Esprit de Corps
NEW ZEA L A ND A RMY BA ND NE W S L E TTE R
ISSN: 2382-1809
New Zealand Army Band
Powles Road
Burnham Military Camp
Burnham 7600
Issue 1 May 2015
Ph: (03) 363 0200
Fax: (03) 363 0193
Email: [email protected]
Hello everyone!
In this issue
In typical fashion, the New Zealand Army Band has been on a nonstop roller coaster with a schedule that would daunt many. Since the
last issue the NZAB has been to Germany for the Musikschau der
Nationen, performed at the ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony
in Christchurch, at the Sevens in Wellington, toured with the NZ Dance
Company all over NZ and fulfilled their many military obligations.
Pg 2:
Farewell Shelley Spencer
Pg 3/4:
Gallipoli 2015
Pg 4:
ANZAC Day, New Zealand
Pg 5:
Charter Parade / OCS Week
Pg 6:
Musikschau der Nationen’s
Bremen, Germany
Pg 7:
Army Golf Regionals
This year has been especially significant for us as we commemorated the
centenary of the ANZAC landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. This
saw members of the NZAB travel to France, Turkey as well as providing
support in Christchurch. Read on for more details.
As we bid farewell to Privates Tom Baker and Shelley Spencer, as well
as Lance Corporal Sima Bagheri, the New Zealand Army Band welcome
Georgia Hoy, John Mason and Jordan Seaton. And as you will read in this
issue, they’re already getting up to shenanigans!
PTE Lawson should also be congratulated once again. He has continued
his amazing solo performance legacy by winning the Australian Cornet
Championship. Well done Kyle!!
With the upcoming tour with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, King’s
Coronation in Tonga and back to Switzerland for the Basel Tattoo, it doesn’t
look like the NZAB is showing any signs of slowing. Stay tuned for our next
issue to hear how we survive the ride.
Editor.
Farewell Shelley Spencer
Pg 8:
Wellington Sevens, Waitangi
Day and the ICC World Cup
Opening
Pg 9/10: Warrant Officer Class Two
Kevin Leslie Jarrett, MBE
9/10/1937 – 10/4/2015
Pg 11:
Rotunda
Pg 12:
Tommy’s Farewell
CATE Recruiters Ball / North
Island Tour
Pg 13/14: The Birth of the
“Steinbenbers”
Pg 15:
Sima’s Farewell
Pg 16:
A Day in the Life ...
Marketing Cell IC:
Cpl Kevin Hickman
by Cpl K J Hickman
Marketing Cell 2IC & Web Content:
Pte Cameron Lee
On December 4th, 2014, the unit bid
farewell to cornet player E1030703 PTE
Shelley Anne Spencer. Shelley joined the
unit on 17th of January, 2011, moving to
Christchurch from South Australia.
Marketing Assistants:
Pte Hettie Adams
Pte Cameron McKellar
Pte Joe Thomas
It is fair to say that Shelley is probably the most
qualified person to ever wear a New Zealand Army
Band uniform. DOM Captain Graham Hickman
read a list of Shelley’s qualifications during her
farewell speech that showcased her numerous and
varied achievements.
Shelley was also a very reliable member of the
cornet/trumpet section, always being the first to
have her music in order and uniform squared away.
Rannerdale Fundrasier –
Saturday, 29 February
Newsletter Editor:
Pte Taryn Dufour
Front Cover:
The Bugle returns
Pte Shelley Spencer
During her time with the unit Shelley had several roles, including arranging and history
notes. She particularly excelled at the latter and was awarded a Burnham Camp
Commanders Commendation from CO Major Blair for her outstanding work.
Shelley, we wish you the best for your future endeavours and thank you for your 3 years
of outstanding service.
2 | Issue 1
Gallipoli 2015
by Cpl K J Hickman
On the 9th of April SSGT Phil Johnston (bass),
CPL Chris Foster (tenor horn) and myself, CPL
Kevin Hickman (cornet/bugle), joined around 70
other NZDF and civilian personal at Whanuapai
Air Force base for pre-deployment training as
part of the NZDF contingent heading to Turkey
for the 100th commemorations of the Gallipoli
landings.
