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Campbelltown City Band News
Well we did it again. No not winning but competing in the 2008 SABA State Competitions. The heavy workload in preparing for the competitions was rewarding in that the band is now playing better than it has for many many years. OK we are not the D Grade winners but we did feel immense pride in playing as a community band teaching and encouraging members to enjoy brass band music.
Campbelltown City Band recently ventured down south again for a concert at the Willunga Uniting Church. One of the featured items was a quartet with John Hewson on Trombone, Al Kidney on Cornet, Chris Brockhouse on Tenor Horn, and John Rhodes on EE Tuba accompanied by Brenton Brockhouse on the pipe organ. A Suite by Henry Purcell fitted the bill just nicely and was well received by the audience.
Chris also played a solo on Tenor Horn while his dad, Brenton accompanied him on the organ. Tenor Horn and organ is a wonderful combination.
The band played at the Strathalbyn Bands Festival for the first time in a number of years and enjoyed the experience immensely. It is thrilling to be involved in a brass band that is moving forward with a good number of keen members.
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Campbelltown Proud Day
On Sunday 16th March, Campbelltown City Council celebrated it’s 140th birthday with the Campbelltown Proud Day full of activities for all the family at Thorndon Park Recreational Reserve.
Campbelltown City Band got the show underway with 20 mins of bright lively music which was well appreciated by the gathering family groups.
So what? Nothing special about a brass band playing at a council function.
But wait. There’s more….!
Campbelltown City Band also celebrated the 105th birthday of one of its past players. Alwyn Munchenberg played with Campbelltown in the 1920s. His son, Bruce played with the SA Police Band and St Peter’s Brass Band in the 1960s.
Unfortunately Alwyn is now blind and could not identify players in the band’s historical photo collection, but it was unreal to talk with a person who could remember so far back almost to the beginnings of the band in 1919.
If only he could still play cornet…
Pictured with Alwyn Munchenberg are Brenton Brockhouse, Mike Tucker (President), Bruce Munchenberg.
Campbelltown Proud Day from the back row.
What a quandary. Do I “Walk with God” or perhaps “I will follow Him”. I guess it’s all the same from back there.
Necessity is the mother of invention. Campbelltown was without a kit percussionist (couldn’t be in two places at the same time) and without percussion gear so Lee Stewart, a past percussionist with the band and just visiting Thorndon Park, volunteered to play plastic bottle and plastic chair.
Worked well to everyone’s amazement. Nice uniform!
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Torrens Brass Awards
To top off a most successful year the learners’ band of the Campbelltown City Band visited the Falcon Lodge Retirement Village on 5th December and gave a half hour entertainment concert for residents. The group played very well and made such a good impression on the audience as well as the Lodge managers that they have been invited back to play more times next year.
The success of Torrens Brass is in no small part due to the enthusiasm and skill of their Musical Director, Sarah Butler and the support of so many parents who are also learning in the band. While most younger students play the smaller instruments like cornets and tenor horns, the bottom of the band is beautifully balanced by the older members on baritones, Eupho’s and Tubas. This resulted in a nice well balanced sound that was pleasing to listen to. Well done!
Torrens Brass also awarded their first annual Achievement Awards. The Mayor of Campbelltown, Simon Brewer, presented certificates to all members and was delighted to present the inaugural “Torrens Brass, Mayoral Trophy” for the most outstanding bands person for the year to 12 year old An Nguyen. Congratulations!
 
 
 
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Willunga Carols for Campbelltown City Band
Willunga Carols with Campbelltown City Band On Saturday 1st December.
Campbelltown City Band travelled far out of its normal territory to the Willunga Uniting Church for an evening of carols under the stars. A family connection with this church led to the band being invited to support the local community Christmas Tree Festival.
The weather was perfect and the community put on a great BBQ for the band who responded by providing some great accompaniment for the community carols in the park. It was a really nice community event and one this band is proud to be able to support so far from "home".
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Campbelltown competes at State Championships.
For the first time in almost a decade Campbelltown City Band competed in the South Australian Brass Band Championships at Tanunda in October. We competed in the D Grade section as so many of our players were new to music, new to their instruments and new to the pressures of competing.
In fact one of the biggest challenges was playing in a new acoustic environment (strange room) with no second try and no chance to adjust balance across the different instruments. This is not unique to Campbelltown but affects some players more than others. What we get used to hearing in rehearsals is suddenly not there in a different room and we miss-pitch or miss entries or miss playing the right volume.
But the band did give a creditable performance and we did win the D Grade Street March and we had a great time too. What a pity we did not get a chance to hear any other bands during the day. But win or lose Campbelltown is back! Oh what a feeling!
