Clockblox

Levin & Districts Brass Inc

Happenings

Engagements Diary

2006

7 January - Big Dig at Waitarere Beach, postponed from 2 January because of the weather

12 January  - Rehearsals resume

28 January - Wellington Racing Club, Trentham

25 March - Bands in the Park - WDBBA event, Porirua, Hutt Valley, Wellington parks

25 April - ANZAC Day Parade and Civic Ceremony

?? May - Schools' Concerts assisting Dannevirke Brass - date to be confirmed

25 June - pre-contest Concert

4 - 9 July - National Contest in Dunedin

3 September - Wellington District Contest at Southward's Theatre, Paraparaumu

28 October - Bavarian, Otaki

18 November - "Last Night at the Proms"

Recent Events

Well, yes, we did actually have a very full year in 2005, so obviously this needs updating - "watch this space".

24 January 2005 - Wellington Racing Club RSA Family Day, Trentham
Wartime Idol competition, for which the band provided accompaniment, shared with Upper Hutt Brass Band

2 January 2005 - Big Dig

29 November - 23 December 2004 - Carolling

30 October 2004 - Bavarian Night, Otaki Rotary

10 October 2004 - Wellington District Contest, Wellington

25 September 2004 - Pot-luck Dinner and Social Evening

19 September 2004 - Bavarian Night, Otaki RSA

18 September 2004 - Combined Concert with Feilding Brass, Levin

4 September 2004 - Spring Fling Street Parade, Foxton

25 July 2004 - AGM

27 June 2004 - Pre-contest Concert

9 May 2004 - Wellington District Solo & Party Events Contest

Levin's only entry, Brian Stewart, in the Open Slow Melody, played "Nessun Dorma", and finished 7th in a field of about 18.

8 May 2004 - "A Night at the Proms"  

2 May 2004 - Band "In-house" Solos Contest

25 April 2004 - ANZAC Day Parade & Service

The band fulfilled this annual public duty once again, leading the street parade, and providing musical accompaniment for the Hymn and National Anthem at the late-morning civic service.

16 & 17 February 2004 - Manawatu floods

While not a band activity, this is newsworthy stuff very close to home.  Two weather systems collided over the lower North Island to produce a "100-year" flood.  While Levin township was virtually unscathed due to its geography, neighbouring Shannon and Foxton to the north were badly affected, as were Feilding, Palmerston North, Tangimoana, and many surrounding rural areas.  Many many roads were closed, and families throughout the Manawatu-Rangitikei region were evacuated from their homes.  The following links provide some images of the flooding.
PN Flooding
Our Region
Palmerston North City Council
Manawatu District Council

19 January 2004 - Wellington Racing Club RSA Family Day, Trentham

The band played a selection of popular music and wartime favourites in 15 minute sets in honour of RSA (Royal New Zealand Returned Services' Association) members.  In addition, the band featured in the Official Commemoration in the Birdcage to honour the 90th year since New Zealand soldiers marched down the straight at Trentham Race Course prior to departing for training in Egypt, before heading to Gallipoli in 1915 - many never returned.  WRC President, Ron Dixon and RNZRSA President David Cox assisted Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Dr Michael Cullen in unveiling a commemorative plaque, and there followed an Air Force Boeing 757 flypast from north to south over the back straight - an awesome sight.   (Click on thumbnail to see larger image.)  

The wounded who did return from Gallipoli founded the RSA in 1916 to support the care of their fellow comrades and to assist the families of those who would never return.

15 January 2004 - Condolences

Band members were saddened to learn of the death this morning of Life Member May Bignal.  Just two days earlier, the committee had learned of May's admission to hospital, and had been presented with the Life Membership Certificates belonging to May and her late husband, George - May had wished them to have a new home as she prepared to move into Summerset Retirement Village.  Last December band members had visited May at home during the carolling rounds of Rest Homes, Hospitals, and Life Members - and she hadn't wanted us to leave.  "Play one more", had been her repeated request.

Sincere condolences are offered to May's family.

2 January 2004 - Big Dig

A bright sunny day at Waitarere Beach (Beachcam) saw a record crowd try their luck at the band's annual Big Dig fundraiser.  More than 1100 tickets were sold, and 151 prizes were up for grabs in each of the two pits, with all but 18 of the prize disks being found in the two hours of digging.  A hugely successful day for the band's funds!!   Thanks to all involved.

