morawa district high school brass band celebrating 50 … · 2018. 8. 29. · a project such as...
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MORAWA DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL BRASS BAND
Celebrating 50 Years
Morawa District High School Brass Band: Celebrating 50 Years is an initiative of the Morawa District High School Band Committee. © Morawa District High School Band Committee. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. Requests and enquiries concerning production and rights should be addressed to the Morawa District High School Band Committee. Morawa District High School Band Committee Gill St Morawa 6623 Western Australia Project Coordinator: Helen Walter Compiled and edited by: Helen Walter Printed by: Openbook Howden 2‐12 Paul St St Mary’s 5042 South Australia This project was made possible with funding from the Morawa Community Trust, Sinosteel Midwest and the Shire of Morawa. This is another successful Morawa Community Trust funded project. The Morawa Community Trust is a joint initiative between Sinosteel Midwest Corporation Ltd and the Shire of Morawa.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS __________________________________________
A project such as this history of the Morawa School Brass Band would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of many people. The timeline for the completion of the book from start to finish was less than six months and this has been quite a challenge. It is acknowledged that there will be many gaps in the history, and that some of the names of past members of the Band will have been missed out. The majority of members’ names have been collected from past Band photographs and there is not a complete record of these. Our apologies to those people and we welcome any additional names, information and photographs for the Band archives. Photo quality throughout the book is variable as some of the original pictures were poor to start with, and others were scans of photocopied photos. I wish to acknowledge, in no particular order, the following people who have contributed in the following ways;
• Maxine Hill, Lindsay Chappel, David Wolter, Sueann McArthur, Wendy Hutton, Greg Milloy, Dean Carslake, Kirsten Haeusler, Peter Skipworth, Rodney Madden, Jon Offszanka, Ken Stokes, Roger Hey and Trevor Hill for their identification of students in early band photos;
• Tonia Carslake, Michelle Shields, Sue Offszanka, Catherine Moore, Morawa D.H.S. Library and Morawa District Historical Society for loan of past issues of School Magazines;
• Catherine Moore, Caddy Hebiton, Ric Payne, Roger Hey, Wendy Green, Anne Bartlett, George Madden, Joanne Jenkins and Rodney Madden for copies and loan of past band
photographs;
• The Glassford family for donation of original document regarding brass instruments purchase;
• Morawa Community Trust, Sinosteel Midwest and the Shire of Morawa for financial support;
• Morawa District Historical Society for access to their archives;
• Dean Carslake for his contributions to the book with particular reference to the Music Rooms and Performing Arts Centre sections, as well as his management and maintenance of the Morawa D.H.S. Band Facebook page to let people know about the production of the book and requesting input;
• The past students, Bandmasters, Music Teachers and Principals who contributed their memoirs to the book;
• David Sweeney of Openbook Howden for his patience in answering my endless questions about production requirements for the publication of this book;
Finally I wish to thank the members of the Morawa District High School Band Committee and 50th Anniversary Committee for their support and constructive suggestions for the presentation of the book and their trust that I would produce a correct, informative and interesting history of the Morawa District High School Brass Band. Helen Walter 2013
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FOREWORD _________________________
On Good Friday this year I experienced one of my proudest moments as Shire President of Morawa. I had the privilege of being present when the Morawa District High School Brass Band competed at the National Brass Band Championships in Perth. The sense of pride watching these students from our town of Morawa walk into the auditorium with their Band Master, Mr. Dean Carslake was immense. Their performance was outstanding and I will forever remember this occasion. The School Brass Band is an integral part of Morawa. We have been blessed to have a long list of dedicated Band Masters and Band Members over 50 years who have generously given of their time and talents to our community. On behalf of the past and present citizens of Morawa I offer my congratulations and sincere thanks to all past Band Masters, Band Members and Band Committee Members for giving Morawa such musical pleasure for 50 years. Enjoy the memories this book will bring. I wish to thank Helen Walter for her endeavour and dedication in ensuring the history of the Morawa District High School Brass Band is recorded forever.