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Concert Review: Republished courtesy SA Band Association.
Campbelltown City Band & Torrens Brass
Winter Concert 2007
Campbelltown Function Centre
Saturday 30th June
Compare and Guest Vocalist: Winston Kay
Musical Director: Al Kidney
In early 2006 the Campbelltown City Band was described as being at a crossroads. Several issues needed to be addressed: Players, instruments, uniforms, public image, youth program & learners. Above all else, the existing members needed to regain confidence in the future of their band.
Sometimes it’s productive to look back and to observe the progress made. In Campbelltown City Bands case, it would have been easy we suspect for the band to have plodded on with the same old, same old.
Fortunately, key people in the Campbelltown City Band machinery had the fortitude to take on the hard issues. At this year’s Campbelltown City Band ‘Winter Concert’ everyone witnessed the fruits of those ‘hard decisions’ made in 2006 and while there is still you might say ‘uncharted waters’ ahead we can safely report that considerable progress has been made.
Entering the Concert venue, one was left with a firm impression that this was a very different Campbelltown City Band to that of old. In the foyer of the Campbelltown Function Centre, a large group of young children had gathered ‘tootling’ away and warming up on their brass instruments. There was a ‘tangible’ air of anticipation for what lay ahead.
Torrens Bass under the Musical Direction of Sarah Butler commenced this years Winter Concert. The band performed ‘Ode to Joy’, ‘Dr Rock’, ‘Big Rock Candy Mountain’, ‘Big Bravo’ and ended with the delightful ‘Boogie Blues’.
There’s no understating the importance of this humble performance given that it signals not only the development of all the individual members but the basis for the Campbelltown City Band to be confident in their future.
Campbelltown City Band under the Musical Direction of Al Kidney commenced their Winter Concert 2007 with ‘Fanfare and Soliloquy’ arranged by none other than Al Kidney.
The musical arrangements of Jan van Kraeydonck featured prominently. ‘Beatles Gold’, a compilation arrangement of many of the famous Beatles pieces followed.
The tempo was changed with the well known Holy Holy Holy (Nicaea) – John Bachus Dykes arr James Curnow and then as quickly as the tempo was slowed the concert’s first quarter ended with a bright performance of the Concert March ‘Bandology’- Eric Osterling Arr Frank Wright.
Compare for the evening was Winston Kay. Winston added a new dimension to the evenings events by singing to the audience some of Frank Sinatra’s better known pieces ; ‘Fly me to the moon’ and ‘Summer Wind’.
Al Kidney arrangements featured. ‘Unchained Melody’ and ‘Where the Black Hawke Soars’
‘Cavatina’ – Stanley Myers Arr Derek Broadbent was an opportunity to feature Mark Smith on Flugal.
Compare Winston Kay didn’t quite get the pronunciation of ‘Hine e Hine’ as it should have been. Nevertheless the Peter Graham arrangement of this traditional New Zealand piece demonstrated to all present the bands ability to perform pieces of a more delicate nature.
The last quarter included pieces such the ’Music of Night’ from the Phantom of the Opera and the ever popular ‘Sway’ arr Jan van Kraeydonck .
The evening’s concert concluded with 2 Bill McAlister arrangements, ‘London Calling’ and ‘City of Lights’.
This was an enjoyable evening for all in the Campbelltown Function Centre. Oddly enough, the date selected for this concert was determined to some extent by the then impending demolition of the function centre by the Campbelltown City Council.
The decision to demolish the centre has subsequently been reversed by council.
Campbelltown City Band and Torrens Brass enjoyed a solid turnout of Supporters, friends and family for this year’s Winter Concert. Campbelltown Mayor Simon Brewer and Councilors were also there to support their community band and to see the evidence of their earlier support through uniforms and instrumentation.
MD - Al Kidney & C.C.B. Mayor Simon Brewer
We’re back!
These were the 2 evocative words used by Musical Director Al Kidney as he summed up his impression of the major concert for the year. Still relatively new to the Campbelltown City Band scene, Al Kidney acknowledged the work of the 2 Musical Directors that had preceded him and spoke positively of the future direction of the band.
We agree. Campbelltown City Band is well and truly back and we will look forward to their continued development.
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Campbelltown City Band and Para Hill Brass Band combine for Anzac Day Parade
Along with a good number of other brass bands, Campbelltown City Band had a busy morning on Anzac Day. Playing first for a record number of people at the Dawn Service for the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters and then combining with Para Hills Brass for the march through the city.
