What's happening with the MGCB
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05/03/2021
A lot has happened at the band hall in the last week. Firstly our new flash chairs have arrived. This continues the work on the hall improvements. The chairs are a result of excellent work by Faith Monger working on a grant from Stand Like Stone.
Our chairs were in need of a significant upgrade and we thank Faith and Stand Like Stone for their contribution.
What a differece this will make - our guests and musicians will be very comfortable going forward. Out with the old and in with the new.
ALSO - last night the band recorded our submission for the National Band Competition. Due to the restrictions in Australia a "virtual" competition is being held with bands required to enter via a video.
Bands can enter as many as 4 categories - Hymn, March, Concert Item, Major Work. We played The Middy for our march, Breezin' Down Broadway for a concert item and A Gaelic Blessing for our hymn. Given the time restraints we decided not to submit a major work. The band performed very well and eveyone was excited and pleased with the result.
A big congratulations to our MD Trish Thompson who worked the band up in only 4 weeks... We hope we did you proud Trish.
The performances from bands all over the country will be streamed at Easter time (the normal time the Nationals are held) so look out for updates on our facebook page.
03/11/2020
So rehearsals look different now with the band spread out to ensure our social distancing requirements are met BUT we are back together and having fun making music once again.
Coming up soon is the Christmas season and while there will be no Blue Lake Bands Festival this year or Mt. Gambiers amazing Christmas parade there are plans in place to ensure that we get to play carols and that everyone will have a chance to enjoy the Christmas spirit. The Mount Gambier City Council have some great ideas to make this happen so please jump onto their Facebook page or website and see what is to come for Christmas.
What ever it looks like in 2020 you can be sure that the Mount Gambier City Band will be involved!
https://www.facebook.com/cityofmountgambier?rf=196940727024978
https://www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/
12/08/2020
The Mount Gambier City Band would like to congratulate the Mount Gambier City Concert Band on their 10 year anniversay. This is a huge milestone and truly shows the big commitment to community music that the members, committee and directors have.
If you'd like to know more about the Mount Gambier City Concert Band then head on over to their facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/MountGambierCityConcertBandOfficial
28/07/2020
You may have noticed significant upgrades to the Mount Gambier City Band Hall.
A dedicated team of interested parties have put in an enormous amount of work to make the hall a much nicer place for the playing members.
Further to this it is now a very suitable place to hold your special event.
The City Band would like to recognise these people.....
Firstly though we must mention Jennie Matthews who's vision and dedication and resourcefulness directed this team to create a really wonderful space.
Special thanks to:
Faith Monger MGCCB LCSO
Frank Monger MGCCB LCSO
Raelene Monger MGCCB LCSO
Karen Maxwel MGCB MGCCB LCSO
Stephen Maxwel MGCB MBCCB LCSO
Des Pluckhahn MGCCB LCSO
John Cruise MGCB MGCCB LCSO
Linda Cruise MGCB MBCCB LCSO
Jennie Matthew LCSO MGCCB MGCB
Paul Brill MGCCB LCSO
Tom Dermodo MGCCB LCSO
Olivia Harrison B.L.U.E.
Jarrod Harrison MGCB LCSO
Bob Mackley MGCB
Graham Marks MGCB
Bronwyn Johnson MGCCB
John Pratt LCSO
Elizabeth Ferguson LCSO
Trevor Buck
John S
Phil
Peter Joblonski
*MGCB Mount Gambier City Band / MGCCB Mount Gambier City Concert Band / LCSO Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra / B.L.U.E. = Blue Lake Ukulele Ensemble
We are very lucky to have so many people dedicated to the continuation of community music.
All of this was done through the height of Coronavirus and is a testament to the passion of the local community music scene.
We also thank local tradespeople and business who were willing to offer very fair rates and in some cases donate a bit extra to help get the job finished.
17.07.2020
There hasn't been much activity for the band this year due to Covid-19. We are just about to head back to the hall for rehearsals.
We go back on the 22nd of July and can't wait to begin making music together once again. THEN we hope to be able to bring the music to the community as soon as possible.
05.12.2019
Last night was the final rehearsal of the year. We played carols and laughed... Then we were sad as we say goodbye to a couple of our members as they move interstate.
Darcy our soprano cornet player is moving back "home". It's been fun having you in the band. Lots of laughs and great music....
Dan our Musical Director is moving to Melbourne and we can't thank him enough for his energy, passion and commitment to the band. You have left the band in a great place after your time. You can be very very proud of what you have achieved with us.
Darcy and Dan - our door is always open to you. Please come back to visit from time to time and definitely let us know what you're up to. We are going to miss you both.
From everyone involved with the MGCB - We wish you all the best for your future.....
THIS FROM LIONS CLUB MOUNT GAMBIER for ALAN WOODHAM OUR PATRON - Congratulations to Lion Allen Woodham OAM who was presented with a Melvin Jones Fellowship, by President PDG Trevor Jacobs, today at the conclusion of the Mount Gambier Lions Brass Band Festival. Today marks 21 years that Allen has organised and overseen the running of the festival. The award was a mark of the high esteem the Club holds for this dedicated Lion.
18.11.2019 - PRESS RELEASE - The Mount Gambier City Band has serviced the limestone coast district since 1895. An impressive achievement for a community brass band. They support important community events including the Christmas Parade, Remembrance Day, Australia Day and Anzac Day along with numerous local fetes, markets and shows.
An organization like this is highly reliant on the support and help of its members and volunteers and this weekend the Mount Gambier City Band bestowed Life Membership on two long term members Jenny Matthews and Tom Dermody. Jenny & Tom have been stalwarts of the band for 18 years both joining as beginner players. In that time they have held down many positions in the organization and have contributed more than could ever be measured. The Mount Gambier City Band thanks Jenny and Tom for their efforts and appreciate their ongoing support and commitment even though both are no longer playing with the band
As the band begins to wind up an exciting 2019 it’s important to take a step back and thank our departing Musical Director.
Last year Dan Caton took on the baton and the role of musical director and under his leadership the city band has played at many local events and also travelled to Adelaide to compete in the State Band Championships. He has grown the band and created a very committed ensemble. Not only are the players committed to making music for the community but also committed to the well being of the band and each other.
Perhaps fittingly the last major event for Dan was the Lions Blue Lake Band Festival where he prepared a very challenging program for the band. The Mount Gambier City Band took away first place on stage - a well earned farewell to Dan.
Dan said that his time with the band was a time of growth for him and is very proud of every member for working so hard for him. For trusting him and supporting his ideas.
The band is very sad to see Dan leave us but wish him very well on what we know will be a very impressive career.
