Playing in a brass band can involve some interesting experiences but seeing the floor opening up beside you as a Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ rises up from the depths has got to be one of the most unusual.
Our final engagement for 2021 was a Christmas concert organised by the Theatre Organ Society of South Australia in the beautifully restored Capri cinema. Our programme included old favourites (When a Child is Born and The Christmas Song), traditional carols, more modern seasonal offerings (All I Want For Christmas Is You and Feliz Navidad) and unusual arrangements of well-known Christmas songs (a jazzy version of God Rest You Merry Gentlemen and a sort of musical Heinz 57 varieties version of Oh Christmas Tree)
After each band bracket members of TOSA demonstrated their talented taming of the mighty beast, culminating with a performance by band member John Slater, a truly gifted musician with a wicked sense of humour.
And so, the final descent of the Mighty Wurlitzer to its subterranean lair signalled the end of 2021 for Campbelltown City Band. All that remains is to wish all our members and supporters a wonderful Christmas – and a Covid free 2022.
Thanks must also go to Michael Cant for taking these photos, and the Capri Theatre / John Slater for making them available to us.
(All photos Copyright © 2021 Capri Theatre)
