The Band Loses an Icon
18/06/2010
It is with great sorrow that I pass on the news that Bob McCaskill passed away this morning. Bob, aged 88, was a major part of the City of Bendigo Brass Band over many years, starting when his father was the conductor back in the 1930's. All band members are saddened by his passing and pass on our best wishes to the McCaskill family. Below is an excerpt from the published historical text that Bob himself wrote more than ten years ago. This was the chapter that modestly described his contribution to the band...
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Born in 1922, Robert McKenzie McCaskill (Bob) began his musical education at the age of 10 years, when as a member of the Bendigo Boys Band, conducted by his father, R.J. McCaskill, he soon became a lover of brass band music.
At 18 years, when the bandmaster R.J. McCaskill joined the armed services, Bob was given the task of Bandmaster of the Bendigo Boys Band, after which he also joined the army and became solo cornet in the Royal Park Military b
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ANZAC Day 2010
25/04/2010
As has been the case for many years, the Band once again did some sterling work at both the Huntly and Bendigo ANZAC Day Services. Thankfully the weather was perfect for the occasion, with both outdoor playouts being pleasant for this time of the year.
The band performed well, sticking to the very familiar programs for both services. Each year we vary the program marginally by changing the march music and the hymn played during the respective wreath laying's. Our chosen march this year was “Sandhurst”, a march dedicated to the first conductor of our band - James Northcott. Our main hymn was "On a Hymn Song of Philip Bliss", which is very pleasant to the ear and received very positive comments from those who attended.
At both services Michael Dobson played the Last Post and Reveille. Thank you Michael.
For the Bendigo Service, a big thank you also to the Bendigo Youth Choir for accompanying the band through Abide with Me, Recessional, God Save the Queen and Advance Aus
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The Wedding of the Decade
3/04/2010
Yes, it has finally come to pass. Band members, Cally Tromans and Brendan Bartlett, have finally tied the knot. The ceremony was held on a magnificent Autumn evening at the Bendigo Pottery. As per the photo attached, a good evening/night was had by all.
On behalf of the City of Bendigo Brass Band, congratulations Mr and Mrs Bartlett..!
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Congratulations Isabel
22/09/2009
A big well done to Isabel Thomas-Dobson, on behalf of the band, for her recent installation as the new Victorian/Tasmanian moderator for the Uniting Church. The article below is an excerpt from the Herald Sun. The attached photo shows Isabel, along with Trevor and Val, who attended the event in Melbourne:
Uniting Church unveils new moderator September 20, 2009
The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania has installed its new moderator at a special meeting in Melbourne.
Isabel Thomas Dobson was officially handed the denomination's most senior position in front of a congregation of about 500 at the Wesley Church in Melbourne on Sunday.
A former teacher and political researcher for Tasmanian Liberal Senator John Watson, Ms Thomas Dobson, from the regional Victorian city of Bendigo, becomes the fifth woman, and third lay woman, to hold the top role.
She has challenged believers to "show love and care for the whole community and creation, close by and far away".
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New Link on Members Page
12/06/2009
Members and friends of the City of Bendigo Brass Band please note there is now a new link on the "Members" page that will take you to a Newsletter page. We have recently started issuing newsletters again, after a bit of a holiday, and will place them on this page each month.
A special thank you to Brendan for his efforts in getting the Newsletter off the ground again...
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Congratulations Cally and Brendan
16/02/2009
A big congrats to band members Cally Tromans and Brendan Bartlett, who have recently announced their engagement. Brendan popped the question whilst the pair were in the UK, enjoying a holiday over Christmas. Thankfully for Brendan, Cally said YES. The rest of the trip may have been a real bummer otherwise..!
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Eaglehawk Dahlia Arts Festival Brass & Woodwind Solo & Ensemble Competition
16/02/2009
Once again this year Eaglehawk Citizens Brass Band is hosting the Eaglehawk Dahlia Arts Festival Brass & Woodwind Solo & Ensemble Competition. The event will be held on Sunday 15th March at the bandroom in Peg Leg road.
Competition is open to any brass, woodwind and percussion players.
