Today we unveil a new website thanks to our web designer, Sarah Nielsen (http://sarahnielsen.com.au)! Please let us know what you think about it!
Farewell Adam Matthews
At the 2011 Christmas Party, we had the sad task of farewelling Adam Matthews (MD of Spectrum Big Band). We are sorry to see him go after 2 years at the helm. Adam is posted to Australian Army Band Melbourne.
While we will miss Adam, we also welcomed Phil Johansen as Adam’s replacement for 2012. Phil plays trombone with RMC so will be no stranger in front of Spectrum Big Band!
2011
| 2011-11-16 | The 86th Anniversary Concert went ahead, despite the difficulties encountered because of the visit of the President of the US. While the numbers were down on last year, this is almost certainly due to the road closures etc as one third of ticket purchasers failed to show.
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| 2011-11-04 to 06 | CCB has always had a proud tradition of taking the music into the country and this year, for something different, we went along to headline the inaugural Leeton Band Spectacular. What was different this time was, however, the fact that not only did Leeton have their own band, but this was a festival of concert bands! Too long has Spectrum Big Band hogged the country festival atmosphere playing at all those jazz festivals (Merimbula, Moruya, Wagga Wagga, Manly, Thredbo); now it was the Concert Band’s turn!  So off the band packed for two nights in Leeton. It was such a rewarding experience to perform to the locals each day, and to organise other ensembles such as the massed trombone choir (Simon Mitchell) or the brass ensemble collective (again Simon Mitchell). On Saturday evening, the public concert was held at the Roxy Theatre, culminating in the massed bands (over 200 musicians on stage representing the 10 or so bands that had traveled to the festival). We were, of course, the penultimate act, which went down a treat, with great charts such as Band for Bond, Londonderry Air and Slava. On the Sunday morning we performed on the rotunda in the park before heading back to Canberra. How nice it is to see banding growing again in the regions after decades of decline; the Leeton Town Band only reformed ~5 years ago! |
| 2011-10-16 | This biggest thing to happen to the website since it launched in 2004 has just occured: Spectrum Big Band now has its own dedicated website! Check it out at http://spectrumbigband.com.au. |
| 2011-08-22 |  *Canberra farewelled Bill Hoffmann on Friday 26th August in a service appropriately held in Llewellyn Hall at the ANU School of Music. Tributes were made to various aspects of his life including his family, his involvement in music education, his work as a music critic for the Canberra Times, his interest in dog breeding, and of course the establishment and running of Canberra City Band from 1947 to 1976. John Sharpe spoke on Bill’s contribution in regard to CCB Inc. At the request of Bill’s family, a 20-piece strong CCB provided a musical interlude with a lovely rendition of Be Thou My Vision. Also, “The Hoffmann Winds”, in the form of a flute quartet, played before and after the service.”The Canberra City Band has had, I am sure and I’ve always believed, a very special place, not only in Canberra’s history but I think also in the history of music in Australia. It is one of the significant musical organisations … and it filled a very important place in Canberra’s development as a city and as a musical centre.” Bill Hoffmann, 27 August 2009. |
| 2011-02-21 | CCB Inc is now the proud owner 95 solar panels, each being 60W Kaneka Silicon PV. Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) is thin-film technology and is cheaper, but less space efficient than mono or poly crystalline cells (space is not a problem for us at the bandroom!). The other advantage is that thin-film is not as sensitive as other technologies: it does not require a tilt frame to angle it towards the sun, and its efficiency is not adversely affected by high temperatures. It will produce more energy in summer, but less in winter.  Total system size is 90.3m2 and 5.7kW (max power). It is expected that it will generate 8.86MWh renewable energy per year.Thanks to the ACT Govt for the ACT Community Energy Grant and Solarshop for supplying the panels! |
2010
| 2010-12-15 | Canberra City Band once again joined with Woden Valley Youth Choir for the 66th Carols by Candlelight at Stage 88 and were joined by Spectrum Big Band. |
| 2010-11-24 |
CCB launched its new uniform, with the marching band inspired tunics in the colours of Canberra, at the 85th Anniversay concert. |
| 2010-10-17 | CCB will celebrate its 85th Anniversary with a concert at Albert Hall on Wednesday evening 24th November (6:30 to 9pm). |