The three of us were part of a tri-service ensemble that was to
provide the musical requirements of the deployment. LTCDR
Owen Clarke was our musical director, and the rest of our
team consisted of FSGT Murray Mansfield (piper), LAC Ben
Robertson (trombone), LAC Keiran Smith (cornet), AMUS Matt
Stein (cornet), AMUS Leni Sulusi (drums) and AMUS Rebecca Nelson (singer).
Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Peninsula
After 4 days of intensive rehearsal, lectures and briefings, the contingent left Whanuapai on a RNZAF Boeing that arrived in
Cannakale Turkey after stops in Darwin, Panang and Dubai.
Cannakale is a wonderful small city that sits on the southern side of the Dardanelles with a great view of the Gallipoli Peninsula and
was our home for 10 days. Our hotel was very comfortable and located right on the waterfront.
The first couple of days in Cannakale were fairly low key, with time to have a look around the city and also tour the ancient ruins of
Troy, about 30 minutes drive West of Cannakale. On our third day the contingent headed over to the Gallipoli Peninsula for 2 days of
battlefield tours with Ian McGibbon the contingents historian. Ian has spent months on the Peninsula visiting the site 14 times and
his knowledge made these two days particularly memorable. The highlight being a hike that followed the path of the Auckland and
Wellington regiments assault on Chunuk Bair. It also gave us a taste of how cold it can be on the Peninsula with strong cold winds
on our first day of the tour.
As the Contingents’ Bugler, I was loaned a bugle from the Northland and Auckland Battalion Trust that belonged to Bugle SGT
Postlewright. SGT Postlewright was part of the landings on the 25th of April 1915 at ANZAC Cove. The bugle is a true relic and
a treasure from the past. It has been engraved with many of the landmarks at Gallipoli that we visited over the 2 days of tours
including Walkers Ridge, Quinn’s Post, The Neck and many more. It was incredible to carry that bugle around the hills of Gallipoli
and then play it for the contingent at a landmark called The Table, knowing that it had been in the possession of a soldier 100 years
earlier and no doubt sounded in those same hills.
The battle field tour also highlighted to us the difficulty of the terrain that the allied soldiers faced on the Peninsula. It was a very
emotional and sobering experience to visit the final resting place of so many young men.
Our next 2 days were taken up with rehearsals at Chunuk Bair and ANZAC Cove. Both days
were bitterly cold and at times wet and with wind chill factor, the temperature was close to
zero degrees. I don’t think any of the contingent appreciated just how cold it could get, and I
was very thankful to have thermals, a puffer jacket and a raincoat.
Finally, the 24th of April arrived and the entire contingent left Cannakale and headed
back to the Peninsula for two days of commemorations, starting with the Turkish
Memorial service. The NZDF contingent marched with the Australians in true ANZAC
spirit. We then headed to ANZAC Cove for a night of reflection. The NZDF musicians
and Maori Cultural Group joined with the Australian Army musicians for 3 performances
during the night. We were blessed with a night that was not too cold, and everyone
managed to snatch at least an hour’s sleep.
The service itself was something very special. For me personally, I will never forget standing
in that place 100 years on, looking up into the hills in front of 10,000 absolutely silent and
still people, listening to the waves lapping the shores in the minute of silence between the
Last Post and Reville...
Rehearsal, Anzac Cove
continued overleaf ...
3 | Issue 1
... Gallipoli 2015 continued
Of course the day had only just begun for us all. The contingent then headed up to Chunuk Bair for the New Zealand
Commemoration. Again this was a very moving service that was more focused on us... New Zealanders. It is hard to understand the
sacrifice and hardship that the young men of our country endured 100 years ago, the decisions they had to make, and the bravery
they showed. I know that the whole NZDF contingent did our best to honour their memory in that special place. Lest we forget....
Anzac cornet/trumpet section rugged up against the cold!!