Karen Chappel Shire President Morawa 2013
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1962 Bandmaster Mr. Kevin Davis Principal Mr. Ross Latham
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STARTING THE MORAWA SCHOOL BAND After graduating from Graylands Teacher’s College I arrived in Morawa at the commencement of the 1961 school year. I was allocated Grades 4 and 5 by Principal Alan Grey. There was a shortage of class rooms so the Supper Room of the Masonic Lodge became my class room. At first I was disappointed not to be in the main school building but I soon got over that and my students and I enjoyed being on our own. Next to the Supper Room lived the local GP Doctor Pope. He and I became good friends and this friendship led to the beginning of the School Band. I often went back to my class in the evening to do lesson preparation for the next day. To my surprise and great joy I heard coming from Doctor Pope’s lounge room magnificent music from a pipe organ. It turned out that Dr. Pope was an English man who came to Morawa for health reasons as he needed to live in a dry climate. He brought with him a pipe organ which he played most evenings. He was Morawa’s Albert Schweitzer. Because of my love of music I was privileged to often sit and listen to him play. In our conversations I told him that from my Salvation Army up‐bringing I played a brass instrument. Dr. Pope pointed out that he was aware that the early German settlers of the town had a brass band. At the beginning of 1962 I enquired about the early band. Many people confirmed there had been a band but no one knew what happened to the instruments, so I began searching. To my great delight I found them after climbing into the loft above the stage in the Town Hall. After gaining permission from the Council and with the help of some of my students we transferred them to the Supper Room and began restoring them. They all needed a good clean up and many required soldering. I can’t remember how many and of what type the instruments were. I know there were a few Cornets and Tenor Horns. I remember there were three Baritones, an E Flat Bass and at least one Trombone.
I started to teach some of my students how to play. This is where I struck my first problem. I had no music for the combination of instruments we had. This is where Dr. Pope re‐enters the scene. He was able to transpose for us. We concentrated on learning Christmas Carols. We played the Carols at the end of year school concert with great success; at least the Band and I thought so. It was a very humble beginning, but we got a lot of community support and encouragement after our first outing. The week after the concert I received a phone call from the Department of Education’s Superintendent of Music, Edgar Nottage. He said he had heard about our Band commencing and did I know about the Denmark Junior High School Band, called the John Clarke Memorial Silver Band. I told him I had not heard of it. Nottage asked if I would be prepared to transfer to Denmark because the Band commenced with a violin teacher and they urgently required a brass band teacher. I refused the offer as I loved Morawa and wanted to stay. I then received a Compulsory Transfer notice and a Second Class Railway ticket to Denmark. Sadly I had no choice but to go. I am so delighted that Helen Walter tracked me down and invited me to attend the 50th celebration. My involvement was a very small one compared to those who came after me. I have been so impressed reading from the Web what the Band has done and what an icon it has become for Morawa. As far as I can determine by searching the Web, the John Clarke Memorial Silver Band doesn’t seem to exist after such a resource rich start. Congratulations to all present and past Band masters, players and supporters of the band. Kevin Davis AM, ‐ Bandmaster 1962
Through the agency of the Morawa Brass Band, an interested citizen and staff member, a nucleus of a School Brass Band was formed. Twelve to sixteen instruments were to be available. 1962 School Journal and Headmaster Report extract from “Histor 1923 ‐ 1984” p.29. y of the Morawa Schools
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The School Band began when Mr. Dick Sasse, the Bandmaster of the Morawa Town Band and Mr. Sam Maher met in July 1962. To supply new recruits for the Town Band, Sam Maher suggested that Dick Sasse form a School Band. Mr. Ross Latham the headmaster was enthusiastic. Ross Latham contacted Mr. Edgar Nottage, the Schools Superintendent of Music, to get Departmental approval. Soon after that, Mr. Nottage’s deputy Miss Frankel visited Morawa and discussed ways and means with Dick Sasse and Ross Latham. As a result of this meeting, Kevin Davis, a trumpet player and teacher within the school, was asked to
organise the School Band. He used eight very old brass instruments belonging to the Town Band. These were found lying idle in the Masonic Hall which was his classroom. Being an ex‐Salvation Army player he commenced to teach a few children, but was transferred the following year to be a Bandmaster in Denmark. In about September 1962 the School Band got going. Some of the early players were Bingo Osborne, Richard Sasse, Brenda Barnes, Les Young, Kevin Franklin, Graham Paeche and others. From “History of the Morawa Schools 1923 ‐ 1984” pages 124‐125. Article written by Mrs. Betty Heitman in 1984 from information provided by Mr. Dick Sasse.
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Morawa Junior High School Brass Band Adelaide Tour February 1972 Back row: Mr. Les Peirce, Greg Knight, Stephen Wornes, Vaughan Jenkins, Ian Hey, Phillip Heron, Jim Prater, Des Hill, Jonathon Offszanka, Max Johnson, Mr. Colin Contos.
Third row: Ian Barr, Ms. Christine Jones, Rae Pulbrook, Ruth Sasse, Trevor Hill, Roger Hey, Anthea Madden, Maurice Wornes, Ken Stokes, Gary Prater, David Wolter.