| 2010-10-02 | Canberra City Band travelled to Penrith to take part in the NSW State Band Championships. It has been many years since CCB has competed in this competition. Out of 4 bands in B Grade, we came 2nd. Also, given the chance, Loretta Versperman was presented with her Life Member certificate – a big surprise to her! |
| 2010-06-05 | At the AGM, CCB awarded three new Life Memberships to: Peter McDonald, Paul Gamp and Loretta Versperman |
| 2010-01-17 | CCB Notice Board now available for public notices! Click on Notice Board under Public or click here! |
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2009
| 09-12-12 | Spectrum Big Band said goodbye to a friend today at the Christmas Concert at Glebe Park. Steve Carter (MD) heads off to Melbourne at the end of the year and this was his last gig with the band. John Agnew Band also gave its very first public performance. This was also an opportunity for the organisation to present the long awaited Long Service Badges to those who have been in the organisation for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years. It was also a chance to present 4 of the 7 Life Members with framed Life Members Certificates and Life Member Badges. To see photos from the day, click here.      Canberra City Band Inc congratulates the following members for reaching 5 years of service:
Canberra City Band Inc congratulates the following members for reaching 10 years of service:
Canberra City Band Inc congratulates the following members for reaching 15 years of service:
Canberra City Band Inc congratulates the following members for reaching 20 years of service:
Canberra City Band Inc congratulates the following members for receiving Life Member status:
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| 2009-08-22 | There was a sense of nostalgia in the air on the evening of the 22nd August as 20 members of Canberra City Band descended on the home of the Bandmaster, Bill Hoffmann OAM, for a surprise performance at his 90th Birthday. The band crowded into his music room to perform Canberra City March (composed by another CCB Bandmaster Keith Helgesen) and Happy Birthday/For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow. Bill then rose to the occasion to conduct the band in a spontaneous rendition of Officer of the Day. With Bill’s extended family looking on, Bill was awarded with Life Membership of Canberra City Band Inc and presented with both a framed certificate and a Life Member badge. Better known as the Senior Music Critic at the Canberra Times, Bill also reformed the Canberra City Band in 1947, after it disbanded due to unemployment and lack of players in 1937, and ran it for 30 years until 1976. He was instrumental in having the forsight to reconfigure the band from a brass band to a concert band (with the addition of woodwind instruments in 1949), making the band the oldest community concert band (and one of the oldest concert bands) in Australia. |
| 2009-05-30 | Concert Band competed in (and won) the Open Bands (Grade A) section at the Australian National Eisteddfod (Canberra’s local Eisteddfod). This is a credit to the influence and hard work that Geoff has put into the band over a short period of time! The piece was Fantasy Variations on a Theme by Niccolo Paganini (arranged by James Barnes). Spectrum also competed in the Open Jazz Bands (Grade A) on Friday night and performed Count Bubba and The Lady is a Tramp, receiving a Highly Commended and second place.
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| 2009-04-15 | Spectrum Big Band featuring our vocalists Sarah Byrne and Paul Parolo will perform for the Italian Earthquake Relief Dinner & Dance at the Italo-Austalian Club in Forrest on Friday 24th April. All money raised will go to the Red Cross in lieu of the relief effort. Tickets $100 from the Italian Cultural Centre Canberra. |
| 2009-04-04 | Canberra City Band celebrated its Gold Chief Minister’s Award with a concert and BBQ at the bandroom on Saturday April 4. In attendance were our patron, The Honourable Margaret Reid AO, past Director of Music Keith Helgesen, past Music Director Colin Fischer MBE, past Conductor (Juniors) Naida Blackley, past Music Director (Spectrum) Rod Mason OAM, past Music Director (Spectrum) Clayton Fiander, past Music Director (Spectrum) Graeme Reynolds, past President Tom Parkes, past Secretary Judy Helgesen, past Treasurer Helen Wood. Unfortunatly, the guest of honour, Bill Hoffman OAM (who was the Bandmaster from 1947 until 1976), was unable to attend for medical reasons. |
| 2009-03-12 | Canberra City Band Inc was today recognised with a Canberra Gold Chief Minister’s Award as part of Canberra’s birthday celebrations! Canberra City Band was established in 1925 and is Australia’s longest serving community concert band!