NZDF band, Anzac Cove
ANZAC Day, New Zealand
by Pte C P McKellar
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
25 April, 2015 was always going to be a particularly important day as it marked the 100th anniversary
of the allied soldiers landing on the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula. It was a day of reflection and the
New Zealand Army Band played a vital role in New Zealand and overseas.
With members of the band deployed to Gallipoli, France and Belgium, as well as Staff Johnson conducting the MAP students at
the Burnham service, the band called in a few extras for the Christchurch dawn service. So, with the help of Andrew and Ross
Yorkstone, Sarah Hickman and Ian Cotton, we set off for a 0530 setup in Cranmer Square. Come 0600 we were ready to lead the
parade into the square where more than 10,000 people had gathered to honour ANZAC Day.
Private Hettie Adams, one of four Australians currently in the band, sang Advance Australia Fair, while Private Selu Fotu, who gained
his New Zealand citizenship last year, sang God Defend New Zealand. 2015 Cornet champion of Australia Private Kyle Lawson gave
a stirring rendition of the Last Post. After the service, the crowd gathered around the band as they played a few more pieces in the
early morning sunshine.
Unlike previous years this was not the end of our commitments for ANZAC day, as we were scheduled to play at AMI Stadium
before the Canterbury Crusaders took on the Auckland Blues. For this performance, Private Andrew Yorkstone and Sergeant Jess
Blair joined us. We marched in to a rousing response from the crowd and once again Hettie and Selu sang the anthems and Kyle
played the Last Post, even more beautifully than in the morning. We were also joined by a catafalque guard made up of Infantry
soldiers who were marched on by Private Stuart McFarlane.
Luckily for us, the band was issued with a number of free tickets to the game which made for an excellent way to finish off another
eventful ANZAC Day.
4 | Issue 1
Charter Parade / OCS Week
by Pte T L Dufour
On December 5, 2014, the New Zealand Army Band made their way up to Tauranga to participate in a
Charter Parade with 3/6 Bn. As only drummers were required for rehearsals the rest of the NZAB were
able to enjoy a barbecue and dip in the pool at their accommodation, Macy’s Motor Inn. The following
day was back to work though, and the NZAB were in their usual fine form as they paraded through the
streets of Tauranga before finishing at the waterfront.
The next day the New Zealand Army Band packed up and headed off to Waiouru for the annual OCS Graduation and Retreat
Ceremony. This began with a public concert at the Waiouru War Museum for everyone to enjoy. The following day found the NZAB
at the Retreat Ceremony which involved their always exciting rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The accompanying cannons
provided some extra entertainment as onlookers and even some band members jumped at their firing! To finish off OCS week,
the NZAB paraded with the OCS graduates at their Graduation Parade and helped them let loose with some fun beats at their
Graduation Ball that evening. Another successful OCS done and dusted.
SSGT M D Johnston leads the band at OCS parade Waiouru.
NZAB drummers beating the retreat.
5 | Issue 1
Musikschau der Nationen’s
Bremen, Germany
by Pte H R Adams
On January 18th, the New Zealand Army Band set off to attend the Bremen Music Festival in Germany.
It is known for being one of the greatest brass band events around the world. After more than 30 hours
of travelling we arrived in Hamburg and were taken to our accommodation, a German Military Camp.
(Not many can say they have stayed in a German Military Camp before!)
Over the next seven days we performed three matinees and two evening shows, and ‘Frontline Brass’, a group made out of
NZAB members, entertained before the start of each show. After our first show the director of Musikchau der Nations asked if
the NZAB would perform the Haka as an encore for each show. This was definitely a highlight for the band and was very wellreceived by the audience!
Even though this was a work trip, we were given the opportunity to do some sightseeing and shopping around Bremerhaven, where
there was a German shipping museum and German submarine for people to explore. Some of the boys were lucky enough to have
a ride in a German tank driven by Helgar one of the Liaison officers during our time in Germany. Temperatures ranged from a high
of 5 to a low of -5. We experienced heavy snowfall, which obviously resulted in many snowball fights and snowmen too! A funny
highlight of the trip was when Private Jordan Seaton got locked out of his room and decided to sleep on the concrete stairs in the
corridor. He later woke up after having fallen halfway down the stairs in his sleep!