20 December 2003 - End-of-year Breakup

After a day's carolling outside The Warehouse (in 2-hour shifts) band members gathered at the bandroom to play carols for Life Members and other invited guests.  This took the form of a request session, bringing out favourites such as "The Carol of the Drum" and "O Holy Night" !!  This was preceded by a demonstration of the dedication and initiative of two of our learners, Seb Taylor and Gareth Jeune.  These boys had been two of our learners who had attended a WDBBA youth training camp at Waikanae in November, and had taken it upon themselves to get together to practise their respective parts of "All in the April Evening".  Tutor Colin Honey joined them in playing through the piece for a most appreciative audience.  Speeches followed the carols, then service awards were presented.  Debra Fraser and Glenn Walbran each received acknowledgement of 5 years' service, Barrie Buck, Chris Craddock and Peter Smaling 15 years, Graham Strode-Penny 20 years, and Ray Harvey (in absentia) and John Fenn 30 years.  Some of these awards were long overdue, and John, for instance, next year qualifies for his 35-year service award.  Congratulations (and thanks!) to all recipients.  A pot-luck meal followed, and a good evening of fellowship ensued.

1 - 23 December 2003 - Carolling
Band members turned out for Carolling on no less than 17 occasions in all.  This included street carolling as well as playing outside two local supermarkets for their Christmas Club nights, a whole Saturday outside The Warehouse in 2-hour shifts, doing the rounds of the "pubs and clubs" in Levin, as well as in Foxton and Shannon, visiting all of the Levin rest homes and hospitals, and there was also a band playout at the Waitarere Beach community carol singing.  A huge thankyou to every single person who helped in any way, whether player, collector, or that important support person at home who cooked the evening meal so people could turn out on time, or were understanding enough to allow their loved one out so often at this busy time of year.  No matter if you went carolling once or twice,10 times or 17 times it was a real team effort this year, & we know everyone gave of their time freely & willingly when they could .

There is a tremendous goodwill towards the Band within the community at present, which was also demonstrated by the very warm reception we received in the Pubs & Clubs in Foxton & Shannon (an excellent Public Relations exercise by the Band), and the tremendous support the businesses have shown with prizes donated towards the Big Dig.

15 October 2003 - 2nd Engineer Regiment, Royal NZ Engineers' Freedom of the Borough March

With the NZ Army Band being unavailable, the job of accompanying the regiment when it exercised its right to the Freedom of the Borough, fell to Levin & Districts Brass.  This was only the 5th time that this right had been exercised, the previous times being in 1959, 1968, 1987 and 1999.  Despite it being held on a Wednesday morning, enough bandspeople got time off work and other commitments to make the parade a goer - the regiment would not have marched without a band.  (Click on any thumbnail for a larger image.)

           

12 October 2003 - Wellington District Contest, Upper Hutt

While optimistic of repeating successes achieved at National level in July, it none-the-less came as somewhat of a surprise to walk away with two trophies at the District Contest, given that we were competing in a combined C & D grade section.  At the end of the day, results showed that we had finished behind the two C Grade bands in the morning's Sacred Item and Test Piece competition, but overtook them strongly in winning the afternoon's Concert competition, to also take out the section aggregate.  Pictured are, from left, Drum Major Peter Smaling and Musical Director Robert Lynch with the trophies won this year at National and District contests. (Click on the photo for a larger image.)

28 August 2003 - Condolences

Ken Brooker, once a Secretary of the band, died today.  The band's sympathies are extended to Ken's family.

9 August 2003 - AGM

In a break from tradition, caused by the inability to find a Sunday afternoon that suited key people, the AGM was held on a Saturday evening.  Learners'  tutor, Colin Honey, opened proceedings by conducting  the Junior Band comprising five of the learners.  This group has been playing together for just 3 months, and acquitted themselves well with two numbers.  The main band then played the National D grade-winning hymn Aurelia, followed by Devon Fantasy, which is being prepared as our Own Selection for the Wellington District Contest.  The closing number was an Alan Fernie arrangement of Just a Closer Walk with Thee.   The AGM proper then took place. 

