Loving that big brass sound

For more than 40 years members of Ye Olde Brass Band members have been sharing their love of brass with the community.

Moreton Daily recently sat in on one of their rehearsals at Rothwell to find out more and it seems they’re looking for more musos to join them.

Ye Olde Brass was formed 42 years ago by a group of men who had retired and didn't like to play in the night air.

They played in nursing homes during the day to bring joy to residents and help them reminisce about the old days and tunes from that time.

Many concerts across the Redcliffe peninsula and performances at RSL services brought music and memories to many. It’s a tradition that carries on today.

Changing of the guard

In 2021 at the AGM, the band’s baritone player Richard (Dick) Smalley, aged 94, stepped down from the position of president after serving for 25 years.

Dick joined the band in 1992, coming up from Warrambool for a warmer climate. He met the original guys who started the band, who entrusted him with this position, which he held with pride.

Also, in 2021, the band’s musical director Peter Berry, aged 92, stepped down from the position of bandmaster to play a baritone.

Ye Olde Brass Band has found it hard to play in nursing homes and perform at services during the past couple of years due to COVID-19, but its 35 players have turned up every Wednesday (socially distanced) for rehearsal and a good old yarn.

Anyone with a love of music, who is keen to join, is welcome to come along to 176 Morris Rd, Rothwell, at 1pm Wednesdays.

The band’s current musical director Chris Schnack and its president Bruce Keipert lead a band of lads and lassies of all ages, retired and part-timers, who come together for the love of music.