This was a very successful trip and many thanks must go to Drum Major Staff Sergeant Tristan Mitchell for all his preparation and
hard work.
International band leaders
Massed bands finale
6 | Issue 1
Army Golf Regionals
by Cpl K J Hickman
Bandmaster Phil Johnston and I were once again
lucky enough to be selected for the Southern
golf team for the Army Golf Regionals held at the
Palmerston North golf club between the 15th and
21st of February.
This year’s Southern team (the defending champions) had
been weakened by postings during the year, and Staff
Johnston and I found ourselves playing at No2 and No4
respectively for Southern. Quite a shock for us as we were
up against players whose handicaps were 7-10 shots lower
than ours!
But in true NZAB style we gave it our best shot. Phil managed
a half in one singles match and took the NZDF golf champion
L/CPL Ben Clutterbuck to the 17th in his second match.
My best effort was managing to get a couple wins in the
foursomes and taking an ex-army golf champion to the 17th.
Army Southern regional golf team
For the record, Central were a convincing winner of the tournament and our Southern team sadly claimed the wooden spoon.
Rannerdale Fundraiser – Saturday, 29 February
by Pte H R Adams
Rannerdale Veterans Care is a not for profit
organisation with the mission of providing
care for the wider veteran community
including those who have served in
the military and / or civilian emergency
services, as well as their families and
independents.
The evening was a fundraisers for Rannerdale and
began with a flag lowering ceremony which featured a
bugle call from LCp1 Lolo Tu’uetoka . The chief of Army
and Chief of Navy were also in attendance. This was
also Pte Georgia Hoy and Pte John Mason’s first event
with the NZAB.
Bandmaster for the event was Sergeant David Fiu. The
Band performed a card concert in-between each meal
which was very well received, and a veteran towards
NZAB card concert
the end of the night asked for an encore of his favourite
march “Appreciation”. All who attended the evening enjoyed the occasion and very much appreciated the army band’s presence.
The band’s quartet also performed throughout the dinner featuring Pte Raynor Martin, Cpl Chris Foster, Pte John Mason and Pte
Kyle Lawson, as well as the Dixie band featuring Pte Harre, Sgt Hina, Pte Williams, Pte Macfarlane and Pte Mckellar.
7 | Issue 1
Wellington Sevens, Waitangi Day and the ICC World Cup
Opening
by Pte J C Thomas
From members of Parliament, to newly sworn citizens of New Zealand. This year’s Garden Party at
Government House, hosted by Sir Jerry Materparae and Lady Jean Materparae, contained a vast
cross section of the nations public, including ex-bandsmen Jonathan Greenwell enjoying the culinary
delights on offer, as well as the vocal sensation Sole Mio performing the national anthem.
The New Zealand Army Band provided light entertainment throughout the afternoon for the largely captive audience in some simply
stunning Wellington weather and a beautifully kept front garden of Government House.
Also, on this trip the band performed at the International Rugby Sevens with a street parade of nations and two performances at
Westpac Stadium. The street parade down Lambton Quay brought 1000s of onlookers out of their offices to experience some
of the famous Sevens atmosphere and to cheer on the boys in black (and us in red of course). Unfortunately, the crowd at the
tournament itself was significantly smaller than previous years, however still created a great atmosphere. Who knew a brass band
could get people grooving like this?!
The Black Caps made history with their performance at this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup, and so did the Army Band, with the size
of the televised crowd watching their thrilling display at the opening ceremony. With approximately 450 million people tuning in on
the tournament this year, it’s fair to say we performed to our largest ever audience, once again putting the New Zealand Army Band
and the NZDF on the world stage. This was yet another unique display choreographed by Drum Major SSgt Tristan Mitchell which
blew away spectators with what this military band can do, especially for those who had not seen the band in action before.
Sevens parade of nations
Sgt R P Hina all smiles after our performance.
