75

th

est. 1871

The Australian Army Band Sydney

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Sydney Harbour Bridge opening in 1932.

Photo: The Royal Australian Garrison Artillery Band opens the bridge on the 19th March 1932. (page 2)

Bandmaster Bartlett and Drum Major Jerry O’Sullivan

Friends of the Band Newsletter Jan - Jun 07 The AAB-S commemorates the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge by participating in historical events at the old Observatory on the 18th March 2007. The AAB-S proudly holds the title of being the oldest professional music organisation in Australia, established in 1871. The Band has opened everything from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Opera House... for a number of concerts and parades and we have several here in Sydney, including a Beat Retreat Ceremony for the Royal Australian Corps of Engineers in late June.

OC Welcomes you... Hello everyone, and welcome to our current edition of more AABS news! I’m trying to figure out who stole the first quarter of the year – it’s gone so quickly, hasn’t it? The band have been quite busy, as usual I guess and the week surrounding Anzac Day proves to be crazy each year, but we love it! The band have spent the first months of the year performing at a number of venues, including the NSW Art Gallery each Wednesday evening for the duration of the Archibald Exhibition, and we graced the concert hall on Anzac Day evening, with a special tribute concert. We have had our usual Victoria Barracks duties, including playing for the tour each Thursday morning – in case you have the time, the Barracks are open to visitors each Thursday morning at 10am, after

which time you may take a tour of the older buildings within the barracks with the Corps of Guides here – it’s very interesting and well worth the effort. We travelled to Canberra for an International Rotary Conference and have travelled to Perth for a recent funeral of a soldier (never a happy time, but very necessary) and we have some forthcoming concerts in and around Sydney. St Andrew’s Cathedral is also a regular haunt, where the band performs in the Band Call series on Wednesdays at lunch time throughout the year. The second half of the year is ramping up already too, with the band booked to travel to Canberra

On the home side, I have been enjoying a lot of theatre of late, having seen ‘Pippin’ recently, which I highly recommend, and I will enjoy ‘Grumpy Old Women’ and ‘Priscilla’ later in the year. A possible visit to Melbourne midyear could also encourage me to book to see ‘Miss Saigon’ and ‘Phantom of the Opera’, although I’ll wait and see!! So, do come and see us when we’re out and about – if you have any requests for music, I am always interested!! We look forward to seeing you very soon. Warmest wishes,

Andrea Davey

2

Happy Bridge Day! Story by SGT Alan Pilgrim Public Relations Dept AAB-S

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, aka the ‘Coat-Hanger’ celebrated its 75th birthday on 18th March 2007, and the Big Band of the Australian Army Band Sydney marked this momentous occasion, by performing on the Rotunda at Observatory Hill, Sydney. The Australian Army Band Sydney answered the community call, to assist in the commemoration of this important anniversary.

‘Camouflage’ the Australian Army Band Sydney Big Band performs at Observatory Hill

Incidentally, it was this very Band that opened the Harbour Bridge in 1932, under the name of ‘The Royal Australian Garrison Artillery Band’; names and faces may have changed, yet the musical standard and commitment continue to impress. One Band member lamented, ‘I hoped the Band was going to march along the bridge on this anniversary just as our musical colleagues did; nevertheless it is still an honour to be a part of the 75th anniversary celebrations.’ Sydney Harbour Bridge Anniversary walk CPL

Melody Neilsen

Colour Photography by Neil Reeves

3

ANZAC Day 2007 While most of us escaped the wee small hours of the morning dawn service, with the exception of Musician Louise ‘early riser’ Rojas, who performed a very poignant rendition of Last Post and Reveille at the Randwick Barracks dawn service, the band had a very full day of Anzac duties. Roll call was 10:00 hours for the wet, cold but inspiring Anzac day march through old Sydney town. It was an amazing feeling to march through the CBD of the busiest city in Australia, while the crowds braving the wet weather cheered you on and paid their respects to service men and women. Our music bounced off the walls of the high rises and shops of George Street, as we proudly marched through the rain. Our next task was to take part in the opening of the Anzac NRL game, played by the Roosters and the Dragons.