If you require any further information or an entry form, please contact:
Matt Tatti
Eaglehawk Citizens Brass Band
0409 589 861
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Anonymous Donation Greatly Appreciated
9/02/2009
To the wonderful person who recently donated a number of original scores to the band, we all thank you from the bottom of our hearts. There are some real gems in the pile of music and the band will make immediate use out of them. Thank you immensely. We would of course love to know who you are, to thank you in person..?
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State Youth Band January Camp
15/12/2008
For any juniors who are interested in improving their playing abilities overnight, the State Youth Band is holding a one week camp at Bright in January. So, for anyone aged between 10 and 25, here is you chance to play under some of the best conductors and tutors on offer in Victoria. If you are interested give Andrew a call on 5439 4362...
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Congratulations Isabel
24/09/2008
The Uniting Church today elected Isabel Thomas Dobson to be Moderator of the Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. The City of Bendigo Brass Tenor Horn Player and former political researcher for Tasmanian Liberal Senator John Watson has also worked as a teacher and trainer for religious education volunteers.
Isabel is currently the presbytery minister – pastoral care of Loddon Mallee presbytery, which covers north-west Victoria. She served as Moderator in the former Synod of Tasmania between 1997 and 1999. Isabel , now Moderator Elect, will begin her role as Moderator of the Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania in September 2009.
The Moderator is the spiritual leader of the Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
Well done Isabel..!
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Band Achieves Creditable 3rd Place
1/06/2008
The City of Bendigo Brass Band has achieved a hard earned 3rd place at the recent Bendigo Brass Band contest. First on stage at the chilly time of 8.30am, the band performed to a mostly empty hall, but had a great response from the few who were there and very positive comments from the adjudicator. The band played "Oregon" as its major work, followed by "One Moment in Time" and "Going Home" for their concert items. Well done to all those who performed on the day.
Shepparton Brass (156) took out the grade, closely followed by Boroondara Harmony Brass (154) and Bendigo Brass (150).
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A Big Thank You from Keith
25/03/2008
The following letter was received from Keith Lamb, composer of "The Bendigo Parade", subsequent to it's performance over the 2008 Easter weekend...
To Andrew Trewartha and all Members of the Bendigo Brass Band,
First and foremost to thank you all so much for the enthusiasm and effort you have put into “The Bendigo Parade”. It is very exciting for me to hear this melody come to life through your great interpretation of the original musical idea. I am so appreciative of the time you have spent learning the parts and the life you give this tune.
Chris Earl has done a wonderful arrangement and I appreciate his wisdom in choosing the best band for the job. And you certainly don’t need me to tell you what a fantastic bandmaster is Andrew Trewartha..
Audience participation has always been important to me. To get feedback from the crowd is a sensational buzz and I hope that’s what you will feel today..
Watching a parade should not, I believe, be a one-way communication. Br
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PRESS RELEASE: Oom-pah meets pop in new Easter hop
13/03/2008
One of Australia’s oldest brass bands has joined with a national pop icon to inject more fun and frivolity into this year’s Bendigo Easter Festival parade.
City of Bendigo Brass Band has been oom-pahing around town since 1882, nine years before the first Easter Fair, and is always seen in the festival’s Easter Monday procession by thousands of people clapping and tapping their toes from the sidelines.
Pop icon Keith Lamb was born in the home of brass bands England, came to Australia in the early 1970s and formed glamor pop group Hush.
A regular spectator of the Easter Parade since moving to Bendigo, Keith was inspired to write a catchy new tune featuring brass band to give the crowd that something extra.
He spoke with fellow Kangaroo Flat resident and accomplished brass musician Chris Earl who then set about arranging Keith’s new tune for the instrumentation of a brass band.
Keith said he called the piece The Bendigo Parade which would have people “whistling, hummin
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2nd Place in State Titles
12/08/2007
Well done to Bendigo Brass on achieving 2nd place at the recent Victorian Titles at Ballarat (South Street). The results were as follows:
Band----------------------------------Test---Hymn---Conc---March---Total
Darebin City/Northern Brass-- 84------40--------40-------38-------118
City of Bendigo Brass------------78------34--------33-------32---------99
Stawell City Brass-----------------72------29--------30-------29---------88
Shepparton Brass------------------77------33--------32-------32---------97
Also, a big congratulations to Bendigo Youth Brass, who won the state title in Junior C Grade.