8 | Issue 1
Warrant Officer Class Two Kevin Leslie Jarrett, MBE
9/10/1937 – 10/4/2015
On Thursday, 16th April, the NZ Army Band
marked the passing of a true legend of brass
Warrant Officer Class Two Kevin Jarrett OBE.
Kevin’s achievements, both within the military and after
his time in our unit, are too numerous to adequately
cover here. A legendary cornetist he achieved a series
of solo championships, beginning at age eleven and
stretching well into later life. Early in his music career he
spent ten years in the NZ Army Band, including his time
as one of the greatest Bandmasters of all time with the
1971-1973 1st Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
Band in Singapore. During which time he was awarded
the ANZUK Force Commanders Citation for service
above and beyond the call of duty. After taking release
Kevin became a highly influential conductor, teacher,
The great man – KLJ.
adjudicator, motivator and mentor, renowned both within
New Zealand and internationally. The driving force behind the Wanganui brass scene for many decades Kevin taught over 100
solo, duet and quartet champions, and lead Wanganui City Brass to many highly memorable achievements, including winning the
Australian National Championships in 1988 and a successful tour to the 1993 Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Kevin was a member of
eleven New Zealand National Bands, including four as conductor and five as principal cornet and band leader, and conducted
three National Youth Bands. As a teacher he was without peer; appointed as the New Zealand Brass Band Association’s National
Director of Education in 1997 Kevin travelled the country providing tuition and brass seminars, motivating thousands of brass band
musicians, young and old. Kevin is a Life Member of the Brass Bands’ Association of New Zealand, and was awarded the MBE in
1986 for his service to brass. In July, 2012 it was also our great honour to dedicate the “Kevin Jarrett Music Library” at the Army
Bandrooms in Burnham, which now holds Kevin’s lifetime collection of solos, duets and ensembles for perpetuity.
This unit was privileged to share some special moments with Kevin over the month before he was accepted into the champion
brass band in the sky.
On 11th March, 2015 Warrant Officer Class One Graeme Bremner, accompanied by past members Michael Peterson, Chris
Campbell, Peter Adams, Clyde Dixon and his son Naval Warrant Officer Shawn Jarrett, presented M41618 Warrant Officer Class
Two Kevin Leslie Jarrett with his New Zealand Long Service and Good Conduct medal, for having completed fourteen years
qualifying service with character and conduct beyond reproach. This included fifteen years within the New Zealand Army and seven
years as a Territorial Musician in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Then on Monday 23rd March, on a day off during our national tour with the New Zealand Dance Company’s World War One 100th
Commemoration show “Rotunda”, a group travelled up from Wellington to Wanganui and performed for Kevin at the Wanganui
Hospice. This was an emotional occasion and one that will be a special memory for those privileged to have made the journey.
Kevin passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on 10th April 2015 and his funeral was held at the Wanganui Racecourse
on Thursday 16th April 2015. It was this unit’s great honour and privileged to provide the pallbearers who brought Kevin into his final
service and deeply honoured to take part in the band of champions who performed Kevin’s final concert for him.
Kevin had put a great deal of thought and preparation into his funeral; planning it to be a musical celebration of his life performed
and conducted by his former pupils. The podium was shared between the Director of Music Captain Graham Hickman and the
current Champion Conductor of New Zealand David Bremner (Trevor’s son). The NZ Army Band provided the core of a band that
would have done any National Band proud, and after a couple of hours rehearsal that morning performed the following music to the
approximate 1200 people that attended the service;
continued overleaf ...
9 | Issue 1
... Kevin Jarrett MBE continued
Memory
A Little Prayer
Mid All The Traffic
The Shepherd’s Song – Soloist Trevor Bremner
Share My Yoke – Soloist Private Kyle Lawson
Concierto de Aranjuez – Soloist Tyme Marsters
Hymn - The Old Rugged Cross
Dark Haired Marie – Soloist David Maas
At the conclusion of funeral service the many brass musicians in attendance who hadn’t performed with the service band
pulled out their instruments and lined the road out of the racecourse for a rousing rendition of “Through Bolts & Bars” as Kevin
made his final journey.