The Canberra Gold Chief Minister’s Award recognises the unique contribution made by individuals and groups (as of 2009) who have chosen to make a long-term commitment to the ACT. Through this award, the ACT Government celebrates this dedication by honouring individuals and groups who have resided or operated in the ACT for fifty years or more. |
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2009-03-10 |
Spectrum Big Band selected to participate at this year’s Thredbo Jazz Festival! |
| 2009-03-01 | Canberra City Band Inc welcomes MAJ Geoff Grey CSM as the new Music Director of the Concert Band!!! Canberra City Band are very privileged and excited to have Geoff on board. Geoff is the Officer Commanding / Music Director of the Band of the Royal Military College (Duntroon) and has a long history of community music involvement. Geoff will take the Canberra City Band until at least the National Eisteddfod in May. |
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2009-01-15 |
Canberra City Band Inc welcomes CPL Steve Carter as the new Music Director of the Spectrum Big Band!!! Steve plays with the Band of the Royal Military College (Duntroon). |
2008
| 2008-12-31 | Michelle Austin stepped down today as President of Canberra City Band Inc after taking the reigns in 2007. While she is remaining with the organisation as a very capable and appreciated French Horn player in the Concert Band, we wish Michelle all the best in her career as she returns to full time work (after recently becoming a mother) and a significant promotion! Good luck, Michelle! Until the 2009 AGM, Thomas Manley (VP) will be acting President. |
| 2008-12-07 | Canberra City Band wishes Rod Mason OAM all the best in his new role as the 2IC of Australian Army Band – Sydney. It is with heavy heart that we see Rod depart as outgoing Music Director of Spectrum Big Band. Rod’s influence on the organisation as a whole cannot be overstated.
Quite simply, he has been an inspiration to us all, and has lifted the Big Band to heights it has never dreamed of reaching. Rod was posted to Canberra as the Bandmaster of the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2006 although he didn’t join Canberra City Band until 2007. During that time he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and a Gold ARIA Award (see below). |
| 2008-10-21 | MEDIA RELEASE – CCB musician, author and jazz historian John Sharpe releases his third book covering the history of jazz in Australia: “I wanted to be a Jazz Musician”. The book covers fascinating oral histories by some 30 of the country’s most prominent jazz musicians including John Morrison and Warren Daly.
John’s first two books are “Dont worry baby. They’ll swing their arses Off – The Stories of Australian Jazz Musicians” (2001) and “A Cool Capital – The Canberra Jazz Scene 1925-2005″ (2006). For the full media release, click here. For further information or for book sales, John Sharpe can be contacted on 02 6286 1728 or at johnsharpe@canberracityband.com. |
| 2008-09-26 | GOLD ARIA AWARD FOR ‘SALUTE TO THE AUSSIE DIGGER’ A musical tribute has today earned the Australian Army its first ever Gold ARIA Award. Presented during a ceremony at Victoria Barracks in Sydney, the award from the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) recognised the national distribution of over 38,000 copies of the compact disc, Salute to the Aussie Digger. The CD project was conceived in 2003 by then Australian Army Band – Sydney member, WO1 Rod Mason OAM – the current Music Director of Spectrum Big Band. The Canberra City Band congratulates WO1 Rod Mason OAM and MAJ Geoff Grey CSM (current OC/MD Band of the Royal Military College and then OC/MD of Australian Army Band Sydney)! To see the full media release click here. |
| 2008-07-22 | Canberra City Band welcomes WGCDR David Worrall as the new Music Director of the Concert Band!!! Dave comes with a wealth of experience, having conducted the Air Force Band in Sydney for 12 years. |
| 2008-01-26 | On Australia Day 2008, Rod Mason (our illustrious Spectrum Music Director) was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for meritorious service as the Australian Defence Force Academy Band Sergeant Major and as a member of the Australian Army Band Corps. Congratulations Rod! |
2007
| 2007-12-07 | Don’t miss the Summer Swing Ball on Friday December 7th! |
| 2007-11-23 | Did you hear Spectrum on the radio? To promote the upcoming Summer Swing Ball, Spectrum appeared on 666 Mornings with Alex Sloan on ABC local radio. Spectrum performed two songs (L.O.V.E. and Blue Skies) with Sarah Byrne on vocals while Alex interviewed Music Director Rod Mason. Check out the studio photos!