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Congratulations Louisa
16/06/2007
Last night Louisa once again nearly caused an upset win in a fairly prestigious event. She came second in the inaugural Leila Watson Memorial event. She was pipped at the post by cornet player extraordinaire Jenny Magoulas.
The event is made up of kids who have won from the U23 ranks in the major sections of their Bendigo Comps . We had string, piano and vocal players competing with the brass. They have to play twice and must impress 3 judges who are looking for musical skills and entertainment.
One of the adjudicators told Louisa he wanted to award 2 first places! But no matter, she seems to be making a reasonable fist of playing in events like this, against great quality competitors. This was the event Hannah also came 2nd in in '05. No rivalry between sisters!
Author: A slightly impressed Dad (Trev)
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Congratulations Norm
4/06/2007
Long-time member of the City of Bendigo Brass Band, Norm Hall, was awarded a VBL life membership yesterday by VBL President Chris Bowman (pictured) at the Bendigo Comps for his extraordinary 70 years of devotion to the Banding movement.
All COBBB band members are extremely proud of Norm's contribution to this band and were doubly ecstatic (as was Norm) when the Band was awarded 1st Place five minutes later in the D Grade section.
A great day all round..!
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We Won..!
3/06/2007
At last, after many years of achieving consistent 2nd and 3rd placings at contests across the state, we have finally cracked a win. This year, the City of Bendigo Brass was not to be denied with an emphatic win in the D Grade section at the Bendigo Competitions. Well done to all players, as this really was a team effort..! The results:
City of Bendigo Brass Band 81,41,40 Total 161 (First Place)
Shepparton Brass Band 77,37,35 Total 149 (Second Place)
Croydon Citizens Brass Band 76,36,36 Total 148 (Third Place)
Thompsons Foundry Band 74,35,34 Total 143 (Forth Place)
Creswick Municipal Band 75,36,30 Total 141 (Fifth Place)
Daylesford and District Municipal Band 72,31,31 total 134 (Sixth Place)
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COBBB 2nd at Nationals..!
8/04/2007
After some great playing over the Easter weekend, City of Bendigo Brass were rewarded for this work by achieving 2nd place in the D Grade section of the Nationals, behind Darebin. It was an outstanding result that all band members should be equally proud of. In fact, Darebin didn't have it all their own way, with different bands winning the own choice major work (us!) and the march (Frankston). Darebin's consistency was the difference, however, and they too should be congratulated for being the dominant D Grade band over the past 12 months. The following results are courtesy of 4barsrest...
D GRADE
Adjudicator: Chris Earl
Test Music: Glasgow Overture – Alan Fernie
1. Darebin City Brass – Northern Brass (VIC) Andrew Power
Sandon – arr. Roy Newsome
Tryptich – Philip Sparke
Cross of Honour – W Rimmer
38+184+180+40=442
2. City of Bendigo Brass (VIC) Andrew Trewartha
Kingsfold – Derek Jordan
Legend in Brass – James Curnow
Shield of Liberty – J J Ri
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Bendigo Youth Brass Superb
8/04/2007
Although the placing didn't show it, Matt and Bendigo Youth Brass were outstanding as they participated in the Junior C section at the Nationals. In particular, their renditition of own choice Indian Summer and the march Slaidburn were played with confidence and enthusiasm. Well done to Matt and the team.
Junior C Results:
1. Warringah Youth Brass, NSW, 46+184+188+44=462
2. Whitehorse Juniors, Vic, 43+182+182+42=449
3. Bendigo Youth Brass, Vic, 40+180+180+40=440
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Well Done Louisa, Katherine & Quintet
8/04/2007
As reported, Louisa had an outstanding result in both the trumpet and cornet sections. Louisa achieved a very credible 4th in the Junior Cornet section in amongst stiff competition. She then went on to almost win the Junior Trumpet section, missing by 1 point. Katherine also did a sensational job, coming equal 7th in the Junior Euphonium competition. Also well done to the Bendigo Youth Brass Quintet, who are now NATIONAL CHAMPIONS..!
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Louisa shines at the Nationals
5/04/2007
Hot off the press. Louisa has achieved fourth place in the cornet junior championship and has come second in the trumpet junior championship (by 1 point). The quintet she was competing with won their section. Well done Louisa!!! More details as they come to hand...
