On behalf of the banding movement of South Australia it is with great sadness that I advise that our great friend James Dempsey passed away suddenly on Sunday night.  “Jim” has been a stalwart of the brass band movement in South Australia since moving from Queensland some 40 years ago. 
He was a valued member of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, recently retiring. 
Jim was recently presented with the South Australian Band Association’s most prestigious Fellowship Award for Outstanding Service to the band movement.
He was a brilliant musician, trumpet player, conductor and teacher and has left a great legacy of dedication and commitment to brass playing. 
As a Scotsman of course he had a brilliant sense of humour and together with his musical ability he will be greatly missed in many a band room around Australia.
Read more about Jim and his involvement in the SA Banding movement in Bonded By Brass - Jim Dempsey

Vale Jim – we’ll miss you mate.  Rest in peace dear friend.
Bruce Raymond OAM
President South Australian Band Association

The South Australian Band Championships will be held on Sunday 28 August 2022 in the beautiful historic Barossa township of Tanunda. Details on the venue, schedule and adjudicators will be released as information is confirmed. Please keep this date in your diaries as this will be an exciting return to contesting for our South Australian bands and we hope to make this a great event for all bands! 

The Music Advisory Board will be deciding shortly the music selections for the event, particularly whether there will be a test piece or an own choice major work and the other required pieces for the contest. 

Massed Band for National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
​Saturday 13th November 2021

Once again there is an opportunity for a Massed Band to perform at the Adelaide Oval for a “Tribute to Covid Front Liners”
This Tribute WILL be televised as part of the Pageant live performance.
It will involve the massed Band marching onto the Adelaide Oval and forming up as per last year then playing the Tribute. (Music will be sent out)

Information is being sent to SABA Bands and Drum Majors and if you would like to perform, please inform your Band so that that information can be sent through to Jeff Hale.
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See https://christmaspageant.com.au/  for more details on the 2021 Pageant.
Jeff Hale email:  [email protected] 0427 874 445
Massed Band Co-ordinator and on behalf of the South Australian Band Association

The President has very recently received direct advice from the SA Health’s Compliance team to say that community bands may rehearse as long as:

• There is no more than 1 person per 4 square metres
• Masks are worn at all times by those in the room, including the conductor
• Players only remove their mask when they need to in order to play their instrument
• Venues are limited overall to 50% of the spaces capacity

All the other, usual requirements for being Covid-Safe still apply like checking-in, disinfecting surfaces and having a Covid Safe Marshall   will continue to apply.
It is hoped that on Thursday the restrictions may be eased to 1 person per 2 square metres.

Community Bands on Show
Presented by the South Australian Band Association
 
“Our South Australian Bands have been unable to rehearse or perform during the past 12 months due to the Covid19 pandemic” said Bruce Raymond OAM President of the SA Band Association “We are now back in force with a presentation that will excite anyone who enjoys band music”
 
Eight of South Australia's finest community brass and concert bands will perform in the magnificent Elder Hall, University of South Australia this coming Saturday afternoon.
 
The following Bands will be performing between 1pm and 6pm.
Enfield Brass, Hahndorf Town Band, Mitcham City Brass, Marion City Band, Campbelltown City Band, Tanunda Town Band, Onkaparinga City Concert Band and City of Holdfast Bay Concert Band.
 
Tickets are just $10 at the door or online https//elderhallbands.eventbrite.com.au  
 
For further information Contact Bruce Raymond OAM
Tel. 0407 477 768
Email: [email protected] 

The 2020 Annual General Meeting of the SA Band Association will be held on Sunday 25 October at 3 p.m.
It will be held online via Zoom. 

Please contact your band secretary for the Zoom link to attend the meeting.
The Agenda for the meeting is available here

The following positions are Vacant and Nominations are called for:

• Secretary (3 year term)
• Vice President (2 year term)
• Treasurer (3 year term)
• General Committee (2 year term)

If you would like to nominate for any of these positions, please complete the Nomination Form and return to [email protected]
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Join Australian music legend James Morrison with William Morrison, Bruce Raymond and Brilliant Brass preceded by the talent of the Trinity Senior Concert Band.
Sunday 18 October, 3.00pm - 5.00pm at the Hewitson Theatre, STARplex, Gawler
Tickets: $25 adults, $10 student

Extremely limited release of tickets, secure yours today so you don’t miss out!
Secure your tickets here
 
For information on Brilliant Brass see:  www.BrilliantBrass.org

​The SA Band Association would like to acknowledge and congratulate our President, Bruce Raymond (OAM) on his Award in the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours for service to music and particularly brass bands. Bruce has been a driving force in SA Brass Banding for many years, as Musical Director, adjudicator, teacher, leader, mentor, musical entrepreneur, encourager and friend to many.
Our sincere congratulations to you Bruce …. a very worthy recipient!