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Nationals 2010 Update
Unley Concert Band is beginning to focus on preparations for the upcoming B Grade National contest on Saturday 3rd April 2010 in Hobart. This includes several extra half or full day rehearsals in the next two months for all involved. One of these rehearsal days includes a full day marching workshop with two internationally accredited drill adjudicators on Saturday 27th February. The purpose of this workshop is not only to perfect marching technique for our usual marching engagements but to polish the band's drill and marching technique for the upcoming Street March competition in Hobart. It is a privilege for us to be able to learn from their knowledge and experience. Please make sure you make yourselves available for these great opportunities to enhance our performance in both the marching and stage competition at Easter. If you have any questions regarding the marching workshop, please contact Drum Major Jeff Hale.
Vice-Regal Reception at Government House
Unley Concert Band was recently privileged to be invited to a Vice-Regal Reception at Government House on Monday 8th February 2010 to celebrate the band's achievements of recent years. The 45-strong band proudly marched up the driveway of Government House to the front door where we performed the Vice Regal salute for His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce and his wife Liz Scarce. The band was then welcomed inside Government House where the His Excellency kindly spoke of the band's 2009 Anzac Tour and particularly our contribution to the Dawn Service in Villers-Bretonneux on Anzac Day. Among the noted guests attending the reception were The Honourable Michael Atkinson MP, The French consul and City of Unley Mayor Richard Thorne. It was a honour to be invited to attend such a prestigious event.
"Swerve" - That's a wrap!
UCB's recent foray into movies recently came to a conclusion this month with a large contingent of the band filming several scenes for the South Australian film "Swerve" which will star a number of well-known Australian actors. The band filmed their marching scenes on 11th and 12th January, the first day in a sweltering 46 degrees, the second in the pouring rain. Due to the latter being delayed due to wet roads, the casting directors were treated to a personal performance of 'Thriller' by the band which received much enthusiasm! The band has since received very positive feedback from the crew and producers of the film who were full of praise for UCB's professionalism and cooperation. Thank you to all involved and particularly to those members who have recently filmed subsequent scenes in February on behalf of the band.
"Swerve" - UCB to become movie stars!
The band is one of a few South Australian bands to be participating in a film shoot of the feature film "Swerve", an outback thriller, for the South Australian Film Corporation. A portion of the marching band will be filming on January 11-12 in the north of Adelaide, a rare and exciting opportunity for the band. Details at present are not confirmed but all members participating will be required in full uniform with instruments. The list of members selected to participate has been emailed but if you are not sure of your participation, please contact Jeff or Brendan.
Reception at Government House
Unley Concert Band have been invited to attend a Governor's Reception at Government House on Monday 8th February 2010 in recognition of the band's contributions to the commemorative events in France and Belgium in 2009. The band will perform a march up King William Street from the Torrens Parade ground to Government House before attending the very special invitation only function. More information will be provided in the near future as it becomes available.
Unley Concert Band Christmas Wrap
Unley Concert Band finished off 2009 with a busy schedule of pageants and performances. The band participated in six pageants over the Christmas period - Credit Union, Glenelg, Norwood, Blackwood, Mt Barker and Mannum, the latter including a very relaxing social barbeque by the River Murray. Thank you to everybody for their dedication to the pageant season, to Jeff Hale and especially to Maurice Lateu for his hard work in organising these pageants this year.
The band then finished off the year with a very exuberant concert with the renowned Tutti Ensemble at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Community Centre, Henley Beach on Wednesday 16th December 2009. Playing to a packed house, the choir and band were given a rousing reception by the enthusiastic audience and it was a fun (and sometimes challenging) combined portion of the concert. Thank you to our Music Director Kevin Cameron and Tutti Artistic Director Pat Rix for allowing the band the opportunity to be involved in this Christmas concert. A great end to a very busy and memorable year for the band.
**Newsflash** Unley Concert Band and the Tutti Ensemble to collaborate in an exciting BROADWAY SPECTACULAR at Elder Hall on 3-4th July 2010 with featured soloists. Lock it in your diaries!
