Noel conducts his last performance
The Melbourne Veterans Band captivated their audience at the Australian War Memorial as part of Canberra's year-long centenary celebrations. (Photo by Roselynne Klee)
Bandmaster for the Melbourne Veterans Band, Noel Jones performed his last Salvation Army event in Canberra on the weekend of 23 to 24 November.
About 200 people came out to hear the band perform a cabaret style concert at Tuggeranong Corps on the Saturday evening. The band also led worship the following morning at the corps.
Noel officially retired from his position at the end of this year, and the band performed many of his arrangements at the cabaret concert. The band also played Noel’s arrangement of Waltzing Matilda at the Australian War Memorial.
“I think the band played extremely well knowing it was one of Noel’s last performances,” says John Simmonds, Executive Officer of the Melbourne Veterans Band.
On the Saturday afternoon, the Melbourne Veterans Band played at the Australian War Memorial as part of Canberra's year-long centenary celebrations. Many of the memorial’s visitors stopped by to listen to the band play a number of classics such as Nightfall in Camp which includes The Last Post, while vocal soloist Lionel Wood sang I still call Australia home.
The Melbourne Veterans Band also held a concert at the Mountain View Aged Care Plus retirement home in Narrabundah.
Noel who has been bandmaster for the band for 13 years said he feels privileged to have been part of the band for all these years.
“My desire throughout life has always been to bring the message of Jesus through the medium of devotional music. As a Salvationist musician I am convinced that we must share the gospel message, and being a composer, I am able to share this message through my music.”
Noel has a rich history performing music. He is gifted at the piano, organ and cornet. He also played solo cornet for the Melbourne Staff Band for 14 years. While Noel is officially leaving the band he will still be involved with his corps band at Ringwood.
Noel’s years of service to music will be recognised at a festival on 21 June next year at Waverley Temple Corps. Along with honouring Noel, the Melbourne Veterans Band will launch their band’s brand new name, Melbourne Red Shield Band.
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.