The new uniform of Campbelltown complimented that of Para Hills and several complimentary comments were made by officials. The two bands also complimented each other in the area of instrumentation. Where Campbelltown was light-on, Para Hills provided, so that a good sized and balanced band was able to support to marchers.
Following the march, members of both bands got together at the Campbelltown City Band hall for a shared lunch and chin wag. It was really good to be able to share banding experiences and thoughts with good friends.
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Brass in the Park excites.
Campbelltown City Bands ‘Brass in the Park’ Concert excites the Campbelltown Community.
A large turnout witnessed Campbelltown City Bands new Musical Director Al Kidney for his inaugural directorship of the Campbelltown City Band at Thorndon Park on Saturday 22nd of April.
Campbelltown City Band and new Musical Director Al Kidney
There were dozens of family groups enjoying the park facilities and the inevitable "Happy Birthday" was requested of the band. Naturally the band was well prepared and happy to oblige.
A long time supporter and critic of the band told the SA Band Association this week that the sound of the band had improved greatly over the last year and sounded ‘really great’ for the Thorndon Park concert. ‘In tune, smooth and well balanced’, she said.
The final item was "Rock around the Clock" which proved a popular choice with many people dancing to the beat.
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Campbelltown City Band warms to expert tutelage
Campbelltown City Band was under the steady baton of interim Musical Director Jim Dempsey, when the band played at St Ignatius College on Saturday 31st March.
It’s still a week or so before newly appointed Musical Director Al Kidney takes over the reigns at Campbelltown City Band. Trouble was, the band had an important high profile concert at St Ignatius College to perform. Stepping into the void on a temporary basis came the welcome assistance from Mark Smith and Jim Dempsey.
Mark helped for a number of rehearsals and then Jim prepared the band for a full St Ignatius programme.
Some of the pieces the band entertained the St Igantius audience, were; ‘A Swinging Safari’, Bert Kaempfert, arr. Edrich Siebert, ‘Beatles Gold’, arr. Jan van Kraedonck, ‘Hine e Hine’, arr. Peter Graham and the ever popular ‘Sway’, arr. Jan van Kraedonck
‘This was a really great experience for the band under the leadership of these two great MDs’ Past President Brenton Brockhouse told the SA Band Association afterwards. ‘We were particularly grateful to Jim being able to make time to prepare us and the whole band has risen to the occasion and made continued improvements under his tutelage’ he added.
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Dielkens in distinguished lineup for Ken Keller.
South Australia’s Danny Dielkens joins a distinguished lineup of musicians next month when he competes in the Ern Keller International Soloist competition.
On Sunday the 18th of February, Danny Dielkens, Soprano with K & N Brass and Musical Director of Campbelltown City Band, joins the creme of international brass musicians when he competes in the prestigious Ern Keller International Soloist Competition.
Competitors in the years event are;
Melody Adams, Tenor Horn, Ulverstone, Tasmania
Danny Dielkens, Soprano, Kensington and Norwood, South Australia
Mason Elliott, Flugel, Dalewool, New Zealand
Steve Ford, Eb Bass, Kew Band Melbourne, Victoria
Kevin Hickman, Cornet, Woolston, New Zealand
Mark Howcroft, Euphonium, St Marys, New South Wales
Katrina Marzella, Baritone, Leyland, United Kingdom
Matthew Walker, Tenor Trombone, Midland Brick, Western Australia
The adjudicator for the International Soloist of the Year will be International Euphonium soloist, Riki McDonnell from New Zealand.
When contacted by the SA Band Association this week, Dielkens indicated that his preparations for this years Krn Keller has been intensive.
‘I can say that I am going flat out for this competition and that I am definitely going over there to try and win’, he said.
We wish Danny every success at the Ern Keller Soloist Competition.
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Republished Courtesy SA Band Association
Swan Song for Dielkens.
Danny Dielkens conducts his final concert with the Campbelltown City Band on Australia Day.
Campbelltown City Band entertained over 400 guests at the largest Citizenship Ceremony in the City of Campbelltown's history. Over 100 new Australians were inducted in the two hour ceremony.
This was Musical Director Danny Dielkens "swan-song" with the Campbelltown City Band and a cooperative swan was there for the moment. (OK Possibly a little computer wizardry helped!)
New Musical Director required.
Dielkens final concert with Campbelltown City Band reminds us all, that a new musical director is urgently required to maintain the momentum that has taken place within Campbelltown City Band in recent times.
For the last few months under the direction of Danny Dielkens, the Campbelltown City Band has progressed with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of optimism.
