THE Wonthaggi Citizens’ Band celebrated the 10th anniversary of the current band room on Billson Street with a big weekend of music, community and connection!
The festivities began with a cabaret-style evening at The Clubhouse on Friday night. A full house of nearly 100 supporters enjoyed a two-course meal and entertainment by the 30-piece brass band, playing a variety of well-known jazz and popular songs. A highlight was local vocalist Tom Green singing with the band for a few numbers in each set, moving the audience to tears with ‘Bridge Over
Troubled Water’ and getting everybody up on their feet with ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’.
Stephen Scimonello from the Wonthaggi Club presented a cheque to musical director Craig Marinus, continuing their generous sponsorship of the band.
On Saturday, band and supporters gathered at the band room for reminiscing, catching up, enjoying afternoon tea and another roof-raising performance from the band.
President Michael Kershaw also presented a number of Victorian Bands League Service Awards to long-standing members, including Nick Beale and Annette Scimonello (30 years), Stephen Scimonello, Phil Richards, and Michael Kershaw (40 years) and Susan Marinus (50 years).
Susan, a life member of the band, joined the Wonthaggi Citizens’ Band in 1972 as a young girl playing cornet. She is currently a percussionist, with her husband Craig, children Alicia and Adam, and granddaughter Emerald also involved with the band.
The Wonthaggi Citizens’ Band is committed to supporting brass band music at all levels. Lessons and Training Band are available for students at Inverloch and Wonthaggi Primary Schools as well as beginners of all ages from the wider community, and the Wonthaggi Youth Brass and Citizens’ Band are always happy to hear from keen brass and percussion players.
Contact the band at wonnicitizensband@gmail.com or Secretary Fiona Moldrich on 0407 299 738 for more information about any of the band’s programs.