Australian National Band Championships 2010
In 2010, UCB will be stepping up their rehearsal schedule in preparation for an appearance in the B Grade section of the Australian National Band Championships in Hobart, Tasmania at Easter. This will include several rehearsal days/weekends in the first few months of 2010, including marching rehearsals as the band will possibly also compete in the Street March event. Please make sure these rehearsals are cleared in your diaries. First rehearsal for the year will be on Wed 13th January - we look forward to seeing you all there.
Golden Oldies World Hockey Festival 2009
Unley Concert Band will, this weekend, provide music for the opening ceremony of the Golden Oldies World Hockey tournament on 20th September 2009 at 5:00 pm, courtesy of band librarian/flautist/hockey player Janet Stone.
The performance will consist of a short concert of entertainment music next to the Adelaide Convention Centre for the 900 hockey players from 12 different countries. The marching band will then lead the procession of local, interstate and international hockey players down next to the Torrens River to King William Street and on to Adelaide Oval. The performances look to be a fun engagement for the band and we look forward to another successful marching performance under the direction of Drum Major, Jeff Hale.
Christmas Pageant Season is Coming!
Unley Concert Band has always been a prominent face in local pageants including the Adelaide Credit Union Christmas Pageant, and this year will be no different. The band is likely to particpate in up to 8 pageants this Christmas period - Adelaide, Norwood, Blackwood, Mount Barker (and possibly Mannum, Stirling, Glenelg and Murray Bridge).
This year looks to be particularly successful due to some exuberant additions to our marching repertoire, thanks to our Chef de Tambour Jeff Hale. We strongly encourage all members to avail themselves for these engagements as these are the most public and profile building performances of the band's year. Let's end the year with some Christmas Cheer.
Members: Please attend marching rehearsals to ensure the band is slick in its marching discipline. Also, if you haven't already done so, please make sure you have indicated your availability for each of the pageants on the forms provided at rehearsal.
More details about specific pageants to come.
Third Annual SABA Spring Contest
Unley Concert Band will host the third annual Spring Contest for concert bands at the Concordia College Chapel on Sunday 18th October 2009 at 2pm. The day will consist of judged entertainment performance from 4 prominent SABA affiliated concert bands. The friendly Spring Contest promises to be a time of mutual concert band cooperation and good natured competition. Unley Concert Band members look forward to hearing the high standard offered by the other bands in the contest and to meeting other members of the concert band community.
May the best band win!
SABA Band Championships 2009
Unley Concert Band once again gave a solid performance at the South Australian Band Championships on Saturday 29th August 2009 at Scotch College Chapel. Unley was successful in attaining the B Grade Concert Division Championship, performing the works On A Hymnsong Of Philip Bliss, Suite of Old American Dances by Robert Russell Bennett and a rousing medley of ABBA songs.
Thank you to all members for their hard work in preparation for the contest and to Kevin Cameron for his continued efforts in leading the band.
A congratulations should also go to Unley Concert Band trumpet player and SABA contest convener, Bronwyn Dolman for her excellent effort in organising the events for the day.
Congratulations to all the bands on the day for their impressive performances and we look forward to next year's competition.
UCB Members find success at SABA Solo and Party Events
Unley Concert Band members were in force at the South Australian Band Association Solo and Party events on the weekend of 20-21 June 2009. Many members were winners of their respective sections and every competitor from our band received a placing in their section which is an outstanding achievement. Nicole Molloy was successful in being named the inaugural Concert Champion of Champions for 2009.
The results were:
- Corinne Teng - 1st - Open Percussion
- Hannah Reid - 1st - Open Flute
- Jade McEvoy - 2nd - Open Flute
- Nicole Molloy - 1st - Open Clarinet
- Andrew Edgeworth - 1st - Open Trumpet
- Paul Hampton-Smith - 1st - Open French Horn
- Adam Black - 2nd - Open French Horn
- Kirby Heath - 1st - Junior Saxophone
- Stephen Jarman and Nicole Molloy - 2nd - Open Duo
- Nadia Henriks and Bronwyn Dolman - 3rd - Open Duo
Many congratulations also go to the winners representing other bands, including several UCB members who competed for other SABA bands and achieved success. Congratulations to the winners of all sections and a particularly extension of congratulations to Kevin Joughin of K & N Spring Gully Brass for another fine performance on Open Cornet and a fitting victor in the brass Champion of Champions event for 2009.
