For the first time since 1995, the Redbacks Musical Director position has become vacant. Interested in applying? Find more information here

On 6 Aug the Redbacks put on their first cabaret style concert for a few years. COVID restrictions have meant it has not been possible to run these for a couple of years and it was great to get back to the Golden Grove Arts Centre and play to an enthusiastic audience.

In a first for the Redbacks, bands from Modbury High School and Banksia Park International High School also featured during the evening, with over 70 musicians on stage for the combined band at the end of the evening. We look forward to doing future events together. Vocalists Rick Williams, Dianne K. Land and Jeff Lang also featured in several numbers.

Have a listen to some of the songs below

The Redbacks re-emerged from COVID-19 for a performance at the Houghton Spring Fair on Sunday October 24. The crowd enjoyed a varied program of music as they lapped up the sunny weather. It was great to be able to share our music and to demonstrate how much the band has developed over the many months of concentrated rehearsals. Congratulations to Neale Leenders who presented a clarinet solo playing Clarinet on the Town and impressed everyone with her clarinets beautiful tone.

The Redbacks last marching performance was almost 12 months ago at Adelaide Oval for the City Christmas Pageant. A small ensemble played on Remembrance Day last November and the Band provided buglers for the Tea Tree Gully RSL on ANZAC Day in April 2020 and 2021, as well as playing at the 2021 Houghton ANZAC Day service.

We are all looking forward to upcoming performances at The Commemoration Service at the Tea Tree Gully War Memorial for Remembrance Day on November 11 and the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant on November 13.

The band is also performing for the Carols on the Hill at Tea Tree Gully Anglican Church on December 11. Bring along a rug and enjoy some festive cheer under the stars with the backdrop of Anstey’s Hill Reserve.

The Redbacks is also looking forward to many more performances as restrictions ease so hopefully we will enjoy an exciting year in 2022!

Well, with the bushfires over the summer and COVID-19, the end of 2019 and 2020 thus far have been different and difficult to say the least. Here are some long overdue photos from 2019. Hopefully in the near future we can show photos from 2020 events.

Well, it seems crazy that 2017 is over and we are well into January already! As per normal, it was a busy end to the year for the Redbacks, with pageants and carols services to play in. As usual, it was a huge thrill to play in the Credit Union Christmas Pageant, though the local pageants are always well attended and enjoyable to be part of.

Playing at the Lobethal Pageant and then a set in front of the Bierhaus was a great way to finish off the year.

Warming up for the Credit Union Pageant

Tyndale Carols – A great crowd

Looking down the street at Lobethal

Playing in front of the Bierhaus

After a well earned break, rehearsals will start again soon, with the first gig being the Loxton Mardi Gras in late February.

Well, pageant season is well and truly underway.

The Credit Union Pageant (or the ‘city pageant’ as it is referred to by the band) is the biggest gig of the year. Not many people get the privilege of playing in front of literally thousands and thousands of people. The atmosphere is really special.

Preparation starts over a month in advance, with music being memorised and marching drill sharpened up. The local Tea Tree Gully Pageant (a week before the city one) serves as a good start to the pageant season. The band was also asked to accompany Santa Claus through Tea Tree Plaza to his spot in the centre. Probably the the only time you get to march through Tea Tree Plaza playing a (loud) musical instrument without being chased by security …

Before the Tea Tree Gully Pageant

City Pageant

After a extra Friday night rehearsal, it was quite an early start to get to into town by 8. Luckily the organisers put on a good breakfast, which was enjoyed by many. Other than that it was time to warm-up, catch up with old friends from other bands and, most of all, try and keep dry (for the first time that I can remember it rained during the waiting around).

Waiting around

Trying to stray dry

Drum core warming up

More warm-ups

Thankfully, the rain stayed away once the pageant started. Though it was windy at times, we made it through to the end in one piece. It was great to see and hear the excitement of the crowd. A special thanks also goes to the members of the Jess Dance Academy, who danced along with the band.

Smiling at the end

Two down, three to go (plus a couple of carols by candlelight services) till the end of the year.

After much rehearsal and practising, the night had finally arrived. Over 250 people came to the Golden Grove Arts Theatre to listen and experience the Banksia Park Concert Bands Variety Concert.

The night started in style with the Tea Tree Gully Concert Band having half of the players march into the auditorium, New Orleans style, whilst playing a classic swing number.

The concert lived up to its billing, with the program covering a wide range of music, from classical, to swing, music from movies and theatre, tunes with a Spanish influence and modern classics.

One special feature was a moving tribute to recently deceased musicians Maurice White (Earth, Wind and Fire), Glenn Frey (The Eagles), David Bowie and Prince which brought tears to many eyes. Guest vocalists Rick Williams, Jeff Lang and Dianne K. Lang performed throughout the evening, adding their voices to the sounds of the bands and performances by Ballroom and Irish Dancers, as well as multimedia displays provided the eyes with as much enjoyment as the ears.

The audience were seated around tables, with many bringing copious amounts of food and drink to share. This helped lend a relaxed feel to the night with a series of group games between each set adding to the buzz.

Special thanks go to everyone who helped organise and run the event, especially the guest artists, compere, management and employees of the Golden Grove Arts Theatre and last but not least, the band members (especially those who played in both bands for the whole evening, a huge effort).

We are looking forward to planning a similar event in August next year!

Plans for the upcoming Band Program Variety Concert are in full swing. The set list is (almost) complete and creative multimedia ideas are flowing thick and fast. Most importantly, the Redbacks and The Tea Tree Gully Concert Band are busy getting the ‘chops’ and fingers into peak condition (a.k.a rehearsing) for the night!

Last Monday night, the Redbacks were pleased to welcome back Rick Williams to the rehearsal room. Rick, a local singer has previously performed with the Redbacks and is one of the guest vocalists for the evening. He surprised us all by whipping out a guitar and tickling the strings, revealing a heretofore hidden talent! As if you needed another great reason to come along to the Concert…

Full details are on the Variety Concert Event Page.