Kevin will be fondly remembered by many, including his family, wife Heather, sons and daughters in-law Shaun and Vicki, and Blair
and Debbie, grandchildren Jordan, Ashleigh, Shannon, Eden, Rebecca and Mitchell, his sister Mary Miller, his many nieces and
nephews, all members of the NZ Army Band past and present, and the thousands of musicians whose lives he touched.
RIP Kevin - you will always be remembered.
Kevin with two of the many New Zealand champion players he taught – Cpl K J
Hickman and current Australian cornet champion Pte K J Lawson.
NZAB library named after the great man. His name will live on forever.
10 | Issue 1
Rotunda
In March, the New Zealand Army Band joined forces with the New Zealand Dance Company in their
production Rotunda.
by Pte T L Dufour
The stunning work honoured the 1915 landings in Gallipoli and was written as a “living memorial that celebrates the ANZAC spirit
and the themes of courage, loss, kinship and ultimately, a desire for peace” (NZDC). Artistic Director Shona McCullagh created a
piece that combined mace theatrics, dramatic shadow play and waiata with the beauty of contemporary dance, while at the same
time making it accessible to all. Musical Director Don McGlashan juxtaposed moving hymns and new works from NZ composers,
and then under the baton of SSgt Phil Johnson the NZAB provided the musical backdrop for the dancers of the NZDC to bring it all
to life.
While the NZAB musicians were initially unsure what to expect (touring with a contemporary dance company was a pretty new
experience!), it didn’t take long before that turned into awe and appreciation for the dancers. This included their newest dancer,
NZAB member Pte Cameron Lee, who had the pleasure of joining them on stage. This enjoyment continued as the NZAB and
NZDC took Rotunda across New Zealand. Unfortunately, the NZAB was not able to head to Australia with the NZDC, so with heavy
hearts wished them farewell and good luck overseas. It was truly an experience that the NZAB members will remember and treasure
for a long time.
Oh, we may have given them Pte Lee!
Pte Lee struts his stuff with Rotunda cast.
11 | Issue 1
Tommy’s Farewell
by Cpl K J Hickman
On the 4th of February, 2015, the unit farewelled W1026418 Senior Private Thomas William Baker.
Known as Tommy to his mates, and BAKER!!! to most SNCOs.
Tommy first joined the unit way back on the 13th of November, 2008, and quickly gained himself a reputation for his quick (and at
times inappropriate) wit. Tommy is the king of one liners and always had a prompt and sharp answer. However, Tommy contributed
much more to the unit than his sense of humour. He spent time in the arranging cell, the School of Music and was also a great 2IC
of the social club. His skills on Sibelius were well-known and he was the go to guy if anyone needed something arranged quickly.
Tommy was a valued member of the cornet/trumpet section and gained ATCL with distinction during his time with the band.
All peers were looking forward to Tommy’s farewell speech, and we were not disappointed. Many stories were relived and a few
more created as the afternoon wore on.
Tommy has moved back to Wellington to finish the last year of his music degree. He has also transferred to the Air Force as a
territorial musician, so hopefully we have not seen the last of him. We all wish you the best of luck Tommy. You will be missed!
Baker, the specialist 4th Trumpet
What a mover!!
CATE Recruiters Ball / North Island Tour
by Pte T L Dufour
On November 20, 2014, the New Zealand Army
Band embarked on a tour of the North Island
taking their Golden Jubilee evening concert
series on the road. Before they could get stuck
into concerts, the NZAB first provided a banging
set at the CATE Conference Ball. This proved to
be a very enjoyable way to start the tour, with a
delicious feed provided for the NZAB and a very
appreciative crowd to play to.
The rest of the tour saw the band performing in venues across
the North Island, including the Matamata Memorial Hall in
Pte H R Adams sings with the band in concert.