Second ro Lynette Way, Isobel Erskine, Janet Way, Maxine Hill, Caroline Stephens, Beverley Mottershead.
Morris.
w:
Front row: Joanne Jenkins, Lyn
1982 BANDMASTER’S REPORTS TO BAND COMMITTEE Eleven beginners started, nine on cornets. Will need to replace cornet players that are leaving this year. The Dongara camp will be held on the last weekend of the May holidays. Band contest in Perth on 5th and 6th June. Band to play at the Anzac service at school. Also at the town service on the Sunday in Morawa and Perenjori. No Band practice before Easter. Mr. Kelly asked the Committee to look into the possibility of acquiring a tent or shelter for the Band when playing outdoors.
There was discussion on the damage done to the Band House by a willy‐willy. This will be brought to the attention of the next P & C meeting. Band fees to remain the same as the previous year. New Superintendent of Music Mr. R. Rimmer to be invited to visit to see how the Band operates in Morawa and the problems of operating in the country. From April 1982 Band Committee minutes
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Bandmaster Mr. Kelly reported that the Band played well at the Anzac services. Accommodation has been booked for the Dongara camp at Priory Lodge. Jan Moore and Barbara Chisholm to help for the weekend. Four students from the Geraldton Band will play at the contest with the Morawa Band and will attend the Dongara weekend to practice with the Band. Altogether, 31 children will play in the contest. Allocation of $200 given for Dongara camp ‐ regional money from Geraldton Service and Development.
Billets for contest in Perth to be arranged through Melville School, where the Band will practise for contest whilst in Perth. Band fees set at $12 per child and $20 per family. P & C to organise repairs to Band House. From Band Committee minutes May 1982
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Bandmaster Mr. Ric Kelly reported that the Band won four awards at the State Band Contest.
• Best Junior Country Band • Award for Presentation and Decorum • Own Choice •
At the contest the Band scored second highest points out of all the Bands in the Test Piece and Own Choice.
Best Junior Band
Principal Robin Clarke has asked that the Band be involved in Music Hall.
Some of the instrument cases are in need of repair or replacement. Maybe someone from Manual Arts could do some repairs after school hours. It was moved that the Band Committee purchase a new Imperial Bb silver trombone for $690 and a new Imperial Eb silver tenor horn for $785. Also an extra case for a baritone. Mr. Kelly will fill in the forms from the Education Department to request 2nd Grade instruments for beginners to start on. From July 1982 Band Committee minutes
1992 BAND NEWSLETTERS ____________________________________________
Term 1 of 1992 has been a very productive time of the year for the Band and was capped off rather nicely with a few very professional performances. The concert at Perenjori P.S. was very well received and the MidWest Games show was the best I’ve heard from the Band since being in Morawa. Congratulations have been passed on to the Band from Jackie Gill, Mr. Rando and numerous spectators who were there on the day. Despite the lack of numbers in the audience it was still a very worthwhile experience to play at such an excellent venue. (I think next year we’ll play later in the day!) A set of black bow ties have been purchased for the Band and parents are encouraged to buy them back off the Committee at $12 each. Continuity in uniform is
essential and the purchase of these ties (and the P & C contribution towards new cummerbunds) will help to achieve this goal before we play at the Bands Festival. Geraldton City Brass Band has invited the Morawa Band to a workshop / rehearsal weekend in Dongara on Friday 5th June. This is an ideal opportunity for the Band to get some extra tuition and mix with musicians with similar goals and interests. An itinerary with the weekend’s goals was given out at practise last week. There is a slight cost involved of $10 per head per night. Meals will be prepared and supplied by the Geraldton Band. By Mr. Adrian Doyle. From ws Term 1 1992 Music Ne
____________________________________________ A workshop weekend for the Band students was held at the Music Room on Friday 14th ‐ Saturday 15th August in preparation for the Bands Festival on 19th ‐ 23rd August. Sectional and full Band rehearsals were held culminating in a half hour concert for parents in the undercover area on the Saturday afternoon. Students camped overnight in the music room and meals, games and activities were provided. Congratulations to the Band for their performances at the Carnamah Show and the last assembly, it is the best I’ve heard you play all year! We now have a very entertaining and enjoyable programme of music to play and it is now time to show it off. Looking forward to these coming events.