President Chris Craddock welcomed all to the meeting.  Those present included MP Darren Hughes, the Mayor and Mayoress Tom and Naumai Robinson, and Life members and supporters. 

Following the presentation of various reports, and addresses from the floor, the election of officers was held, results of which can be seen on the Personnel page.

Presentations were made to outgoing Secretary Wendy Harvey, and to Louise (Lou) Fenn, who was leaving the band after some 13 years of service, and moving to Whakatane.  The band wishes you all the best, Lou.

Awards.  The Youth Trust Trophy (for the most outstanding contribution from a youth member of senior band), along with a miniature provided by the Supporters' Group, was awarded to Manaaki Barrett.  The Feickert Cup (for the most contributing playing member of the band) went to Colin Honey, and Chris Craddock received the Theo de Mey Cup (for service to Levin & Districts Brass).

The evening concluded with supper and fellowship.

Condolences

Shirley Beissel, wife of Life Member Gordon, passed away recently.  Our thoughts are with Gordon and the family.

24 July 2003 - Election of Band Officers

The second half of band practice was turned over to the election of band officers, with the results to go to the AGM on 9 August, for ratification. 

19 July 2003 - RSA 50th Anniversary Concert

A short playout, comprising 10 minutes' pre-concert entertainment, then the opening number "Pomp & Circumstance", with singer Margaret Craddock (mother of band President and Eb bass player, Chris). 

9 - 12 July 2003 - National Contest

See Contest page dedicated to this topic

6 July 2003 - Pre-contest Concert

Held at the Salvation Army Worship & Community Centre, Levin.  The band is grateful to the Levin Corps of the Salvation Army for once again allowing the use of their very fine facilities.  A good turnout of supporters was present to hear the band's entries for National Contest.  Four ensembles were entered - 3 quintets (Puttin' on the Ritz, Golliwog's Cakewalk and variations on the theme of Happy Birthday) and one quartet (Clouds and Sunshine).  The band then played the Hymn/Sacred Item (Aurelia), Test Piece (Three Miniatures) and Stage March (Under the Double Eagle).  By popular request, the Street March, St Kilda, was also played, as an encore.  Marching practice in a nearby carpark followed the concert, with many of the audience staying on to watch this as well.

14 June 2003 - "A Night at the Proms"  
Levin Little Theatre presented A Night at the Proms at the Waiopehu College Hall.  The programme comprised items from Levin & Districts Brass, conducted by Colin Honey, the Renaissance Singers, conducted by Guy Donaldson, soprano Gaye Carrington-Smith, Concordia, conducted by Beverley Wilson, and Foxton Duo, Beryl Carter and Elsa Jensen.  Piano accompaniment was provided by Alison Lines and Guy Donaldson, and the evening was most ably compered by Alan Smith.  As well as presenting their own items, the artists combined on several numbers to very good effect.  A very responsive and apparently appreciative audience took the spirit of the evening to heart, and joined in with typical proms antics, and lustily sang their way through the finale numbers, Jerusalem (twice - the first time was a warm-up!) , Rule Britannia, Pomp & Circumstance (Land of Hope & Glory) and an encore.

The band is very grateful to Kerry Garret, Porirua, and Mike Clark, Palmerston North, for helping out in the cornet ranks.  Our Musical Director, Robert Lynch, was probably in mid-air somewhere between the UK and NZ (returning from a trip home), for the duration of the concert, but he had previously done a lot of work in transposing the proms music into band configuration, and taking the earlier rehearsals.  Joe Pape, member of the band and of the Renaissance singers, was the organiser of the event - thanks and congratulations Joe.

In particular, a special thank-you goes to Colin Honey who took over the reins (or should that be the baton?) in Robert's absence, for the last several rehearsals, and as already mentioned, conducting on the night. 

25 May 2003 - Evan Patterson Tombs QCM

The band's much loved and highly respected patron, Evan Tombs, passed away early this morning at the age of 82.  Our most heart-felt condolences go to his wife Edna, and the family. 

Evan was a gentleman, and a gentle man, unassuming and humble, and never without a twinkle in his eye and a ready smile of friendship or encouragement (or both!). 