We strongly encourage other members of our band and other SABA affiliated concert bands to participate in future solo/party competitions as this has proven to be a great experience for all involved.
Finally, many thanks to the four piano accompanists who provided their skills for our members: Andrew Georg, Tanika Richards, Leanne Savill and Corinne Teng.
A fine result all round for UCB.
SABA Partnerships Concert with St Andrews School Band
On Sunday 14th June 2009, Unley Concert Band joined together with St Andrews School Band to participate in a workshop and performance for the St Andrews School community. St Andrews School and Unley performed a short concert of popular music for the audience before combining for powerful renditions of popular pieces such as The Pink Panther and Sing Sing Sing. The children from the school responded well to the workshops and together with Unley members, put on a fine performance of some of the pieces that they have been working on during the year with their teacher and UCB Deputy Musical Director, Anna Coppens, who has brought them already to a very high standard.
Unley was pleased to begin developing a strong relationship with such a successful school band and are looking forward to future banding endeavours made possible through the SABA 2 year Partnership scheme. Congratulations to all involved for a very successful day.
SABA Partnerships concert with St Andrew's School
The Unley Concert Band will be performing a joint performance with the St Andrew's School Concert Band on 14 June at the St Andrew's Primary School Hall, Church Tce, Walkerville
ANZAC Tour Party Returns
The Unley Concert Band has returned from a triumphant tour of France and Belgium to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The band has received many accolades for their performances on the Western Front, including the honour of performing at the ANZAC day memorial dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux. For the full story read here...
Success at the Australian National Band Championships, Sydney - April 9th-13th 2009
Unley Concert Band recently competed in the B Grade Concert Band division of the National Band Championships in Sydney over the Easter weekend, proving to be a strong contender at a national level once again. The band placed second, behind Sutherland PCYC Concert Band, the current B Grade champions, and Unley gave one of the band's best performances to date. Many thanks to our Music Director, Dr Kevin Cameron, for his excellent work in preparing the band for this performance and to the members for their hard work in preparation for the competition.
A number of band members competed in the solo and party events on the first day of competition and received success in their division. The Unley Clarinet Quartet received a third placing in the Open Quartet section, the highest placed South Australian ensemble in the division and one member of this quartet, Nicole Molloy, received a 3rd placing in the open Clarinet division. Kathy Simmons also performed well in the same section, receiving a 5th placing. Congratulations also go to the Tea Tree Gully Redbacks for their third placing in the B Grade Concert Band division, Mark Smith for yet another outstanding result, placing first in the Open Flugel Horn division and to the K & N Spring Gully Brass quintet for their 2nd placing in the Open Quintet.
Overall, a very pleasing result for South Australian banding.
Preparation for ANZAC Tour 2009 and National Band Championships
The last few weeks have seen weekend rehearsals, evening marching practices, sectional practices across the metropolitan area and lots of personal practise at home.
This work has been preparing us for the National Band Championships in Sydney at Easter and then a contingent of players are continuing on to Belgium and France for several ANZAC commemorations and some public concerts.
The weekend of March 13-15, was our "band camp" of sorts; including:
- a Friday evening rehearsal at the Mitcham Band room,
- an all day Europe rehearsal including marching on the Saturday
- a special BBQ tea where our tour agent ANGUS TRAVEL shared information about the itinerary, accommodation and of course, the ANZAC events in which we are privileged to participate. We have a handful of non-playing family members who are joining us on parts or all of the tour and it was a pleasure to spend time over a meal, getting to know them.
- an all day rehearsal for Nationals hosted by St Andrews School at Walkerville
Thank you to Mitcham City Brass for their generous assistance, allowing us to hold many rehearsals in their band room, the use of percussion instruments, music stands etc, throughout the last few weeks.
Also, St Andrews Primary School have been kind to allow us to use their percussion equipment and hall for the larger rehearsals.