Both of their recent Musical Directors, Danny Dielkens and Chris Bowman have motivated them, taught and encouraged the ensemble. The band members are enthusiastically planning 2007 and have even “penciled in” entering the State Competitions in October.
Campbelltown’s Cornet team at the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony
Past president Brenton Brockhouse told the SA Band Association this week; We are prepared to work and we need a Musical Director to work with us. We consistently have 20-25 members at rehearsals each week’’ he said.
Campbelltown City Band Rehearsals are held in the Campbelltown Memorial Oval Hall, Cnr Darley Road and Lower North East Road, Paradise on Wednesdays from 8pm to 10pm.
Contact the band president, Mike Tucker on 08-8265 0144 or at apollo1@dodo.com.au for further details and to express an interest.
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Campbelltown City Band - Mt Barker Christmas Pageant.
Campbelltown City Bands new uniform made for an impressive sight at the Mt Barker Christmas Pageant.
Like a lot of other bands, Campbelltown City Band has been very involved with Christmas Pageants, the latest being at Mt Barker last Saturday 2nd December. This photo is of the band under the command of Drum Major Mike Tucker. The new blue uniform made an impressive sight and the full compliment of players, including members of Para Hills Brass Band, made an impressive sound under the tree lined streets of Mt Barker.
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Musical Director required from 2007
Campbelltown City Band is again seeking an enthusiastic Musical Director to take over the Campbelltown Senior band and the Torrens Brass Learner’s band. For the last few months under the direction of Danny Dielkens, the Campbelltown City Band has progressed with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of optimism. Unfortunately for us, Danny is moving to Melbourne in late January 2007 to take up full time employment in the Australian Army Band. This is a really exciting move for Danny but a sad loss for us.
Both of our most recent Musical Directors, Danny and Chris Bowman have motivated us, taught us, and encouraged us and we have loved it. The band is poised to move onwards and upwards and had even been considering entering competitions again. We have a new blue uniform and a new image. We love what we can see and what our future could be with the right sort of guidance
We desperately want the good work of the recent year to continue and for Campbelltown City Band to be the happy, lively brass band it is developing into. The young people in Torrens Brass need a mentor to guide them into the joys of music making in a brass band.
Our players are prepared to work and we need a Musical Director to work with us. We consistently have 20-25 members at rehearsals each week. We are planning 2007 now and look forward to the year with confidence as we continue striving to provide high quality musical entertainment to the community in the Campbelltown area, and to provide musical development opportunities for members.
Rehearsals are in the Campbelltown Memorial Oval Hall, Cnr Darley Road and Lower North East Road, Paradise on Wednesdays with Torrens Brass from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm and the Campbelltown City Band from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
Please contact the band president, Mike Tucker on 08-8265 0144 or at apollo1@dodo.com.au for further details.
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Article republished courtesy SA Band Association. 
2006 Champion of Champions Victorian bound.
Next year, SA’s 2006 Champion of Champions Danny Dielkens will be moving to Victoria.
News filtered through the SA Banding scene this week, with news that 2006 Champion of Champions Danny Dielkins had been successful with his application to join the Australian Army Band based in Victoria.
This week the SA Band Association caught up with Danny and sought his thoughts about his tenure here in Adelaide and how he felt about the impending move to Melbourne.
Q. What position have you been successful in gaining?
A. I will be playing trumpet with the Australian Army Band - Melbourne. There aren't many positions in a professional band or orchestra in Australia. In Adelaide there is the SA Police Band and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and between them they create only 8 positions for trumpets. Usually, except for the principal seat, as soon as people are lucky enough to gain that seat in the orchestra or band, they will stay there until they retire. So I consider myself really lucky that I managed to get one of the only two positions for a trumpet player in the Australian Army Band.
Q. How are you and your family feeling about the move to Victoria?
A. Of course mixed feelings. I'm very happy and so is Marjolijn, that I finally found a full time job playing. I have been looking for a job like this for more then 10 years now. And it will give Marjolijn the opportunity to stay home with the new baby, at least for the first few months. And very sad too. We only recently, not even four years ago, migrated from Belgium to Australia and had to say farewell to all our friends there. Now we have to do that again. Of course we will try to stay in touch, but I will definitely miss the after-rehearsal sessions with my best mates here.