We marched two laps of honour, playing Kenneth Alford’s ‘Glorious Victory’. Next was our National Anthem, sung by our very new and gifted vocalist Tanya Christensen, accompanied by the band. Andy ‘Chaz’ Fiddes then performed a solemn and dark Last Post and Rouse; the latter unfortunately drowned-out by the deafening roar of fighter planes flying low over the top of the Sydney Cricket Ground. We marched off with the old crowd pleaser ‘Waltzing Matilda’. Our last job for the day was a special Anzac Day performance at the NSW Art Gallery, where we have a regular Wednesday night residency for our many talented and popular small groups. This night, however, featured a small concert band presenting such items as Anzac sing-a-long favourites, rousing marches and even our choir singing the hymn Finlandia followed by the bugle call of the day, Last Post. It was a lovely way to end our long Anzac day and we were over-joyed to play for an appreciative audience. Another Anzac day over with for the year, and we are looking forward to the next one! By CPL Tara Neilsen

Engagements & Weddings! Musician Craig Mitten, leader of the Camouflage Big band, lead trumpet player and all-round nice guy tied the knot to his lovely lady, Sandra nee Pinker, on the 30th December 2006. Sandra is a talented flautist with the NSW Police Band. No doubt they will make beautiful music together! It was a quiet family affair in Sydney, and Craig is quoted saying, “It was the happiest day of my life!” Not far away, also on the 30th December, one of the hardest working diggers Musician Timmy Brooks was working his magic on one knee proposing to his charming partner, Kathryn Wallace, a professional child care worker. Timmy is a saxophonist and part of the friendly Q store (quarters and rations). No doubt Kathryn’s child care skills will come in handy one day, but not before their wedding day, the 9th March, 2008. Timmy is quoted saying, ‘I’m Looking forward to making an honest woman out of her!’ We wish happy couples Craig and Sandra, Timmy and Kathryn all the best! Look out for these two beauties with the big rock on their left hand at one of our gigs!

4

Ensemble Profile Woodwind Trio

Member Profile MUSN Tanya Christensen

The Woodwind Trio of the Australian Army Band Sydney is the newest addition to the plethora of small ensembles derived from the Band which has been entertaining audiences, both civilian and military since early 1871.

For the first time in the history of the AABS, we have a full time vocalist! Introducing the sensational Tanya Christensen, extremely accomplished, vivacious and gorgeous to boot! Originally hailing from Melbourne, Tanya graduated (with first class honours) with a Bachelor of Music Performance from the Victorian College of the Arts. She has studied the French, German and Italian languages and their application in singing; is polished in the art of dance, having studied tap, classical and jazz; Tanya is also learned in conducting taught by nationally renowned choral and orchestral conductors. With these credentials, Tanya travelled to Germany, playing Jennyanydots/Gumbie Cat in the musical production of Cats and the role of Fantine in Les Miserables. Around Australia she has performed with major opera companies in three states, and in internationally acclaimed opera productions including The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni and many others. Not limiting herself to classical singing, Tanya has had great success as a freelance jazz and cabaret vocalist, performing at many jazz and music festivals around our continent. Her extensive experience allowed her an opportunity aboard the the P&O’s Pacific Sky as Lead Female Vocalist for six months. Prior to joining us at AABS, Tanya enjoyed a three year career with the with the NSW Police Band, performing in major events, including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and a variety of many other International and local events. Her outstanding musical abilities were rewarded in 2005, when she received critical acclaim for her featured vocal recordings on the NSW Police Band CD ‘Cop This’. We are proud and pleased to welcome Tanya to the band and look forward to working with such an amazing performer and vocalist!

Based at the historic Victoria Barracks in Paddington, the Woodwind Trio is an active participant in the musical life of the barracks, performing regularly at the Victoria Barracks Chapel when it is open for inspection to the general public, and at well known venues such as the Art Gallery of NSW. Consisting of the Flute, Oboe and Clarinet Section Leaders of the Band, the Trio was formed in order to explore the rich repertoire of woodwind chamber music, and to also strengthen the important link that these high woodwind instruments play within the context of the Band’s flagship ensemble, the Concert Band. The Trio performs a wide variety of musical styles including works by Australian composers and arrangers. This flexible programming of repertoire ensures that the Woodwind Trio is easily at home performing anything from background music to a featured concert programme.

From Left to right: CPL Greg Peterson, Flute CPL Melody Neilsen, Clarinet MUSN Felicity Hibble, Oboe

New Member Roll Call

Other Band engagements

5

Gig Review Harbour Bridge Anniversary 18th of March- Hot tamale!

