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The Warkworth Big Band will be the grand finale of celebrations on Saturday November 11 when it presents a Swingin’ Jazz & Funk Party in the Warkworth Town Hall. Dave Parker, a former side drummer who first joined in 1956 and played until the 1980s, shares his memories of the band, which itself is celebrating a milestone this year.
This year celebrates not only Warkworth’s 170th anniversary but among the events of significance, the Warkworth Brass Band celebrates its 140 years of music playing.
Written records of the establishment of the Warkworth Band are not only scarce – they are virtually non-existent. There were brief newspaper references to the formation of a band back in 1881, but the late John Morrison and the late William McElroy, both enthusiastic members back in 1890s, agreed that it was probably formed in 1883.
The first bandmaster was a Mr Hunter, a leading cornet player and conductor from Auckland who would travel to Warkworth once every month for two years. The band continued to grow with the support of the managers of the original Wilson Cement works until the 1920s when the fortunes of the band declined with the closure of the cement works. For many years, instruments in various stages of disrepair lay forgotten in the ceiling of the Warkworth Town Hall, in private homes or in an old blacksmith’s shop in Puhoi.
History tells us that there were many a conductor over the years, among them Wally Johnston who recruited members along with Bill Dennis. The band in those early days was also known as the Warkworth Junior Boys Brass Band. Numerous locals who were also involved in those early times included family names such as Morrison, Taylor, Trevethick, Thomson, Connolly, Warin, Clements and Bear.
When the American marines were stationed in Warkworth, between 1942 and 1945, their bandsmen took the local boys’ under their collective wing and appeared in public performances with them.
On the occasion of the Warkworth Brass Band’s Centennial in 1983, former members returned to celebrate including Bill and Bob Chessum, Derek Bailey, Wally Johnston, Alan Lloyd and Anne Elliot, who was the band’s first woman conductor, and Graeme and Jessie Snedden. They were all band conductors. Both Wally and Betty Bindon were remembered also as former conductors.
The band grew to some 40 playing members and as a former playing member myself, I recall the Warkworth Brass travelling all over the province marching in Christmas parades, A&P Shows, Anzac Day services, festivals and so on.
Of the original honorary life members, only Ian and Jenny Ferguson and myself remain.
All former members and enthusiasts are cordially invited to attend celebrations on November 11.
