A Personal reflection - Bill Gunning

Peter Sykes has written a personal reflection on the passing of one of Victoria's brass band icons - Bill Gunning.

One of Bill's favourite songs was "The Song has ended…" and this week saw the passing of a man who influenced many.  The "Busy-ness" we all experience in our daily lives can sometimes cause us to overlook history and in the world of Brass Bands especially in regional areas, that can refer to the men and the women who were there, doing the stuff that needed to be done. 

Bill Gunning was indeed a man who got the stuff done…his life in music spanned decades in all genres.  While conducting the Stawell Band and playing with Ararat City Band, both bands rose to heights never again achieved and through this period Bill generated a massive sphere of influence.

Brass players throughout Victoria during the 70's and 80's were well aware of "The Gunning's."  Bill's encouragement of the young, including his own children, created a legacy that was obvious by the attendance of so many at his final resting place.  Legends such as Bowden and Dyason formed long lasting relationships that were to span years with Bill and wife Lesley.  Their children, especially eldest son Paul were to be hailed by other legends such as Simpson, Perry and Gray.
 
Musically, Bill was a "Jazz artist" first, brass player and interpreter of all things fine.  A stylist and creator of pure music.  His musical essence lingers within his children and is becoming evident in his grand children.  His understanding of both music as a performing art and the needs, desires and trepidations of musicians was astounding.  Such a rare gift this man was given.

It was however as a father and philosopher that Bill was to touch me.  Bill and I had a wonderful relationship, sharing the love of his children, art and music and model railways.  He witnessed with love, understanding and acceptance a major shift in my world and being.  We loved to speak with each other searching beneath the surface, always connecting on more than one level.  Music, art and family were always at the core of our every conversation. 

My deepest wish is that we in the band movement could indeed embrace these wonderful men and women who walked before us and hope that some out there may have an opportunity to experience the enrichment of a relationship such as the one I had with Bill.

On the day of Bill's funeral I was presented with a newly commissioned arrangement of my favourite hymn and with Lesley Gunning and her children's permission the score and parts will now read "Peter Sykes dedicates this arrangement to the Memory of Bill Gunning."  Bill had a profound understanding of the person writing this reflection and I was indeed fortunate to have become a very close and important part of his life.  I will treasure every moment of each performance we give of this, our hymn to Bill. 

Bill, "The song has ended…but the memory lingers on."  

Peter Sykes