About the Band

Waratah Brass may not be the oldest continuously operating brass band in the world, but there would not be many to beat its 125 years. Based in Newcastle, New South Wales, Waratah was founded in 1884, and has survived world wars, depressions and natural disasters to serve its local community with distinction. Waratah is a true community band and is home to around 35 musicians from all walks of life - students, lawyers, police officers, IT professionals, full-time parents, teachers… you name it, they've got it!

The history of the band is a rich and varied one, possibly with many elements that are familiar to anyone who is associated with community banding. From its humble beginnings in 1884, Waratah has steadily grown through several fazes to reach some impressive heights in Australian banding.

At times, its own identity has been obscured by unhelpful name changes such as the time it was renamed simply the “Police and Citizens Brass Band” . Amongst its previous personas, between the words “Waratah” and “Brass Band” have been fitted “-Mayfield and RSL”; “town”; “municipal”; “citizens and district”; and “Prize”. The name might have changed but the organization did not falter.

The years have seen plenty of conductor changes. Early success was enjoyed under the late P. Hopwood, with W.J. Traise a later successful conductor who was also known to double as drum major.

Waratah has engendered much loyalty over the years. Of special note is Wallace (Wall) Jory who spent 49 of his 61 banding years with Waratah, including service as deputy band master. His brother William had also been bandmaster.

Waratah has contested on and off for much of its existence. Little is known about activities before the early 1920’s when it is said to have competed in Toowomba, Qld. It started to win sections in the 1930’s and has been a consistent, successful competitor ever since.

The band reached a peak just before World War Two when it won the B grade championship in Newcastle, causing it to be elevated to A grade. The adjudicator on that occasion was the legendary A.H. (Bert) Baille of Newcastle Steelworks and Bondi Beach Bands fame. On this occasion, Waratah won all sections except the Street March which saw them pipped by a point.

World War Two brought its share of sadnesses and losses to the band as members left due to military service with some, inevitably, never to return. One Waratah historian singled out Jim Craig as having given “his life for the cause of Waratah Band”.

By the early 1970’s a new youthful combination under David McCaffrey had taken up the challenge of creating a new tradition at Waratah.

Under the leadership of local brass musician, Ron Grice, the band improved rapidly throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Since entering A Grade, again, in 1992, the band has consistently placed highly in contests at all levels; Regional, State and National. The most recent major A Grade success was the 2006 NSW State Championship.

Waratah Brass is recognised as one of the premier entertainment bands in Australasia. The band has won the prestigious Ern Keller "Band of the Year" entertainment contest for 10 of the last 12 years, including 9 in a row! (as an adjudicator for the 12^th of these – 2009 – I can attest that their performance was truly impressive, highly skilled and very entertaining – they did not miss their 11^th Ern Keller by much!)

Sydney Symphony Principal Trombonist, Ronald Prussing took over the musical reins of the band in 2001, continuing the band’s domination of banding in NSW and Australia. During this time the band launched into a series of concerts, featuring artists such as, James Morrison, The Tap Dogs and visiting overseas brass band identities.

To celebrate its 125^th anniversary, a gala concert is scheduled for 2pm Saturday 28^th November at the Horbury Hunt Hall, Newcastle Grammar School, Newcastle. The 1st half will have a nostalgic flavour, including some “old” brass band favouites such as the wonderfully scored Cyril Jenkins test piece “Life Divine”, written for the 1921 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. The second half will show the skills of the band in more contemporary styles. During the afternoon, Waratah’s soloists will delight the audience with a variety of solos from ballads through to the popular modern theme and variation form. Waratah is also recording its 2^nd CD as part of the anniversary celebrations.

A major initiative of the band in its 125^th Anniversary year is the formation of a brass programme in the Wallsend ( Newcastle) community. A strategic programme has been developed so the band can share its wealth of banding experience and extend the enjoyment that comes from banding to the youth and community of the Wallsend area.

Heading up Waratah’s musical direction these days is Warwick Tyrrell, one of Australia’s most accomplished musicians. Former Principal Trombonist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra for three years and the Adelaide Symphony for nine, Warwick is an accomplished soloist and recording artist. He is a regular performer on sackbut with the Australian Baroque Brass and, as a professional singer he has worked in musical theatre and a variety of concert situations. More recently he has focused on conducting, studying with the Queensland Youth Orchestra as part of a FELLOWSHIP awarded to him by the Australia Council and was accepted into the Symphony Australia Conducting Course and worked with the Tasmanian Symphony and the Queensland Orchestra. Warwick is former Artistic Director of the Sutherland Shire Brass, having led them to become State Champions and also of The Bankstown Carols (a large outdoor Christmas event which attracts up to 10,000 people).

Rehearsals

Waratah Brass rehearses every Tuesday night from 7.30pm at the COMMUNITY OF CHRIST Church, 38 Thomas Street, Wallsend. Feel free to drop in and have a listen or a blow! Just let us know first if you want to have a play with us so we know who to expect.