What a wonderful local tour it has been!

On Friday April 1st,  we played our first formal concert since 2018, with a crowd of real-life people(!) who flattered us with rapturous applause. We made two Australian premieres: Where She Sings Freely composed by Lucy Pankhurst and text by Clara Price, with Ramona Downie Berry jumping up from the horn section to be our Narrator. The second work was Flight by the band’s MD Louisa Trewartha. After the interval we heard three works from students of the Footscray-Yarraville City Percussion Academy, lead by MD Katie Thomas. We closed the evening with ‘Mid All the Traffic’ (see below). The evenings soloists included principal cornet Stuart McCorkelle, principal euphonium Peter Murnane, and the ever-entertaining Byron Crump.

The next morning we were up early to perform our second concert of the local tour outside of Alfa Bakehouse, Yarraville. Many folks put their morning plans on hold as they stopped to listen, while those at the cafe were pleasantly surprised by the free, high-quality performance. We’ll be back!

 

 

Scraggers were back in fine form on Saturday November 20th, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Yarraville Station.

Performing under the shade of some beautiful trees next to the station, passers-by and customers at Alfa Bakehouse were pleasantly surprised when the band started up with some fun charts. As an audience gathered, curiously drawn to the sounds of FYCB’s fine playing, kids were dancing and adults were tapping their toes.

The performance featured Brenton Burley on the blues, solo cornets (lead by Principal cornet Stuart McCorkelle) playing Christina Aguilera, and tuba player Laszlo Szetey doing his best Baloo impression.

Scraggers are back!

How wonderful for the residence of the West to hear brass on their evening stroll along the Maribyrnong River. As the city opens up, stay tuned for the return of performances by the band.

LT

Wow- what an incredible night we’ve had: a productive rehearsal preparing for the Bendigo Comps, but also an awards ceremony too!

FYCB & WB Life Members Awards

VBL Membership Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Band Awards

The band are very pleased with our results from the online nationals 2021.

The competition was online this year and streamed over the Easter weekend by the wonderful Tim from brassbanned.com

Due to the massive interruption to rehearsals in 2020-21 the decision was made by the NSW bands association not to rank the bands, but award either Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze for each submission. Bands could enter whichever pieces in their section that they wanted to. The most popular sections ended up being the sacred item and stage march.

FYCB were the only A grade brass band in the country to enter all four sections, and the only A grade band from Victoria to enter. Given the huge Melbourne lockdowns last year, we are so proud to have achieved this.

FYCB results:

Own Choice Major Work: Bronze

Concert Item: Silver

Sacred Item: Silver

Stage March: Silver

Our four performances can be watched on this playlist.

 

LT 🙂

The mighty Scraggers performed alongside Hannah Gadsby and Zoë Coombs Marr on Sunday 14th of March. The crowd were treated to an upbeat, dance-filled Village People medly.

 

 

We have had a very successful weekend of recording for our Nationals entries. Our repertoire includes:

March: The Wizard

Concert Item: Procession to the Minster

Sacred Item: Gammal Fäbodpsalm från Dalarna

Major Work: Spectrum

 

Listen in over Easter to watch our performances

 

LT

So far this year the band have been working towards recording four works to submit for the 2021 Online National Bands Championship.

March: The Wizard

Concert Item: Procession to the Minster

Sacred Item: Gammal Fäbodpsalm från Dalarna

Major Work: Spectrum

As well as our regular Monday and Thursday rehearsals we’ve had a couple of weekend rehearsals and a handful of sectionals. Dedication paired with a positive attitude has lead to great sounds and much fun (see below)

 

Louisa Trewartha MD

Williamstown Treated to the Sounds of Brass

A massive congratulations to members of Western Brass, Footscray-Yarraville City Percussion Academy, and Footscray-Yarraville City Band on their performances on Saturday 19th of December at the Williamstown Foreshore Rotunda. This was Western Brass’ MD Jared McCunnie’s first conducting gig with his band, having been appointed back in February.

FYCB will now be working towards the Nationals recording sessions. Can’t wait!

Louisa MD

Finally Band… Not Banned

Following the COVID-normal guidelines the band has been able to meet in-person for the first time since March. Working in ensembles the band played Christmas carols, much to the delight of many park-goers.