In a weekend of celebration, the Hahndorf Town Band honoured its forbears who established a legacy of musicmaking now enjoyed throughout the Adelaide Hills.
At a reunion dinner held on Friday, May 5th at the Hahndorf Inn, Musical Director, Dr Kevin Cameron, gave testament to the contribution of several key families who have given decades of service to the Band since its humble beginnings in 1926.
These include the Kramm, Thiele, Faehrmann and Kuchel families just to name a few.
Attending the dinner were Jeff Faehrmann, Mick Kuchel, Len Schneemilch and Gordon Kramm, each having joined the band in the early 1930’s.
An honour board was unveiled detailing the service and awards of members since the Band commenced in 1926.
During the evening South Australian Band Association President, Mr Bruce Raymond, presented the prestigous Badge of Merit to long term player and committee person Debbie Jackson, and to Kevin Cameron for outstanding services as Musical Director.
The Main Street of Hahndorf came alive on Saturday morning as 130 musicians formed a massed marching band, and paraded down the street to the amazement of 100’s of delighted onlookers.
The street march marked the opening of Saturday’s 80th Anniversary Band Contest.
During the afternoon five bands competed in an entertainment extravaganza, which was adjudicated by the renowned composer and musician, Bill Broughton.
Kensington & Norwood City Band were declared the winners with an exhilarating performance, while the local Hahndorf Town Band, Salisbury City Band, Enfield Brass and the Unley Concert Band thrilled the audience during a remarkable afternoon of Band music.
The weekend of celebrations concluded on Saturday evening with the presentation of the 33rd Annual Hahndorf Town Band ‘Musikfest’.
In traditional style, the audience enjoyed a night of brass band music, singalong and guest artists. For the month of May, the Hahndorf Academy Museum is featuring a display of Hahndorf Town Band memorabilia, including rare photographs of the Band performing in the town during the late 20’s and early 30’s.