Matamata, Baycourt Theatre in Tauranga, Whakatane Theatre
in Whakatane and Capitaine Bouganville Theatre in Whangarei. The NZAB had not been up to Whangarei in more than a decade,
which made this last stop extra special. As always, the band entertained with a variety of musical styles from brass band classics
like Irish Blessing to big band hits like Chick Corea’s Spain.
12 | Issue 1
The Birth of the “Steinbenbers”
by Allen Brown
The incessant banging continued. The hammering was
from the floor above and it seemed to be amplified by
the room I was in. It was not helping my concentration
at all. Here I was trying to quickly do three arrangements
of tunes which the management had requested for
tonight’s engagement. And one in particular was proving
a problem. How the heck do you arrange “I Left my Heart
in San Francisco” for beer band? While I contemplated
my problem, the pounding carried on from above.
I couldn’t really complain as everything that was happening was in
preparation for the “Steinbenders” launch - the first public performance.
I was in Greymouth’s Union Hotel lounge while Brian Hanify and Murray
Dew were upstairs bashing rivets into what were to become our
“traditional” German braces. It was during winter in 1972. The reason I
remember what the season was, was that we had to put chains on to get
over Porter’s Pass.
The Union had just recently added a large lounge bar called the “Copper
Room”, and the Steinbenders were the first band to perform in it. For
payment we were fed and watered in true West Coast style. We must
have done alright as we were each presented with a copper plate - the
type one hangs on the wall. Some time later we heard that these plates
had been put aside as Xmas presents for the staff. As well, the law had
been broken, as the “Copper Room” was not due to be licensed to sell
booze for another week. But then things get done a little differently on the
Coast.
While the Union Hotel had been the first gig for the Steinbenders, it had
taken over a year for the beer band to reach that stage. During 1971, a
number of bandsmen who had toured with the 1970 National Band joined
the Army Band. One was Peter Ballantyne who had acquired a heap of
short scores of traditional German Beer Band music while in Holland.
These were duly scribed into parts, and the concept was born. At the
end of 1971, bands changed over in Singapore, and among those who
returned was Brian Hanify. At that time his brother Graham was running
the only recognised beer band in the country which, among other gigs,
performed weekly at a pub on Cambridge Terrace in Wellington.
While on leave Brian played for Graham at some stage and the next thing
I knew was that I was handed a box full photographic negatives. This
was in the days when photocopiers were not yet freely available and all
copying required a photograph which then required developing. The Army
Band had been forced to use this method for years as the alternative
was writing a copy out by hand. And to think that now photocopiers are
becoming obsolete.
Anyway, yours truly spent the next few weeks in a darkened barrack room
copying out the music. The negatives were projected onto the wall, a page
per negative, and being negatives the notes etc appeared white with a
black background. No wonder I’m forced to wear glasses. But the end
result was a folder of well arranged beer band music of the same standard
played by Graham’s band.
Herr Bruce Kenyon
continued overleaf ...
13 | Issue 1
... The Birth of the “Steinbenbers” continued
Like playing in any smaller ensemble, it took some time to achieve a workable group. Plus, there was a good four hours of music
to become acquainted with - and it was manuscript written in haste. As a result it was not surprising that it took until winter ‘72 to
have a presentable product. Other things were happening as well such as Bruce Kenyon, with his love of dressing up as a German,
working up to being our front man.
Having completed our “season” at the Union Hotel, the powers that be of the Army Band decided that the Steinbenders could be
a useful part of the band. As a result at engagements like the Alexandra Blossom Festival, the beer band provided an evening’s
entertainment at the local RSA, and did so successfully for some years.
As well, we began exploring the Christchurch Workingmen’s Clubs, and soon had performed a number of gigs. I remember one gig
we did in Burnham - it was in the then Community Centre which was located behind the Bandroom. Being Army, and because it
was for fundraising, the job was to be a “freebie”. We were discussing this problem over a jug at Rolly Pub when it occurred to us
that there was a way we could be paid. Back in those days bands still did regular broadcasts on radio. We approached them and
they were more than interested. The result being - we got paid, were broadcast (half an hour only), and their staff thoroughly enjoyed
the evening. We did another broadcast some months later, recorded in the Papanui WMC. Strange how broadcasting needed twice
the number of staff there - something to do with training was mentioned.
