STAFF WRITERS

 

THE Freemasons Foundation Victoria recently presented the City of Traralgon Band with two new hybrid tubas.

Such acquisitions are timely, for the band’s upcoming Tour of Remembrance to the UK, France and Denmark.

These quality polymer plastic tubas with brass pistons weigh around five kilograms, compared to a traditional full brass tuba which can weigh up to 15kg and are a fraction of the cost.

The band will be undertaking a number of street marches throughout the tour, so the burden of not only carrying the tuba but also performing while marching is eased considerably.

In the coal mining districts north of Manchester, the band will be performing a street march in up to eight villages on a single day as part of the world famous Whit Friday Brass Band competition.

Funding for the tuba’s was provided by the Morwell, Traralgon, and Argyle Masonic lodges, assisted by the Freemasons Foundation Victoria.

Band President, Alan Wilson wished to thank the Freemasons.

“Without these quality hybrid tubas, it would be a difficult task for some in undertaking all the street marches and we are grateful for the support of lodge members and the Freemasons Foundation,” he said.

“The band was established in 1881, and during World War 1 the band performed at the Traralgon Railway Station whenever our service men and women left for the war, and again for those that returned.”

Some members of the Band who served at this time did not return.

Rodney Lavin, a director of Freemasons Foundation Victoria, was extremely proud of the Freemasons effort to assist young members of the band.

“Freemasons are great supporters of the City of Traralgon Band and we wish them great success on their upcoming exciting tour,” he said.

The City of Traralgon Band’s new hybrid tubas will appear first in public this Anzac Day in Tyers, Glengarry, and Traralgon, and also the Traralgon Lions Club Farmers market this Saturday (April 26).

The band will also hold its major fundraising European Farewell Concert at Gippsland Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, May 17.