HISTORY

The band came into being by accident in 1981. When the entertainment group booked for the Salvation Army Friendship Club's morning concert failed to arrive, a group of retired bandsmen attendees responded by forming an ad-hoc band to present an impromptu concert. Irwin Palmer, the current bandmaster, was available, being on the church staff. This event was so effective, the group continued to function at a variety of venues and its personnel enlarged by other like-minded musicians.

The band, which numbers 25 - 30 musicians, undertakes around 50 engagements each year which encompass state and private primary schools, seniors groups, nursing homes, service clubs, arts and civic events in both metropolitan and country locations. It has received an award for "Outstanding Contributions to Senior Citizens". Bandmaster Irwin Palmer was awarded the "Order of Australia Medallion" in 1997. The band has toured extensively from from Carnarvon to Kalgoorlie-Boulder to Esperance and numerous locations within this vast arch. In 2010 the band undertook a visit to Hobart, Tasmania.

Funding from donations makes up the basis of income required to cover costs. Since 2008 a sponsorship by Healthway - which involved the "Be Active" theme and now "Act, Belong, Commit" - has allowed a much more extensive country scheduling. Several grants by Lotterywest have greatly assisted with the purchase of music, instruments and uniforms. All participants are volunteers.

Programming is continually being updated with the prime objective of music performed being relevant to the particular audience. Special arrangements greatly assist. Audience engagement both vocally and physically is vital to the objective and receptivity to the Be Active and now Act, Belong, Commit message which features in concerts.

School presentations have an underlying encouragement to students who witness a band of seniors having fun making music. Senior presentations show an encouragement to be involved in worthwhile volunteering.

The future opens possibilities for interested groups to enquire where the band can be of service.