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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS • JUNE/JULY 2016 PAGE
Port Adelaide City Band
The Port Adelaide City Band shares its founding year – 1870
– with another icon of the region, the Port Adelaide Football
Club. Just like the Port Adelaide Football Club, it’s changed
over time but is still going strong.
Since its early days, the band has been responsible for the
formation of many life-long friendships. Members travel
around South Australia to take part in a wide range of
activities including competitions, ANZAC Day events and
sporting matches.
A number of members have been active with the band for
over 40 years. The record for longest stretch of time with the
band goes to oldest member Bill, who plays the tuba. Now
aged 89, Bill joined the band as an 11 year old in 1935
after a recruiting visit to his school. That first night, seventy
new children came along to practice and he has remained
a loyal member ever since.
Bill recalls some of his fondest memories which took place
during his early years with the band. “I most enjoyed
playing music in the old Semaphore and Largs Bay rotundas
on warm summer evenings, it was just beautiful.”
As a life-long member, Bill says that the band is an
essential part of his life. “Being in the band is great therapy,
it lets me forget about my worries and just relax with the
music for a few hours a week which is why I’ve been doing
it for 78 years!”
Another long-term member is 88 year old Des.
During his time with the band, seven of his children
have also been members.
The youngest current member is 8 year old Ethan who is
following in a family tradition; his father, Peter, is the
current bandmaster and his grandfather was bandmaster
for 40 years prior to that.
Like Bill, Ethan is also a tuba player and has received
plenty of guidance from the more experienced players
who’ve helped him learn his instrument of choice in a
supportive environment.
With a repertoire of more than 2000 songs, the band plays
all styles of music, even trying their hand at pop classics
from the likes of ABBA and Elvis.
The Port Adelaide City Band always welcomes new
members of all ages and all skill levels. If you are passionate
about learning, they will even teach you to play an
instrument. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday nights from
7:30pm at Edgar Oldfield Hall Swan Terrace. For more
information, contact President Secretary Wendy Fanshaw
on 8449 9195 or email
Bill playing the tuba