Greater Bendigo Concert Brass - Reunion

Greater Bendigo Concert Brass is calling all current and retired players and their families, supporters and friends to participate in a reunion over the weekend of 4th & 5th February, 2006.

Greater Bendigo Concert Brass, Corowa, 2005

Bendigo is renowned for its rich history and heritage. From famous buildings and landmarks, Bendigo is steeped in timeless tradition. Many of the famous institutions of the city, including sporting clubs, are over a hundred years old so should it be any surprise that many of Bendigo's brass bands share this tradition?

One of these bands, Greater Bendigo Concert Brass will be holding a reunion over the weekend of the 4th and 5th of February 2006.

Greater Bendigo Concert Brass was formed after an amalgamation of two of Bendigo's leading brass bands, Strathfieldsaye Municipal and Marong (Hopetoun) Municipal.

Hopetoun Band, circa 1930s

Marong (Hopetoun) Municipal was originally known as the Long Gully Miners' Band and its history can be traced back as far as 1864. Over the coming years it changed its name to the Long Gully Cornish Miners' Band, to the Iron Bark Rechabites Band and then in 1883 the band went full circle as it reassumed the name of the Long Gully Miners Band.

Shortly after this time, the band merged with, and assumed the name of, Hallas City Brass Band until 1889 when, in honour of and with the permission of the then Governor of Victoria, Lord Hopetoun, it name was changed to the Hopetoun Brass Band.

Over the next 80 years the band reached a very high standard of musicianship even having a successful period in the top level of brass bands in A Grade

However by 1970 the membership of the band was low and after a short recess, females were permitted to play in the band. In 1980 the band became aligned with the then Marong Shire and became known as the Marong (Hopetoun) Band. During the 1980's and 90's the band won a number of National Titles including back to back C Grade titles in 1985-86.

The other partner in this musical marriage, Strathfieldsaye Municipal Band, began in the late 1930's as a training band for the Bendigo Municipal Band. Its purpose was to train young male musicians to a standard where they could take an effective role in the senior band.

The band became known as the Bendigo Citizens and Boys Band before changing its name to the Bendigo Central Band in the early 1970's. In 1978 the band became the Strathfieldsaye Municipal Band and enjoyed considerable patronage by the then Strathfieldsaye Shire. This heralded the commencement of a very successful era for the band in which they won one "C" Grade and two "B" Grade National Titles.

With the amalgamation of the shire councils, the band changed its name with the approval of the Bendigo City Council and became known as the Greater Bendigo Concert Brass. The insertion of the word "Concert" reflected the new image of the band's diversity from traditional brass band to modern music.

In 1998 Greater Bendigo Concert Brass merged with the Marong Municipal (Hopetoun) Band to give us the band we have today.

Long standing members: Howie Mathews, Jan Davie, Trevor Youngman and Annette Conway 

Though the many years, name changes and people who have combined to bring us this history, Greater Bendigo Concert Brass has maintained a high profile in the community playing at many concerts, council and public performances including ANZAC Day, Australia Day, Christmas Carols and School Concerts to name only a few.

The Band President, Jan Davey, comments on the excitement leading up to this event: "The band sees this as a great weekend to not only get together and catch up with friends, but also to celebrate community brass banding. The band is very keen to have all members and supporters from the various incarnations of Greater Bendigo Concert Brass to catch up and reminisce about days gone by."

Three generations: The Davey Family - Broden Ford, Karen Davey, Jan Davey, Zoe Ford, Alan Davey

The weekend's proceedings will commence on the evening of Saturday 4th February with a two course reunion dinner at the Strathdale Community Hall. The next day will involve a mass band rehearsal in the morning, again at the Strathdale Community Hall and will be followed by a sausage sizzle for lunch. Ms Davey said that the band is looking forward to the mass band rehearsal and is keen to involve all previous conductors of the band at this activity.

Though letters will be posted out to a great number of people inviting them to the reunion, the band is mindful that they won't be able to contact everybody, therefore the organisers will be most appreciative if friends of the band can pass the invitation on to other interested people. No matter the length of time involved nor the form of association, the Committee would like to see all current and retired players, their families and supporters become involved in the weekend to make it the success it deserves to be.
 
If you would like to participate in the weekend or would like further information, please contact the band at PO Box 538 Bendigo Vic 3552 or ring Jan Davey on (03) 5435 2535, Peter Green on (03) 54 496813 or Colin Wellard on (03)54 468692 or simply email Colin Wellard at ownza@iprimus.com.au