Q. What have been the highlights, since moving from Belgium to Adelaide?
A. I have to say, most of the performing highlights were definitely with K &N. Over the past four years I was lucky enough to play concerts with James Morrison, Brett Baker, David Thornton, and many more great players. Also through K & N, I got in touch with Bob Johnson. And thanks to him and the big band, I took my trumpet playing to another level. I think this too would have contributed to gaining that spot in the army band. And last but definitely not least; becoming champion of champions in SA was probably the best thing I have ever achieved as a soloist
Q. Any thoughts on who you might align with on a banding scene in Melbourne?
A. Hmmmm. That's a tough one. I will most likely approach Kew and Hawthorn, because I cant live without banding, but I have no idea whether I will be playing with either of those bands. I have to find out how much work I will have with the army first and hope that I still have some chops left for the evening rehearsals.
Q. Anything else that you night want to add?
A. Well a few thank you's would fit in here nicely. First I have to thank Bruce Raymond for giving me the opportunity to play with the band. I must have been the fastest progressing musician in the band. I started on 2nd cornet, a month later I was on rep. a week later on solo cornet then a year later on flugal and again a few months later on sop. Also Bob ( Bobbie) Johnson for giving me the opportunity to play as lead trumpet in his band. I believe this contributed a lot to my sound projection and style on the trumpet.
And of course all my friends and supportive family :-)
Danny’s impending move to Victoria leaves big shoes to fill on the SA Banding scene. He is of course, Soprano with the Kensington & Norwood City Band, but is also the Musical Director of the Campbelltown City Band and the Mitcham Youth Band.
The SA Band Association wishes Danny, Marjolijn & family every success.
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Campbelltown City Band delights church congregation.
Members of the Campbelltown City Band delighted the congregation of the All Souls Anglican Church, St Peters on Sunday 12 November.
Campbelltown City Band provided the music for the Festival Service at the All Souls' Anglican Church, St Peters on 12 November.
This was a special service commemorating the saints who had gone before us from our families and community.
The grand finale was the great hymn "To God be the Glory" in which the band was joined by the pipe organ played by Brenton Brockhouse, BBb tuba player who is also Director of Music at the church.
The congregation were delighted with the combination of band and organ. The final "piece de resistance" was the rollicking "When the Saints go Marching In/Out" which had the congregation clapping and dancing in the aisles. They were definitely left wanting more!.
MD Danny Dielkens conducting Campbelltown City Band at this weekends Church Service.
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Campbelltown City Band is starting something big with a fresh new image
Campbelltown City Band - Musical Director Danny Dielkens launched their new image with the bands performance at the Bianco Multicultural Festival - Campbelltown Saturday 28 October.
Twelve months ago, the Campbelltown City Band was definitely at a crossroads. Several issues needed to be addressed: Players, instruments, uniform, public image, youth program &, learners. Above all else, the existing members needed to regain confidence in the future of their band.
Campbelltown City Band, under the watchful eyes of Musical Director Danny Dielkens, took a giant step forward on Saturday 28 October, with the launch of their fresh new image in the form of bight blue uniform jackets, embossed with the bands logo.
Campbelltown City Band announces new Musical Director.
Campbelltown City Band is pleased to announce the appointment of Danny Dielkens as their new Musical Director.
In announcing the appointment, Campbelltown City Band advise that Mr Dielkens has been appointed to look after both Torren’s Brass Learners Group and the Senior Band.
The appointment follows a busy and successful year for Dielken’s, who earlier this year won the SA Band Associations Champion of Champion event. He also plays Soprano with Kensington & Norwood Brass and lead Trumpet in the Australian Army Band and the Bob Johnson Big Band. Danny also has extensive experience playing and conducting a number of top grade European bands & orchestras and has local experience teaching and conducting in Adelaide, notably the Mitcham Junior Band.
Campbelltown President Mike Tucker said that the band was excited with the MD appointment. He advised that for the moment Campbelltown City Band & Torrens Brass will now move to Wednesday rehearsals to accommodate Danny Dielkens busy schedule.
At the recent Annual General Meeting the band’s patron, Mr Steve Woodcock, Mayor of Campbelltown reinforced the support and commitment that the Campbelltown City Council had for their community band.
‘The strength of this cooperation and commitment from both Band and Council can- not be over emphasized, President Mike Tucker said. It’s hoped that Danny’s appointment will result in a return of the ‘Brass in the Park’ entertainment concerts for the community at Campbelltown’s Thordon Park Reserve.
Details
Campbelltown City Band
Campbelltown Memorial Oval Hall
Cnr Darley Road and Lower North East Road, Paradise
(President: Mike Tucker 8265 0144)
Torrens Brass:
Wednesdays (during school term)
6.00 pm to 7.00 pm
Senior Band:
Wednesdays (throughout the year)
7.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Web address: www.campbelltowncityband.org
E-mail contact(s): apollo1@dodo.com.au
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