It is not just in the traditional heartlands of the banding world that there are fantastic stories to be found of inspirational work that keeps brass band music making alive and kicking.
And none perhaps are more inspired, or simply amazing than that of Morawa District High School Brass Band in Western High School — who can claim, without much rival debate, to be the most isolated brass band on Earth.
650 people
The settlement of Morawa lies 390km north of Perth and over 170km (2 hours drive) east of the nearest established town of Geraldton.
Not only that, but it only has a population of just 650 people and in addition, temperatures in the height of the Australian summer can reach 47 degrees Celsius.
50 years
However, Morawa has supported its very own brass band for over 50 years.
Recently, the City of Perth Band organised a workshop at Morawa District High School and made the long trip under conductor Bruce Thomson to work with the players and their conductor Helen Walter.
Amazing response
Bruce told 4BR: "Being able to undertake a workshop such as this gives everyone a huge musical boost — especially when you are met with such an amazing response in return.
What is even more incredible is to see and hear how important the brass band is to the Morawa community — and not just at the High School. What has been done here over the last 50 years and more, and is now being undertaken by their inspirational conductor Helen Walter is staggering."
The workshops saw the Morawa players joined by a number of colleagues who had made the trip from Geraldton City Band and following a packed Saturday of tuition, practice and great music making, the players joined travelled back to Geraldton to play a joint concert on the newly opened GMC Stage under the baton of their MD Les Sivwright.
Impressed
One person who suitably impressed was former Scottish Brass Band Association Development Manager Alan Edmond who now lives and works in Perth.
He added: "I had the good fortune to go with the City of Perth Band up to Morawa for the workshop and concert. It was staggering.
Not only is it an amazing achievement to keep any band going for 50 years in this part of Australia, but to do it in such a vibrant way within a community of just 650 people is almost unbelievable. Even some of the instruments were nearly 50 years old — so one thing they do need is some brand new ones."
Not only is it an amazing achievement to keep any band going for 50 years in this part of Australia, but to do it in such a vibrant way within a community of just 650 people is almost unbelievableAlan Edmond
Pride
He added: "It showed me that everyone here has such pride in their band and the contribution they are making through brass band music to their community.
It reminded me of the great work that takes place in Campbeltown Band in the West of Scotland — only in an even more isolated place with far fewer people! Everyone involved deserves immense credit for what they have achieved."
So is there a band anywhere on the banding globe that is even more isolated that Morawa District High School Brass Band? If you think there is, please let 4BR know.