Front Row L-R: CPL Tara Neilsen, MUSN Tanya Christensen, CPL Melody Neilsen. Back Row L-R: MUSN Ross Oldham, MUSN David Sunderland, MUSN Gordon Dedman, MUSN Todd Burke, MUSN Sean Henderson

CPL Tara Neilsen returns to us from the AAB-Melbourne

as Trumpet Section Leader and is excited to be involved in the new vocal trio with Melody and Tanya. Tanya Christensen is our ‘hot’ new lead female vocalist who was recently awarded ‘Best Recruit’ at her basic training in Kapooka, Wagga Wagga. Check out her profile on page 4. MUSN

Melody Neilsen is posted into the AABS as a Clarinettist and Jazz vocalist. She moved from Melbourne with her two beloved felines Murray and Winifred; and joins her sister Tara here in Sydney. CPL

Ross Oldham, like many AABC musicians, holds a Bachelor of Music. He has joined us from 1RAR in Townsville and occupies an Alto Saxophone position in AABS. MUSN

David ‘Sunny’ Sunderland has been posted from Melbourne as a Tuba player. He looks forward to studying composition whilst writing and arranging for small ensembles. MUSN

This was a fantastic big band gig, featuring our amazing jazz vocalist CPL Melody Neilsen. The crowd found their thrill upon observatory hill, listening to a mix of jazz standards from the era of Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie, Thad Jones and Bob Florence, to arrangements from talented writers within the band. The band featured an abundance of outstanding instrumentalist soloists, which had the crowd calling for more. Melody wowed audiences with her ability to swing and her interpretation of jazz phrasing. Many listeners demanded her recordings, which we sadly don’t have yet. In any case, we sold out of our stock of CD’s for the day. Look out for our big band gigs, because we are one hot ensemble!

1.

4.

3.

5.

What was the name of John Philippe Sousa’s first composition published in 1872? In 1953, who was the first American to conduct opera at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan? What was Percy Grainger’s wedding present to his wife Ella Strom? Which influential 20th century English composer and collector of British folk music and song was related to and called Naturalist Charles Darwin great uncle? What act holds the record for the most #1 hits? a) Michael Jackson b) the Beatles c) Elvis Presley d) Elton John

TRIVIA ANSWERS 1. Moonlight on the Potomac Waltzes. 2. Leonard Bernstein, Cherubini’s ‘Medea’ with Maria Callas. 3. Orchestral work ‘To a Nordic Princess’ which he wrote for Ella and premiered at their wedding in 1928. 4. Ralph Vaughan Williams (18721958) 5. b. the Beatles.

Sean Henderson was born in New Zealand and has studied piano and organ in America. He has recently secured an Australian Citizenship and has begun his ADF career here in Sydney.

St Andrews Cathedral 22nd August

Test your musical trivia with five questions from Tara!

Todd Burke currently teaches at the Conservatorium High School and freelances as a Trombonist with high profile orchestras. He is one of our exceptionally talented Reserve musicians. MUSN

Army in Concert Canberra 15th of August

Tara’s Trivia Time!

2.

MUSN

St Andrews Cathedral 20th June

By CPL Tara Neilsen

Gordon Dedman has played with the AABS as a reservist in the past and has been busy travelling overseas and entertaining at high profile music gigs aboard many a sea going vessel. MUSN

Check out some of these gigs!

6

AABC Merchandise

NEWSFLASH! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

ONLY

20 CO Camouflage Exposed PIES The Big Band of the Australian Army Band Sydney Nominated in the Australian Jazz Awards 2003 ‘Best Contemporary Jazz Album’

Email Friends of the Band Competition!

All proceeds to RecLink, a charity supporting Sydney’s homeless.

A Tribute to Australia’s Colonial Heritage

Double Album Compilation of AABC symphonic band works

Salute to the Aussie Digger Jack Thompson narration story of Australian Soldier from Boer war to present Written by Rod Mason Music composed & arranged by Greg Peterson and other AAB-S members of 2004

Will you be the one to win a CD of your choice? Be the envy of other friends of the band!

All you have to do is come up with a name for our ‘Friends of the Band Newsletter’! It can be anything you like! All entries will be considered, so get your thinking caps on and forward your ideas to:

[email protected] The winner will be announced in our next newsletter and notified by email and or telephone. The lucky winner will have their choice of CD posted to them. Entries close Band Corps Birthday 2nd August

Just Jazz

Good Luck!

A new dynamic double album featuring various jazz ensembles of the AABC.

CD Order Form All CDs $20 inclusive of postage and handling Name

Quantity

Postal Address

Total

Post Code

Cheques payable to: Commonwealth Receiver of Public Monies

Phone

To order your CD please fill out the form and mail to the address below.

$

Please address all correspondence or inquiries: AAB-S Public Relations Cell Victoria Barracks Paddington NSW 2021 ph.(02) 9339 3415 fax (02) 9339 3599 email [email protected]