As we prepare and yet contemplate the significance of visiting the Western Front in Europe; a place where hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians died in horrific circumstances, the Unley Concert Band members are researching their own family histories to see if they have family who gave their lives in WW I and WW 2 in Belgium and France and many are making moving discoveries.
We are deeply grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to events which commemorate the enormous sacrifices made by millions of people, including the dedicated & courageous ANZAC forces
Anzac Tour Concert Review
The Anzac Tour Concert held in the Unley Town Hall on Sunday 22nd March 2009 was a great success. The band was delighted to have a supportive and appreciative audience for their first performance of the repertoire for Europe,and were lucky enough to receive a rousing standing ovation at the conclusion. The band played well with repertoire very different to the music normally performed in concerts by the band. Sales of the Gallipoli Rosemary and the raffle were most successful in raising significant funds for the band. It is encouraging as the band embarks on this historic tour that we have the utmost support from the remaining band members and the community.
Music included:
- L'Arlesienne Suite No.1 & 2 - Bizet
- Australian Up-Country Tune - Grainger
- Zampa Overture - Herold
- Fantasy on an Australian Song - Kopetz
- Irish Tune from County Derry & Shepherd's Hey - Grainger
- Marche Militaire Francais - Saint Saens
- Suite Francaise - Milhaud
The band is now excited to have the opportunity to play this impressive program for the first time in the Cath-drale Saint-Louis des Invalides in Paris.
The Malvern Uniting Church Malfunction
On Saturday the 28th March the Unley Concert Band was invited to march and open the Malvern Uniting Church MalFunction event. The band was given a special welcome complete with police escort down Rugby Street to the dais where the band completed a full inspection. Special guest, Darryl Pope, had the honour of performing The Last Post for this special ceremony in which the band was blessed for the upcoming Tour. This special marching event proved to be a fitting introduction to the marching events that the band will participating in on the Western Front. With all the marching practices that have been attended by all members the band appears to be in good form for a precise performance at the first marching engagement at the Menin Gate, Ypres.
Australian National Band Championships 2009
In addition to the band's busy schedule in preparing for the International Tour, the band has been working hard in preparation for the B grade contest division at the Australian National Band Championships on the Easter Weekend at the Seymour Centre in Sydney. Unley Concert Band will be representing South Australia in a competitive field of 6 bands (including SA's Tea Tree Gully Redbacks) in this division and are looking forward to a great performance.
Best wishes to those also competing in the Solo and Party events as well as the other South Australian Competitors at our national competition.
A concert of the South Australian Bands representing our state at the National Band Championships will be held at the Scotch College Chapel, Carruth Rd, Torrens Park on 5 April 2009 at 2pm. The hosts will also be competing in the Junior Division with their concert band.
For more information on the Australian Band Championships please visit the Nationals 2009 site.
Anzac Tour 2009
Tour plans for Unley Concert Band's tour to Europe in April 2009 are well underway and the band has been preparing a vast and impressive array of repertoire for the concerts and marches to be undertaken during the tour in France and Belgium. This is proving to be a very exciting venture for the band.
We are pleased to welcome on board our sponsors for the trip: The City Of Unley, Bendigo Bank and Billy Hyde Music and thank them for their generous contribution to the success of the tour. We welcome any additional sponsorship from organisations who wish to take part in this important and potentially unforgettable event.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the Anzac Tour, please contact the Tour Director, Dr Kevin Cameron, on 0419 496 894
Australia Day Council Luncheon
On Friday, 23rd January 2009, Unley Concert Band were invited to perform at the Australia Day Council Luncheon at the Adelaide Town Hall. The band had the opportunity to perform with renowned choral director Jonathon Welch and members of the Tutti Ensemble in 3 pieces all of which were met with acclaim by the guests. The band were appreciated for their participation in the luncheon. Many thanks to all that assisted with the difficult task of setting the stage and the subsequent bump out and also to Kevin Cameron for his preparation of the band for this event so early on in the year.
This was a very prestigious event for Unley Concert Band to be involved with, as the guest list included many high profile guests from government and corporate areas of South Australia.
