www.bandsapolice.com - email bandsapol@bandsapolice.com
FEBRUARY 2008
Produced by Senior Constable 1st Class Adam Buckley
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Welcome - to the first official electronic Band newsletter for 2008. The Band got off to a very early start, and has already been very busy this year, as many of you would know. In January, the Band travelled to the other side of the globe, to participate in the 2008 "Musicshcau der Nationen" (Music Show of the Nations) in Bremen, Germany
This event is similar to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, or the Adelaide Tattoo's held here at the Entertainment Centre. Bands from Europe and Asia are gathered annually at the Musikschau, and over 5 or 6 performances entertain around 20,000 people. This year, we were honoured by the event organisers to be the First Australian band to be invited and participate in the show. This indeed is another indication of the high regard that SAPOL band is held, and the reputation it has established Internationally. The event coordinators invited the Band to perform a 10 minute display which was of Australian Content. Our arranger Senior Constable Roger Downton, once again combined a unique selection of Australian traditional and contemporary tunes, and cleverly interwove them with well know German melodies for this display. The marching component was devised by Drum Major Sergeant Scott Howard, and the band demonstrated its skills at a variety of marching styles and drill moves. The well received display culminated with the clarinet section, in a drill team style move, pulling the Australian Flag from the pouch of Adelaide the Kangaroo, much to the delight of the Audience.
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Farewells - It is with sadness that the Band farewells two of its long time serving members, Senior Sergeant Doug Drysdale and Senior Constable 1st Class Roger Downton.
Doug joined the band in 1976 and has served as Director of Music since 1991. During his stay he has conducted the Band on hundreds of engagements, and assisted in the production of at least 6 cd's. He has also been Musical Director of the Sensational Adelaide, and Commonwealth Bank Police Tattoo's held here in Adelaide over a number of years, Travelled extensively with the band Interstate, and has also directed the Band on 4 International trips, 1 to London in 1998, 2 to Edinburgh in 1990 and 2000 and recently to Germany in 2008.
Also departing is the Band's Arranger Roger Downton, who joined the band in 1977. Roger has been responsible for all music that has been performed as part of any Tattoo for at least the last 25 years, and is highly regarded by Band members and fellow musicians alike, for his clever arranging skills. Notably, apart from writing the show stopping display music for 2 Edinburgh Tattoo's, a London Royal Tournament and the recent Bremen Musikschau in 2008, roger has written numerous pieces, one titled "Sensational Adelaide Fanfare" which was a adopted by the Government of South Australia as it's official fanfare. Both Roger and Doug will be taking up positions with the Adelaide Police Tattoo Team until their respective retirements later this year, and as a Band we wish them well with their new venture, and thank them for their commitment to the Band over such a long period. |
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Closer to Home - May 2-4, SAPOL will once again host the Commonwealth Bank Police Tattoo, to be held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. SAPOL Band will once again be a key feature of the Tattoo, and will perform parts of its Bremen marching display. An added feature this year will see a performance by the Tattoos headline act, Todd McKenney with the Band. This popular show, once again is a highlight on the States arts performing calendar. More information is available from the Tattoo Web Site at www.policetattoo.com and tickets are available from Tiketek.
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A New CD - Late in 2007 the Band produced a new CD to commemorate its trip to the "Musikschau Der Nationen" with the feature tracks being the music being performed at the Tattoo. Other tracks on the disc are designed to highlight the Band's diversity as musicians, by spotlighting a sample of our smaller ensembles, such as the Dixieland Band, Big Band and Jazz ensemble "Sons of Zorro" Titled "We Are Australian", the CD also featured music of Australian content. Tracks include Music from "Musikschau Der Nationen 2008"
Big Band
Dixieland Band
"Sons of Zorro" Jazz Ensemble
Concert Band
ORDER NOW ONLINE FOR $10 PLUS POSTAGE Go to our merchandise page for other cd's and band souvenirs. |
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So What Happened ? - We have had a number of enquiries from members of Friends of the Band what has happened to our paper publication of the newsletter. The last edition to be sent out was March 2007, and following this there was significant debate as to whether the paper edition was successful and questions had been raised in regard to the ongoing cost of printing and distribution by mail. As a Government agency, we also have to ask our selves - "is there a better way ?" and up until now we still think that a paper letter may be the way to go, when given the demographics of our postal audience who may not have access to email etc, to receive letters such as this one. We would like to be able to go GREEN with a significant portion of our correspondence by using electronic means for distribution, therefore we would encourage you all to ask other Friends you may know of to sign up for this newsletter via the email / link on our web site (www.bandsapolice.com) or opposite, so everyone can continue to receive regular updates on the Band's activities. You can help us by forwarding this email to other people you may know, that are interested in the Band's activities.
To our loyal Friends who receive electronic and paper editions to date, we apologise for the break in transmission, and ask you to keep an eye on your inboxes for future updates of b@nd NEws |
What's On ? - Below are a few public engagements that are available over the next couple of months - hope to see you all there ! February
March
April
May
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