Editorial ~ 2006 March

7-Mar-2006

Keeping our history alive. What's in a program?


The importance of history

 

"We've all just moved up the queue" was the classic quip from Ollie Clark after the funeral of Harold "Digger" Walmsley last week.

 

Harold is now a part of our rich Australian banding history after his sad passing in Adelaide at 94 years of age.

 

But what of our history and memories? Many would argue that the future of our movement is the most important aspect; focus on the youth, build learners' programs and the movement will continue.

 

Harold and many like him have created an enduring legend of banding in Australia that should never be forgotten. Their stories are the stuff of hilarious discussions over a beer after band practice. The real moments that have defined the way we are. As Bruce Raymond said, "this is what it's all about!"

 

‘Life Divine' was Harold's all-time favourite band work – it was played at the conclusion of his funeral. He probably played it every day of his adult life. There is no doubt that all those years in banding were indeed a Life Divine.

 

Keeping alive the stories and memories of the iconic characters from our banding past is an essential part of ensuring the movement's future is rich with heritage and meaning.

 

What do you think? Do you have any great stories to share? Send us an email: downunder@4barsrest.com

 


 

What's in a program?

 

Hawthorn Band is this week presenting a program designed to whet the appetite and tantalise the senses; a program that includes brand new arrangements of signature Cole Porter and George Gershwin, plus an array of classics from theatre, opera and ballet. Is this the way of the future?

 

In an attempt to gain more popularity and appeal to audience taste, several progressive bands in our region have been presenting themed concerts, such as jazz, stage, screen, etc.

 

Historically, concert programs consisted of the traditional overture, march, hymn, cornet solo, etc, etc, and this was appropriate for the era. Amazingly, a large number of our bands still present programs like this.

 

With such diverse and colourful showpieces for modern brass band – and I'm a particular fan of the recent music of Peter Graham - why then do the majority of bands in Australia and New Zealand not present these wonderful display works to our audiences to demonstrate the unique sounds that are modern brass music?

 

Many publishers churn out arrangements of popular music because that is what they perceive our audiences want to hear – but do they? Maybe it's appropriate for the local shopping mall.

 

Is it all horses for courses, or are we selling our movement short by presenting to the lowest common denominator? Tell us what you think about programming band repertoire: downunder@4barsrest.com

 



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