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Band Helps Commemorate Darwin Bombing
26/02/2007
At the request of the Bendigo RSL, the Band was proud to participate in the 65th commemoration of the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese during WWII. The band provided hymns for those gathered, along with a stirring rendition of the national anthem. Louisa Trewartha, once again, provided a beautiful rendition of the Last Post.
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Positive 4BarsRest Comments for Senior Band
20/10/2006
City of Bendigo Brass Band
Conductor: Andrew Trewartha
Andrew Trewartha had his players in extremely tight band formation. This combined with sheer numbers helped to produce a well-rounded, balanced sound. The ensemble was usually tight, and the musical nuances and flow were evident. Intonation issues didn't escape this band, however.
Particularly noticable was the quality of the trombone section - with great bass trom colour in just the right places.
The athleticism of the percussionist in catching the triangle stand was an amusing side-track.
Certain exposed sections tended to highlight weaknesses - tutti playing definitely suits this band the most. A very solid performance possibly comparable to several of the C Grade bands.
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Junior Band Outstanding
15/10/2006
Although the only band in its grade, Bendigo Youth Brass were outstanding on stage and should be congratulated for their professionalism in dealing with the 30 minute delay between their warm-up and actually being able to get on stage. Their performance was superb and stacked up well against the B Grade junior bands that followed. Well done to Matt and the whole gang..! The results were:
Junior C Grade
Hymn, Test, March
1. Bendigo Youth Brass 38, 75, 35
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City of Bendigo Performs Well
15/10/2006
The City of Bendigo Brass Band has performed admirably at the 2006 State Titles in Ballarat. Achieving outright 2nd behind the much favoured Darebin (Northern City), City of Bendigo once again performed well as a team and much deserved the runner up placing. Well done to all involved. The results were as follows:
D Grade
Hymn, Test, Concert, March
1. Darebin City - Northern Brass 38, 77, 40, 40
2. City of Bendigo Brass Band 35, 75, 37, 39
3. Moonee Valley Brass Band 35, 75, 38, 37
4. Daylesford & District Municipal 34, 74, 36, 39
5. Echuca Federal Band 33, 72, 38, 39
6. La Trobe City Brass - disqualified (not sure what happened there???)
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Congratulations Louisa
27/09/2006
Louisa Trewartha, CoBBB solo cornet player, has won the $300 first place in the recent Bendigo Symphony Orchestra sponsored Music Lovers Scolarship. In an outstanding field of fourteen young musicians Louisa was declared a stand out performance by adjudicator Mr. Mark Drummond, currently the Head of Strings at Camberwell Grammar School. Accompanied by Mrs Allison Dullard, Louisa performed Rhapsodie by Bozza and her contrasting item was a jazz style work by Bailey titled Cookin' With Gas. This event has taken place since 1980 and Louisa joins a varied and talented group of winners.
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Well Done Kally..!
30/08/2006
Tonight's rehearsal was extra special, as we were privileged to have Cally Tromans out the front waving the baton. We knew we were in for a treat when Cally took the warm up, leading activities with her violin. Something never done before in our bandroom. Another first was the quite probable fact that Cally is the first female to ever take a rehearsal for the City of Bendigo Brass Band. Well done Cally..!
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Inaugural Group Contest
9/07/2006
City of Bendigo, today, participated in the inaugural Bendigo Band's Group contest at the JB Osborne theatre in Kangaroo Flat. Ably organised by Ken Wellard and the team from the Bendigo & District Concert band, four bands from the district participated and a great time was had by all.
City of Bendigo played two numbers from it's recent Bendigo Comps repertoire: "Fanfare & Flourishes" and "Scottish Hymn", along with two new items: "The Prayer" and "Reunion & Finale (from Gettysburg)". All items were well played and enjoyed by the audience. In particular, Louisa Trewartha's solo playing in "The Prayer" was a feature of the day.
For the records, the results of this handicapped event were:
1. Greater Bendigo Concert Brass (90 points)
2. City of Bendigo Brass (89 points)
3. Bendigo & District Concert (88 points)
4. Thompson's Foundry/Kyneton (88 points)
Well done to everybody involved..!