I can’t remember if it was late ‘72 or ‘73 when the Army Band did a trip down to Invercargill. I remember this trip distinctly as
recently, in October 2013, a beer band contest was held in Wellington. This was billed as being a first in New Zealand - wrong!! The
first one was on that trip to Invercargill years before. Barrie Bain of the then Garrison Band was contacted and immediately flew into
action. The contest was held in a local pub and each band took turns performing half hour brackets which were judged accordingly.
The Steinbenders won on the night and we were presented with a rather moth eaten mounted stag’s head. The trophy was
subsequently placed on the wall of the mess room among the collection of plaques. Everything was fine until the weather warmed
or the heaters were fired up, when those sitting beneath the trophy discovered live insects dropping into their brews. God knows
where Bain had acquired it from, but thought it was a huge joke when he was told.
In 1976 I was sent to Dunedin to assist the police. What they wanted to do was hold a massive beer festival in the then big Army
Hall, for one of their charities. What resulted was a beer band contest with four bands - us, Invercargill, and two from Dunedin. Each
band would do two half hour brackets with the 2nd being judged. There were two raised stages which allowed bands to swap
over on one, while another band played on the other. That was my side of things, and that part of it proceeded without a problem.
But problems there were and in the end, a near riot. I had given the organisers as much assistance as I could - a rough idea of
booze and food required for 1,000 people plus the necessity for additional toilets. On the night the extra toilets were not there but
the crowd of 1,000 was, and then the booze ran out, it was only 10pm. What I do remember is the police did an excellent job of
ensuring that the bands were able to “escape” with all their gear. We then retired to the police canteen for a debrief.
One could reminisce at some length on the beer band days. But one thing I do remember is that somehow our set of music became
the basic beer band pack of virtually every band in the country. Yes photocopiers had arrived and I suspect someone like Denis
Dewe may have had access to one in those early days. For some years following, when visiting local bands around the country, I
found it of interest to flick through their packs. Same order of tunes, same manuscript writing, but with the copy somewhat fainter.
Beer banding in it’s day was a lot of fun, and a good source of funds for bands. Robbie Fischer always reckoned that if you did a
few gigs before a contest it got your lip good and fit. Sadly some of our mates that I have mentioned have passed on, but in my
memory they are still very much alive.
Recently I was looking through an old carton which had travelled around with me for some years and came across a bonus bond
certificate valued at $100.00. It was issued by the Burnham Camp Post Office in 1974, and I had bought it from beer band earnings.
I thought 40 years - it should be worth a fortune, and so I cashed it in. Yes, you’re right, it was worth $100.00. As for the copper
plate - no it doesn’t have pride of place on the wall if it ever did, and I don’t know when I last saw it. But if I’m in need of beer band
nostalgia I only have to visit the bandroom here in Roxburgh where - yes right again, there’s yet another set of that familiar music.
14 | Issue 1
Sima’s Farewell
by Pte C F N W Lee
L1029559 LCpl Sima Bagheri is one of those special individuals who puts in ample work behind the
scenes yet (barely) never complains.
Someone you can confidently share something of a personal nature with, an incredibly intelligent person, a pretty handy tuba player,
a very good vocalist, someone who’s always smiling and epically fun to be around, and an all-round positive member of the unit.
She is off to study science at Canterbury University, majoring in Chemistry. Bit of a change from her last 4 and a half years. Even
though Sima’s time has come to an end with the RF band she’s remaining TF. We wish her all the very best with her studies and
look forward to seeing her back as a TF member for the upcoming Tongan King’s coronation in late June.
Sima singing in front of the band
Touring dates
15 | Issue 1
A Day in the Life ...
A section that stretches together plays together?
SSgt Muzza Johnston practicing his contemporary dance moves.
View of the feature “Sphinx” from the stage at Anzac Cove.
Depiction of trench warfare on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Eceabat.
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PJ and KJ go hat shopping at the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul.
16 | Issue 1