Tribute to founding member
Cairns Brass has paid tribute to founding member Fred Schipke, who died last month, on the eve of its annual showcase concert, Brass Sweat and Tears.
CAIRNS Brass has paid tribute to founding member Fred Schipke on the eve of its annual showcase concert, Brass Sweat and Tears.
The much loved bandsman and family man died last month, aged 94.
Fred’s love affair with music began in 1931 when he was recruited as the first member of what is now known as Cairns Brass. He was eight.
Cairns Brass president Jon Russell says the former Australian cornet champion is sadly missed by all at Cairns Brass, who performed at his recent funeral.
Band member Andrew Eather also played The Last Post at Fred’s graveside, which Fred himself had played countless times at Anzac Day services in Cairns.
“This year’s Brass Sweat and Tears concert would not be complete without paying tribute to Fred, the band’s longest serving member,” Mr Russell said.
“Fred was a very talented musician and a wonderful band member. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Fred and I couldn’t put a figure on the number of younger band members he helped over the years.”
This year’s concert by the National Champion B Grade Cairns Brass band will feature guest New Zealand conductor Owen Clarke, the Best of Brass quintet from Brisbane and featured vocalists from Cairns Choral Society.
“It will be an entertaining show and feature music from the stage and screen everyone will enjoy,” said Mr Clarke, the former director of the Royal New Zealand Navy Band.
“I love the great music from musicals and movies. It can be passionate and beautiful, as well as exciting and dramatic.
“This concert has the best of both – whether it is the stunning music of John Williams’ Star Wars Phantom Menace or the popular tunes of Broadway.”
Best of Brass will feature in a specially written Concerto for Quintet and Band.
Brass Sweat & Tears 2018 is at 7.30pm, August 25, Edge Hill State School Performing Arts Centre, Pease St. Visit www.ticketlink.com.au