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COBB Achieves 2nd
4/06/2006
After enduring an 8.15am start in the aptly named warm-up room, the City of Bendigo Brass Band performed admirably at 9am in the D Grade section of the Bendigo Comps. Finishing 2nd, the band was only a whisker behind winners Darebin. The band did particularly well with the piece "Fanfare and Flourishes", achieving the best score for that concert item. The final scores were as follows:
SECTION: D GRADE BANDS GROUP
165 88 38 39 Darebin City Brass - Northern Brass
162 87 39 36 City of Bendigo Brass Band
154 85 35 34 Thompson's Foundry Band
157 83 38 36 Oakleigh City
155 84 35 36 Croydon Citizens Band
106 35 35 36 Creswick Municipal Band
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Soloists have Great Success..!
3/06/2006
A number of the City of Bendigo Brass members have done some great work as part of the various Solo competitions at this year's Bendigo Competitions. Here are the known results, to date:
Katherine Dobson
1st in the Own choice For 2006 Units 1 & 2 V.C.E. Music Students SOLO
Louisa Trewartha
19 years and under CORNET or TRUMPET / WOODWIND INSTRUMENT Combined SOLO
Louisa Trewartha
2nd in the 19 years and under SACRED SOLO or SLOW MELODY SOLO
Ben Coughlin
Hon Mention in the AMEB/ANZCA 2006 Grade 4 BRASS INSTRUMENT SOLO
Trent McNeil
3rd in the Grade Five - own choice BRASS INSTRUMENT SOLO
Trent McNeil
3rd in the AMEB/ANZCA 2005 Grade 5 BRASS INSTRUMENT SOLO
Mark Shearn
2nd in the 23 years and under ANY BRASS INSTRUMENT SOLO
Mark Shearn
2nd in the 23 years and under BRASS INSTRUMENT SOLO
Louisa Trewartha
3rd in the 23 years and under BRASS INSTRUMENT SOLO
Louisa Trewartha
1st in the 16 years and under BRASS INSTRUMENT SOLO
Louisa Trewarth
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Bendigo Youth Wins..!
3/06/2006
Congratulations to Matt and the team on winning their first contest as Bendigo Youth Brass in the Junior Grade band section. All involved did a great job and should be very proud of the result. The placings were as follows:
1ST 162 = 87 + 37 + 38 Bendigo Youth Brass
2ND 159 = 84 + 38 + 37 Maryborough Centre Youth Band - Junior C
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ANZAC Day 2006
25/04/2006
As has been the case for many years, the Band once again did some sterling work at both the Huntly and Bendigo ANZAC Day Services. Thankfully the weather was perfect for the occasion, with both outdoor playouts being pleasant for this time of the year.
The band performed well, sticking to the very familiar programs for both services. Each year we vary the program marginally by changing the march music and the hymn played during the respective wreath laying's. Our chosen march this year was “Death or Glory”, which is a lot more upbeat than the name suggests, and was featured in the movie Brassed Off. Our hymn was Kingsfold, which is very pleasant to the ear and received very positive comments from those who attended.
At the Bendigo Service, Louisa Trewartha played the Last Post and Reveille. Louisa did a fantastic job, even after the old post office clock chimed in early for the quarter hour. The accompanying picture is of Louisa, her father Trevor (also in the band), her si
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Costume Malfunction at the Easter Parade
17/04/2006
Bass Drumming can be an arduous task at the best of times, but can take on a new danger level when the belt on your pants snaps. This was the fate that chose Geoff Emond towards the end of the Gala Procession on Easter Monday (2006). We had just stopped (for the umpteenth time) in front of BRIT and were just about to take off, when a cry came from the back of the band. Geoff's strides were starting to give way. So, after a few minutes of frantic rebuilding of the offending article, we were on our way.
Regardless of this small distraction, the band did a great job on both marches and should be congratulated for its efforts. A special mention to Janine, Bridget and Abbie who lead us and the drum corp, Geoff, Russell, Kellie and Erynn, who kept us in step. Well done to all.
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Welcome to Bendigo Brass
3/04/2006
Welcome to the new City of Bendigo Brass Band Inc. Web page.
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