is extremely grateful of this
offer and the additional art work which will accompany the
sign. "Option A" signs - another great South Australian,
giving back to the Whyalla community, supporting its
volunteers and our community groups!
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ABOVE: "Option A Signs"; Staff working earlier in the year with signage
to the new additions at Whyalla Hospital.
Booking the band for your event.
Whyalla Community Brass can be booked to perform at
fetes, churches, Christmas events, civic events, special
occasions, (including at funerals). Circumstances
permitting, the earlier the booking - the less likely of an
event clash, or an inability to attend. This is especially the
case at Christmas.
Bookings should be placed with the bands Business
Manager, or "Band Secretary", and should be sent in
writing, or preferably by email at;
administration@whyallacommunitybrass.org
To apply for a booking, you can also make use of the
"contact form" found on the last page of this site. Click on
the link here to be taken to this form;
Confirmed bookings are placed on the "Scheduled Events
Copperhouse Courts’ “High Tea”;
Sandwiches, Cake, Pastries & Whyalla Community Brass!
27th of August, 2014
Wednesday the 27th of August saw Whyalla Community Brass playing at the elderly citizens accommodation centre -
"Copperhouse Court" on Flinders Avenue, Whyalla. The “High Tea” is held for residents occasionally, and was enjoyed
at the residential facility by some 60 or so people, (including staff and visitors). Whyalla Community Brass performed for the
residents over about an hour, playing such favourites as “How Great Thou Art”, “Santa Lucia”, Music from Beethoven’s final
symphony - number 9 (“Ode to Joy”), as well as “Trumpet Voluntary”, (remembered from Prince Charles and the late
Princess Diana’s Wedding). Residents often joined in with singing to the favourites and moving to the "upbeat"
presentations.
Our principle lead Trumpet player Dean Stewart, also played favourite oldies like
“Old Man River”, and “Mull of Kintyre”, (accompanied by the percussion section
of the band). The band finished with a couple of requests. These included
“When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Amazing Grace”. The band looks
forward to assisting with a carols performance later in the year at the Aged
Care homes. The band enjoys working with the elderly residents and remains
committed to a desire in being a part of the entertainment programs - as they
are scheduled.
A link to the Whyalla News article entitled "And the band played on" (To read the article, click on the name of the article).
WHYALLA COMMUNITY BRASS ASSISTS SALVO STORES WITH FIRST
COMPONENT OF “TOUR de SALVOS”
16th of August, 2014
Wednesday the 13th of August saw Whyalla Community Brass perform outdoors in front of the Salvo Stores shop front on
McDouall Stuart Avenue, Whyalla. A volunteer working at the store - also in the band, suggested the store enlist the band
as part of the days fundraising efforts. As such, Whyalla Community Brass was engaged to perform on the day.
the band played for over an hour. Tunes included the upbeat, “Song of the Highway”, “Amazing Grace”, “The Old Rugged
Cross” and “Rule Britannia”. Children were seen jumping and dancing to the band music, fascinated by the Bass Drum and
different instruments. Adults joined in as well, singing to some of the tunes. Our solo Trumpet player, Dean Stewart
performed his own renditions of “Mull of Kintyre” (accompanied by the percussionists), “Now the Carnival is over” and
another popular Italian cultural love song.
The band was happy to hear that following the event, members of the public had commented that money had also been
donated in appreciation of the bands efforts. Positive feedback was received from the community who had enjoyed the
“upbeat” camaraderie of the band and its music. Whyalla Community Brass is proud to have supported Salvo Stores in its
fundraising effort which ultimately, goes to providing much needed funds for a large truck trailer - needed to carry goods
into the north of the state and APY lands. Whyalla Community Brass has been informed that approximately $350.00 was
raised as a result of the fundraising activities on the day!
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Once again, the band is able to
continue this community work with the
help of its generous sponsors, One
Stop Foodland and Eddie Hughes MP,
who make these efforts possible.This
has been the third event at which the
band has performed this year, the first
being an historic outdoor“play-out” in
the picturesque “Jessop-White Park”,
(near the home of the first town band,
the Whyalla Citizens Band). The band
then - all but a few months later, proceeded to accompany music for the Whyalla Sub Branch of the R.S.L. ANZAC service.
A busy time lays ahead for the band still, with over ten more events scheduled before the year is out.
BRASS BAND VETERAN DONATES SNARE DRUM
26th of May, 2014
Whyalla Community Brass had three reasons to celebrate at our last band rehearsal. Banding veteran Mr Ray Powell is to
turn 92 today, the band has a new percussion section member, and Ray has kindly donated a snare drum to the band.