He was stoic in his support of the band, and ever keen to learn of it's activities, progress and contest results.  Evan was still actively participating in banding until quite recently, playing bass drum with the band of the Levin Corps of the Salvation Army, and he had participated in a full practice night at Levin & Districts Brass in March, an evening he had found both exhilarating and exhausting!!  It had been a long time since he had played for such a duration, and with a laugh, he had admitted that he needed a bit more stamina.  And how he could caress that bass drum, playing with flair and finesse, and always strictly in tempo!

Evan's son Don, and grandson John, both played percussion with Levin & Districts Brass for a time during the 1990's, while daughter-in-law Col, and grand-daughter Jamie, both took lessons in brass, and played with the Junior Band.  Col was band Secretary for a time.

This band will be combining with the Salvation Army band at Evan's funeral on Wednesday 28 May.

Evan will be remembered with much fondness and respect, and will be so very sorely missed. 

23 May 2003 - Band of the Year application declined

The band executive learned today that the band's application to take part in the Band of the Year competition at National Contest in July has been declined.  This is most disappointing.  Having cleaned up the entertainment section of the Wellington District Contest last year (not bad, for a D grade band) with what has become known as "The Millionaire Show", or simply "Millionaire", (a wonderful spoof of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?", written and directed by our own talented team) we were looking forward to pitting the show against bands from around the country. 

22 May 2003 - Condolences

The death occurred in Gisborne this week, of Mr Bill Stewart, father and grandfather of Norm and Brian, respectively - our euphonium section.  Sympathy is extended to the Stewart family.

15 May 2003 - Condolences

The band extends sympathy to the Heathcote family, on the death of  band member Donna's father-in-law this week.

15 May 2003 - Kevin Jarrett visit

On Thursday 15th May, Kevin Jarrett visited the bandroom of Levin & Districts Brass.  He attended as the Youth Development Co-ordinator of BBANZ, and spent significant time with Colin Honey, our Youth Trainer.

At what was advertised as a "typical Levin Band practice" (typical apart from the fact that everyone was on time and there were virtually no apologies), he enthusiastically threw himself into the following activities:
(a)  choosing a hymn for the band to sight-read
(b)  listening carefully to an annihilated version of Happy Birthday
(c)  suffering hastily hand-written arrangements of English music
(d)  studying our efforts at the Contest choices
but the main purpose was to provide invaluable help and guidance through the test pieces.

The band thoroughly appreciated a greater insight into "Three Miniatures" than even Robert Lynch could provide, and he took time to explain that we owe it to ourselves to do our very best, and that means PRACTISE!

Kevin, regretfully, was unable to join band members for our traditional Fellowship Session after practise finished, but band members took part in a protracted chin-wagging session nonetheless.  The whole experience left the band refreshed, with an increased sense of challenge, and greater motivation carrying us forward to the Nationals at Rotorua.                         - Robert Lynch

27 March 2003 - Library Assault

Recently seven band members showed up for a music library working bee.  The library was cleared of rubbish, and various collections of filing envelopes and loose sheets of music were sorted until more than 110 piles of music, arranged alphabetically in a decorative twisting snake effect, occupied the bandroom floor.  An hour and 45 minutes after starting, the last piece was filed.  It's amazing what hot work paper shuffling is - especially in drought-stricken Levin on a hot night in late March.

27 March 2003 - Condolences

It was with much regret that the band learned of the death on 23 March of Richie Hayfield .  Richie was a Life Member of Levin & Districts Brass for many many years, and until recently was an active supporter.

He was awarded the privilege of the Drum Major's salute on the march from the Bandroom to  the Salvation Army complex for the church parade during  the band's Centennial weekend in October 2000. It was during that weekend that Richie invited us to look again at that notorious march "Mephistopheles". Richie's playing career comprised long and dedicated service on Eb Bass.

The band was pleased to play in Richie's honour at his funeral on 27 March, and band Patron Evan Tombs delivered the eulogy on Richie's banding career.

17 March 2003 - Condolences

Band members combined with the Salvation Army Band on 17 March to play at the funeral of Ian Windley, husband of former band member Trish, and father of band member Maree.