• 24th September ‐ Concert at Mingenew P.S. • 3rd October ‐ day trip to Geraldton, Marching job with Geraldton Brass Band • 17th October ‐ Morawa Music & Arts Spectacular. March through town with
Geraldton Brass Band. Perform on stage. • 18th October ‐ Spectacular Church Service. Combined Geraldton, Morawa,
Aquinas Bands and Choir. From Music News Term 3 1992
____________________________________________ The School Band represented our school at the Blessing of the Fleet at Dongara on Sunday. The Band has improved immensely this year and I congratulate them and Mr. Doyle. From November 1992 Principal’s Report, P & C Association minutes
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In 1992 the “Last Post” and “Reveille” for the school Anzac Service was played by Chantal Hipfner.
2002 Senior Bandmaster Mr. Dean Carslake
Primary Bandmistress Mrs. Helen Walter Principal Mrs. Janine Calver
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BAND AND INSTRUMENTAL NEWS 2002 Both the Secondary and Primary Brass Bands have had a busy year, performing as separate Bands and as a Combined Band under the directorship of Mr. Carslake and Mrs. Walter. The Secondary Band started the year with eighteen musicians, including four from Years 11 and 12, and the Primary Band fifteen. During Term 2 the Year 7 Primary Band students joined the Secondary Band attending the regular after school rehearsals on Thursdays, as well as continuing as the lead players in the Primary Band. The Primary Band rehearsed during Period 1 on Fridays. Their numbers were increased during Term 3 with the addition of seven beginner instrumental students from Years 5 and 6. Performances during the year included Anzac Services at Morawa D.H.S. and at the Town War Memorial, a Steak Night at the Morawa Golf and Bowling Club, school assemblies, the Open Night, the Father’s Day Dinner at the Club, the Bands Festival at Hale School in Perth, the Midwest Lions Expo at Mingenew, and the
opening ceremony of the District High Schools Countryweek at the Perry Lakes Basketball Stadium. Term 4 performances included the Year 12 Leavers’ Assembly, the Bands Spectacular at the QPT in Geraldton and Presentation Night. Two of our brass students performed at the Geraldton Eisteddfod in June, winning 1st place in their sections. A number of secondary instrumental students are actively involved in the Jazz Group and travelled to Mingenew and Perenjori Primary schools during Term 3 to promote the fantastic music program on offer here at Morawa D.H.S. By Helen Walter From 2002 Morawa D.H.S. Yearbook
_________________________________________ Right:Doubleview Primary Camp School for the W.A. Schools
02.
Combined Band students rehearsing at
Band Festival in August 20
Left: The Senior Band performed at the Three Springs Primary School Fete in March 2012. Partway through one of the pieces, a helicopter hovered overhead, causing mayhem as music flew everywhere and instruments were filled with grit.
Right:2012, held at the Queens Park Theatre, where the Morawa D.H.S. Combined Brass Band performed “Guards of Honour”, “Canto Religioso”
Programme cover from the Geraldton Bands Spectacular in October
and “ABBA Gold.”
Left: Senior Band percussionists Lucy Hebiton and Fletcher Chisholm at the WABA State contest, held at the University of Western Australia on 3rd June 2012. The Band won the Junior division of this contest. Right: Programme cover from the 2012 Steak Night fundraising dinner at the Morawa Town Hall on the 31st August. Groups who performed included the Senior and Primary Brass Bands, the Primary Guitar ensemble and the Year 9/10 Pop Band.
INDEX OF BANDMASTERS 1962 2013
Year Name Late 1962 Mr. Kevin Davis 1963 ‐ 1965 Mr. Keith Maughan 1966 ‐ 1969 Mr. Robert Pollard 1970 ‐ 1972 Mr. Les Peirce 1973 ‐ 1976 Mr. Robert Benton 1877 ‐ 1980 Mr. Roger Hey 1981 ‐ 1983 Mr. Richard (Ric) Kelly 1984 ‐ 1986 Miss Wendy Green 1987 ‐ 1988 Miss Anne Robinson 1989 ‐ 1990 Mr. Bevan Uren 1991 ‐ 1992 Mr. Adrian Doyle 1993 ‐ 1998 Mr. Dean Carslake 1999 Miss Sarah O’Leary 2000 ‐ 2001 Mr. Dean Carslake 2002 Mr. Dean Carslake & Mrs. Helen Walter 2003 Miss Janet Ross, Mr. Dean Carslake & Mrs. Helen Walter 2004 ‐ 2007 Mr. Dean Carslake & Mrs. Helen Walter 2008 ‐ 2010 Miss Kirsten Payne, Mrs. Kirsten Haeusler, Mr. Dean Carslake & Mrs. Helen Walter 2011 ‐ 2013 Mr. Dean Carslake & Mrs. Helen Walter