Ray Powell, banding veteran of almost 82 years, born in Gloucester, United Kingdom, first joined the Whyalla Citizens Band
in around 1974. Work commitments meant that he was unable to attend all the bands rehearsals, and much later Ray joined
the local Salvation Army band - before it was disbanded.
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PICTURE: Brass banding veteran Ray Powell hands the drum sticks to new percussion section member, Kevin Burke (left).
Ray is the bands second cornet section player.
Gilbert, Ray’s son of Kadina, has been
attending rehearsals with his father
for the last two weeks, playing Baritone. The
Pearl snare drum, of high quality steel, chrome
plated, is a welcome addition to the percussion
section. The snare drum was given its maiden
play-out this rehearsal (just past), by the
bands new sectional percussionist Kevin
Burke.
Kevin is a seasoned and talented
percussionist. Kevin first started out with the
Caledonian Pipe Band, has also been involved
with The Salvation Army, and has recently
joined Whyalla Community Brass.
Whyalla Community Brass commends Ray on his service to brass banding over many years, along with his contribution of
the snare drum, and we also welcome Kevin to our band. A "Whyalla News" article on Ray's brass banding history (and
community service), can be found here: "Ray's heart beats for music"
ANZAC DAY WHYALLA 2014, DRAWS LARGE CROWD - HUNDREDS ATTEND
DAWN SERVICE. ALSO A SUCCESSFUL DAY FOR THE BAND:
Whyalla Christian Brass members , like others, had an early start Friday morning in readiness for the Whyalla Dawn
Service. On arrival at the Memorial Oval gates of remembrance, (all but half an hour prior to the service), band members
were met with a large crowd. Amongst the crowd were groups of workers - in work safety gear. They had obviously
dedicated this part of the working day to attend the service. It was evident - early on in the day, that there was going to be a
large turn out to the event. The Whyalla R.S.L. service progressed without a hitch, evidence of the R.S.L. Sub Branches
intense prior planning and effort.
Whyalla Christian Brass, provided music accompaniment for the Dawn Service, with pre-service music followed by the
hymn, "Abide With Me". Dean Stewart, (the bands Lead Trumpeter), played the Last Post during the service. The band
concluded by playing the National Anthem. Following the service, some of the band members enjoyed a hearty breakfast -
back at the R.S.L. Sub Branch building, before resting to re-attend the morning and main service.
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The morning service was greeted with warm
sunshine and a light breeze. The crowd,
(including a number of children), the elderly,
young, infirmed, and those of all working ages,
lined the streets. Many began lining the streets
near the R.S.L. building to watch the ANZAC
parade make its way to the Memorial Oval
gates of remembrance.
The parade, led by the
official party, were
followed up by the City of Whyalla Pipe Band.
The pipe band stirred both the marchers and
PICTURE: The Band sets up early for the main service.
bystanders, whom were obviously taken in by the procession. As the parade was under way, Whyalla Christian Brass struck
up various hymns consistent with the occasion, (and solemn events), known throughout previous conflicts and
remembrance services.
Again Mr Dean Stewart, the bands Leading Trumpeter, performed the Last Post, and joined the band "hastily" following his
involvement with the pipe band procession, (after playing the drum), an essential component of the parade music. Dean is
both a member of the Whyalla Christian Brass and the City of Whyalla Pipe Band. We commend Dean on his dedication,
hard work and
diligence in service.
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Overall, the band performed well. A few minor
difficulties were experienced, but are already
addressed. Not surprising really, some of us
had not accompanied ANZAC services here
for over 15 years! Band members were
contacted from various independent sources
following the service about the bands
involvement. These included contacts from
Austria, whom both knew Whyalla, and an
individual in the band. News
travels fast!
PHOTO: Waiting on the official party leading the parade - main service.
Local citizens also called band officials - following the service. The band is grateful to Seventh Day Adventist cornet player,
Dean Hiscock, who assisted the band whilst Dean Stewart was occupied with the ANZAC Day parade. Whyalla Christian
Brass is both honoured and privileged, to provide and assist the musical accompaniment to the Whyalla Sub Branch of the
R.S.L., in its ANZAC Day Services. Compliments by the public, were received by independent sources on both the
participation in the service, and the bands turn out, (uniform). The bands leaders re-iterate that its on going work is
dependent on community support. The band is always seeking players, and appeals to brass musicians to give playing in
the band a go. More pictures of the band on ANZAC Day 2014, can be found on our photo gallery page, (CLICK HERE). A
Whyalla News photo of the band on ANZAC Day can be found here, (CLICK HERE). A Whyalla Christian Brass video of the
National Anthem at the main service, can be found on "youtube" here, (CLICK HERE).