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| 2007-09-08 | Spectrum played at the Wagga Wagga Jazz & Blues Festival featuring our new vocalist Sarah Byrne for the very first time!
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| 2007-06-19 | President Michelle Austin (nee Paccagnella) gave birth on Tuesday 19th to a baby boy, Jamie!!! |
| 2007-06-09 | Spectrum played at the Merimbula Jazz Festival to much acclaim and with Frank filling in for Rod. |
| 2007-06-02 | Concert Band performed admirably at the National Eisteddfod in Canberra (Open A Grade Concert Band) and received a Highly Commended for Philip Sparke’sConcert Prelude and Vaughan Williams’ Folk Song Suite. |
| 2007-06-01 | Spectrum performed admirably at the National Eisteddfod in Canberra (Open A Grade Big Band) and received a Highly Commended for Jazz Police (Leonard Cohen) and Andrew Hackwell’s Hey Jalapeno. Andrew is a well known local singer and saxophonist in the community. |
| 2007-04-14 | Spectrum played at the Balloon Fiesta Nightime Spectacular at Manuka Oval.
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| 2007-04-03 | The AGM brought the addition of two new members to the committee: Michelle Austin as the new President and Kim Hubbard as well as a returning member, Alicia Tito (nee Whaling). Congratulations to all three and also congratulations to Sandra and Thomas who were both re-elected. Thanks also to outgoing members Steve and David and in particular to Derek Hyde the retiring President. It should also be mentioned that during the year, Bob Wood stood down from the committee, as did Leigh Power who moved to Japan.
We also removed some committee positions at the SGM and instead made them appointed positions. Bernie Evans remains Librarian, Bob Wood remains Facilities Manager, Karen Adams remains Uniform Manager and Thomas Manley remains Webmaster although these positions are no longer committee positions. Bernie and Karen remain on the committee as General Members and Thomas remains the Vice President. |
| 2007-02-13 | After seeking applications for a new Spectrum band leader to replace Clayton, we received interest from 5 top candidates and after subsequent auditions, we are pleased that Rod Mason, Bandmaster of the Australian Defence Force Academy, has accepted the position effective immediately. Thanks must go to Clayton who took the band with style during 2006. |
| 2007-01-21 | Keith retired on Australia Day, finishing off with a final concert at Stage 88
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2006
| 2006-12-10 | At the Christmas Party, we surprised Keith with a Farewell Party as he is retiring in January |
| 2006-11-27 | New photos of the Temora Flying Day (2006-11-27) Floriade (Spectrum) (2006-10-15) |
| 2006-11-21 | After seeking applications for a new Concert Band conductor to replace Keith in 2007, we received applications from 4 very strong candidates. Subsequently, auditions were held, and we are pleased to announce that MAJ Craig Johnson (ret), immediate past Officer Commanding / Music Director of the Band of the Royal Military College, has accepted the role, starting 21st January 2007. |
| 2006-11-21 | Clayton Fiander has submitted his intention to retire from Spectrum in the new year so Spectrum seeks a new band leader for 2007. |
| 2006-09-19 | Keith Helgesen has submitted his intention to retire from the band in the new year so Concert Band seeks a conductor for 2007. |
| 2006-05-28 | Concert Band played in the Open Concert Bands, Grade A section of the National Eisteddfod in Canberra and came 2nd out of 6 bands (the other 5 were Hall Village Brass Band, Riverina, CYOS Wind Orchestra, Ginnindera Wind Orchestra and Combined Grammer Bands). We played Alfred Reed’s Hounds of Springs. Hall Village played a piece called “Blitz” brilliantly to become the overall winners. Photos will be uploaded when they become available. If anyone has any photos of the band please email them to “photos @ canberracityband.com”. The National Eisteddfod website is at: www.nationaleisteddfod.org.au |
| 2006-04-08 | Photos from Soccer ‘World Cup’ Match sponsored by the German Embassy  |
| 2006-04-05 | Membership Form is now available in both Word (electronic form) and PDF formats (click here) |
| 2006-04-04 | Finally have added photos taken by Poway Band when they visited us last year. We held a combined concert where Poway played, then Spectrum, then the Concert Band, and finally Poway sat in with Concert Band. This was preceeded by a spit roast. |
| 2006-03-31 | It is with regret that we advise of the passing of a good friend of CCB – John Agnew.
