After months of delays, the Mount Gambier City Band and Mount Gambier Concert band were able to join forces and put on a performance.
Recently, a capacity crowd attended a musical feast at the band hall where the City Band combined with the Mount Gambier Concert band to present a pleasant afternoon of relaxation to enjoy the talents of local musicians who delighted those present with a whole range of performances with an afternoon tea interval.
The afternoon had been planned for some months but was delayed constantly by Covid, but finally the afternoon arrived when the performances could be scheduled with most performers avaliable.
The City Band President Allen Woodham paid a tribute to the City Band’s Musical Director Trish Bruggemann and the Concert Band’s Musical Director, Jack Heaven for their dedication and leadership within their musical groups.
“The efforts of these two groups under the direction of Trish and Jack continues to illustrate Mount Gambier as a city of musical excellence,” Mr Woodham said.
“In the past two years, Covid has devastated many of our community bands across the country and it an outstanding illustration of commitment to have these performances happening today.
“Both Trish and Jack have encouraged their members to appreciate and input passion and dedication into their pursuits and the results were displayed clearly today.”
He also announced a major project for the immediate future in that the Band Hall urgently needs its roof replaced.
“This will necessitate some serious fundraising in coming days and is a challenge that needs to be achieved,” he said.
The hall is a valuable community asset regularly utilised by various groups. It has been here since 1965 and this current winter has exposed the fact its roof needs to be replaced urgently to protect the heritage, the vast music library and other contents and the integrity of the building into the future.
“The building has had major refurbishment inside and out in recent years which has created a superb community facility.
“With the roof replaced it will continue to be an asset and a facility for our city for the next 50 years into the future.
The groups that utilise it would welcome new members and any financial support that may be considered to ensure the future.”