Small Ensemble News
Recently, Unley Concert Band were asked to provide entertainment at a City of Unley function in the Unley Civic Centre at the request of the Mayor, Richard Thorne. Due to the nature of the function and size of the venue, a selection of small ensembles were deemed more appropriate for the occasion. As a result, Unley Concert Band's flute, clarinet and wind quartets performed a variety of music for a large number of councillors and past mayors.
The flute quartet played a selection of classical pieces in the foyer for arriving guests while the wind and clarinet quartets performed a varied programme for the following function. All groups were well received and the Mayor was kind enough to mention the band's contribution to the event in his address to the guests.
Thank you to all the members of the band who made the commitment to addtional practices and donated their time to perform at this event and to David Corkindale for his assistance at the event.
Unley Concert Band to tour France and Belgium
The Unley Concert Band will travel to Sydney at Easter 2009 to contest the Australian National Band Championships, and will then fly to Europe for a 12 day tour of France to support ANZAC Day services and commemorations on the battlefields of the Western Front.
The Unley Concert Band will be working in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Australian Embassy in Paris to provide music for services and commemorations in such famous locations as Ypres, Bullecourt, Amiens, and Villers-Bretonneux. The Unley Concert Band will also give a concert in Paris and provide music for La Flamme & the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe.
The European portion of our tour will involve various commemorative events in Paris, Belgium, and the Somme. This tour presents a range of opportunities including fellowship, shopping, and sightseeing, but also the more reflective and spiritual experiences related to the outcomes of war, sacrifice, and remembrance. "It will be an unforgettable experience" said Unley Concert Band Music Director, Kevin Cameron.
Please contact Kevin Cameron on 0419 496 894.
SABA Spring Festival
The SABA Spring Festival hosted by Unley Concert Band featured three local Concert Bands in a friendly entertainment contest.
- When: Sunday 21st September at 2pm
- Where: Unley Town Hall
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Concert Bands involved were:
- Onkaparinga
- Holdfast Bay
- Tea Tree Gully
- Unley
Thank you to all the bands that contributed to making the day a great success.
*UPDATE* We are pleased to announce that Unley Concert Band were victorious in this event for the second year running, despite some fine performances from the other concert bands who performed on the day. The adjudicator, Jim Dempsey, was full of praise for all performers and the high standard of playing. Congratulations to all involved and we look forward to the contest in 2009.
Unley Concert Band Quiz Night
Unley Concert Band's inaugural quiz night on 6th September was a great success. Highlights of the evening included a 'stunning' parade of new superheroes, complete with new name and costume, an outfit that our illustrious timpanist Gabby Kelly (aka Lager Girl) wore with winning pride!
It was a fun spirited evening for all and we managed to raise a substantial amount which will be put towards much need equipment for the band.
Many thanks to all who contributed prizes and their valuable time to make this a roaring success! Particular thanks to our major business sponsors:
- Deaf Can Do
- Exide Technologies
- The Good Guys
- Size Music
- Pure Earth
for their generous donations.
Success at Victorian State Championships
At the Victorian State Championships at the Centre for Performing Arts in Ballarat on 23 August 2008, the band won the Open B Grade Concert Band Championship. The band came first (90/100) for the Own Choice test piece ("Music for a Festival") and for the two Entertainment pieces ("Lawrence of Arabia" and "That's Entertainment") and won the overall combined event by 5 clear points. The adjudicator was very complimentary about much of the playing and said that the band had clearly A grade capabilities. Special congratulations to the team who made up the band for Ballarat. Apparently an SA band has not won in Victoria for some years so that added to the achievement.
As you can imagine there was a happy crew on Saturday night and even though there were a few in need of serious rest on the trip home on Sunday the atmosphere on the bus back was very upbeat. Thanks again to our MD, Dr. Kevin Cameron for the choice of music and for leading and preparing the band.
Recruitment
Players of woodwind/brass/percussion at approx Grade 5 level welcome for 2008/09
The Unley Concert Band is currently seeking expressions of interest from players of all woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments to join this successful banding team. In particular, players are especially welcome in the following sections:
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Saxophone
- French Horn
- Percussion
We currently have a band membership of over 50 musicians. If you would like to join us, please contact Brendan, the band secretary.