He died in John James Hospital early in the morning of Wed 29th March 2006. John had been ill for a long time prior to this, but continued to work and always in good spirits. John and his wife Naida were heavily involved with Keith in the development of the Junior Section of Canberra City Band in the 80’s and 90’s. He later became the head of IMPACT (Instrumental Music Programme A.C.T.) working with Junior Government Schools in the A.C.T. but always staying in close touch and support of CCB. We extend our deepest sympathy to Naida, David, and Brendan (John’s two sons) and 7yr old Elizabeth, John and Naida’s daughter. Canberra has lost a great force in Junior music. We’ll miss him deeply. Keith Helgesen D.O.M. – for Canberra City Band Inc |
| 2006-03-28 | The AGM brought the addition of two new members to the committee: Karen Adams and Simon Mitchell. Congratulations to them both and also congratulations to Bernie and Nicky who were both re-elected. All other committee members are due for re-election in 2007. |
| 2006-03-20 | New photos of Smith Family Open Day at GG’s (5th March)  Balloon Festival (19th March)  |
| 2006-03-06 | NOTICE OF AGM to be held Tuesday 28th March at the Band Room, Watson (see proposed constitution amendments here) |
| 2006-02-05 | New photos from Australia Day Breakfast at Commonwealth Park  |
| 2006-01-29 | Updated Concert Band webpage |
| 2006-01-15 | Added photos of the old Senior Band (now Canberra City Band) and Juniors from 1983 to 2002 |
| 2006-01-01 | New photos from the Carols gig at the Canberra Centre (23rd Dec)  Temora gig (27th Nov)  |
2005
| 2005-12-13 | Committee votes to change the uniform pants from the light grey colour to black as of 1st January 2006! |
| 2005-03-22 | AGM ushers in a few changes to the Committee: * Welcome to the new committee members: Leigh Power and Steve Weller * Outgoing VP George is congratulated for his commitment and hard work. Thomas Manley takes up the reigns. * David Johnson moves to a general committee position from Secretary. Sandra Cruikshank takes up the reigns. * Keith Helgesen recognised for his tireless effort since the 80s with Life Membership of CCB. Congratulations Keith! |
| 2005-03-08 | Added the Canberra City Band Constitution under the Members Only section. |
| 2005-02-25 | Check out the new Diary Dates – online, up-to-date, easily readable! |
| 2005-01-26 | Australia Day pre-Tattoo Concert – some new pics! |
2004
| 2004-09-28 | New photos of Spectrum and Floriade |
| 2004-09-18 | Concert Band competes in the NSW Stage Band Championships at Port Hacking High School, Miranda (Sydney) |
| 2004-07-28 | New layout that is more flexible to different browsers and browser sizes. New COUNT DOWN timer to the NSW State Championships! |
| 2004-06-27 | NSW State Solo and Small Group Championships – CCB was represented by a quartet, a quintet and two soloists; click here to see how we did |
| 2004-06-17 | New Spectrum and UpBeat distribution lists go live |
| 2004-06-14 | New Concert Band distribution list goes live |
| 2004-06-07 | Website goes live (unofficially) |
| 2004-06-04 | Spectrum were lucky enough to be played on Macca’s Australia All Over radio show on Sunday 30th May 2004. Macca played a Spectrum track recorded at a concert at Dick Smith’s rural home. For your convenience, it can be played and/or downloaded here(1.3MB). |
| 2004-04-06 | New website begins… |