Rose City Band brings big brass
WARWICK City band will celebrate 15 decades of musical history in the Rose City on May 14.
The band may be 150 years old but the songs played were anything but when they hit the stage for an early performance at Leslie Park on Saturday.
Warwick City Band played a mix of traditional hymns and marches and contemporary themes such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones themes during the one-hour set, with a handful of community members watching on.
Euphonium player Ian Darnell has played with the band since 1988 and said the ensemble members considered themselves a part of Warwick's living heritage.
"A lot of stuff in history is just static displays in museums but we're here keeping the music alive," Mr Darnell said.
"I joined the band after my son, and my grandfather and my uncle both played during the 1920s, so he is a fourth generation bandsman."
With many instruments supplied, Mr Darnell said the band was always open to new members who were eager to learn.
"We practise on Monday nights and young learners can come beforehand," he said.
"We have fun and while there are some songs that are older, we've got to have a mix.
"What we play is generally quite simple so we can involve new members of differing skill levels.
"Our next gig is during the Uber Markets on May 14 and that will be our big celebration.
"We'll be joined by RAAF Amberley, Toowoomba Municipal and Brisbane Brass, which are some really great bands."
