Musical Ambitions:

To pass on my experiences and knowledge of music to young people, so that in some way they also may enjoy the rewards of this art,

Also to play at the highest level possible within the Salisbury City Band.

Anything else that you want to say:

I would like to acknowledge the support and continued work that Parents do for their Children, while learning and developing their music.

E-mail Address: maxwell3@chariot.net.au

JUST FOR A LAUGH   -  by Alan Butters

My story begins in my infant years,  my family were very close and they would congregate at a moments notice for birthdays, weddings, Christmas or just any reason at all.  At these gatherings, music in one form or another was always present, it seemed that every Grandfather, Grandmother, Aunt or Uncle, even Mum and Dad had some musical ability and as young ones we were encouraged to take part.  As a result of these gatherings, it could be loosely said, I had a musical upbringing, this was further aided by my father, who took a job as stagehand at the local Variety Theater.  I went along with him and soon became the Tea-Boy!  For my efforts I was rewarded by being allowed to stand in the wings of the Theater and watch the various artists of the day perform.

At the age of eleven, on my move to High School, I soon found that music lessons were not compulsory as a subject, therefore pressure to do well in them was not applied.  This meant music became preferable to English or Latin and that banging the Bass Drum allowed me to ease some frustrations.  It became enjoyable to the extent that I was appointed Bass Drum player to the School Orchestra.  Once in this position other percussion instruments were offered for me to play.  My involvement with the School Orchestra continued all through my High School days, however, it was during these years I first encountered the words “BRASS BAND”.  These words were spoken to me by my best friend and classmate one afternoon on our way home from school, when he proudly announced that he was joining a Brass Band, he asked if I would like to come along.  This left me a little lost for words, mainly because my friend was not musical in any form.  He was tone deaf had lips twice the size of Mick Jagger’s and on top of that he had glass bottom spectacles!  Not doubting his word I agreed to accompany him, if anything for a good laugh at his expense.

So – meeting at the appointed time and venue, we entered a small tin shed which was the Band Hall.  Once inside we were faced with a motley band of music makers.  What was to happen next was to capture me body and soul.  My friend introduced me to a friend of his who stood four fee ten inches in his platform shoes and played Eb Tuba.  After some friendly banter the Band was called to order and began their rehearsal.  When they finished the first piece of music (In a Monastery Garden), the Conductor welcomed us as visitors and invited us to choose an instrument to play and sit behind during the rehearsal.  I chose the Tuba player to sit behind as he was the only person I knew.  After instructions from Conductor, the Band again began to play.  From that moment I was hooked, in fact I didn’t even notice my friend leaving – I was never to see him again!  So, at the age of thirteen I resolved to learn to play music. Indeed my resolve was so strong that nothing was going to stop me attaining the highest level.  As there were no tutors, I started to teach myself.  I began by purchasing a record by the Morris Motorworks Band, this was to be my yardstick and my aim was to reach the standard of that recording.  Tuition was available from the Conductor but he was seventy years old and had a hearing aid in each ear, I only took one lesson from him!  My main education came from the Tuba player, who I now know as Jim Hobbs – he was to become my “Mentor of Brass”.

With my resolve and two years of instruction and practice I decided to follow my Mentor to the district Band of Rayleigh where I moved from Tuba to second Baritone.  Although the Band entered Competitions and I rehearsed along with them, being relatively inexperienced they didn’t pick me to play, however the experience was invaluable.

During one particular year 1969/70 it was announced that I was to be included in the Band for next year’s Competitions.  Of course, I was elated at this and couldn’t wait to get home and tell my parents the good news.  I was told we were moving to Australia! At this time I was seventeen and at work as an apprentice in a Printing Firm.  So with growing work pressures and changing countries my music and banding declined in standard and enthusiasm.  This was to change rather rapidly on reaching Australia.  Amid much awe and confusion at our new home we received a visit from neighbours we had known in England, they had emigrated a year before us.  My father’s friend asked me if I was still interested in Brass Bands as a work mate of his belonged to one which needed players.  I agreed to go along and within a week of arriving in Australia I joined the St. John Band who’s conductor was Lloyd Porter.  He asked my to play first horn as they needed one for the upcoming Tanunda Competition.  Shortly after I moved back to the Eb Bass where my resolve was renewed and one of my personal goals in music was realized by winning first place in 1978, 79 80 in solos.  I was playing the Bb Bass by this time and sat alongside Errol Schultz.  I stayed with St. John for seventeen years and in that time received the Queen’s Medal for Service and many Trophies for best attendance and most improved player.  Trouble within St. John led me to Noarlunga City Band.  Although a Concert Band I was still playing Tuba.  I t was here to realize my second personal goal – that of playing a reed instrument, especially the Oboe.  I began by learning the Clarinet and then Saxophone and finally Oboe.  This was not successful as I had hoped but it was enough to satisfy my goal.

Although this episode to me was invaluable, I still had a first love of Brass Bands and after about four years, I rejoined the Brass Band field by joining Salisbury.  The remainder of my story can be found in Band records.

This is a brief account of my banding career, there are many things which took place during the years too numerous or forgotten to write down.  One thing I know for sure – Music and the playing of it, be it Brass or Concert, Jazz or any other kind has given me an Art which requires discipline and pride, not only in Music but in oneself, which I believe can only be good.  I have been involved in Brass Bands and playing for 41 years and to contemplate a life without it?-------Well/Fine.