In 1974, Raymond and Eve Curtis and their small but visionary group of volunteers brought the Tamborine Youth Orchestra into being.
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| Eve and Raymond Curtis |
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At the time of its formation, the population of the Mountain was just around 700 people.
Because of our relative remoteness and small population, there were a number of formidable problems to be overcome. But with sheer doggedness, unbounded enthusiasm and a common love of music, those founders created the orchestra which has endured to this day.
Over the years, many young people passed through the ranks of the orchestra, learning to play instruments, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow members and benefiting from the joys of playing music with others.
This has been an enduring gift to us from Raymond and his team and we are all very grateful. Many of us have moved on in life: a little more ‘senior’ now, living in other areas and perhaps a little rusty in our playing, but the fond memories of our days in the orchestra endure.
To honour Raymond Curtis and his team, we are inviting all former players and committee members, the orchestra’s alumni, to join us in a concert to be held here at St George’s Church, on Sunday 25 March at 2.30 p.m.
Malcolm Cunningham, our long-time musical director, has designed a special programme and has written a new arrangement for the occasion.
Here is your opportunity to relive some of the fun of former years, meet the present members of the orchestra and acknowledge, in a direct and musical way, Raymond Curtis and those who gave us the orchestra which continues today as the Tamborine Mountain Orchestra.
So, you are invited to play with us. It matters not a jot that you might be a little rusty - participating is the aim. We will make early arrangements to get musical scores to you to become familiar with.
For those travelling to the Mountain, we will arrange special rehearsals just before the concert and perhaps help with the loan of an instrument. For those of you who cannot play, we hope to see you at the concert enjoying reunion with a happy time in your life. Now, we need your help:
- Please, let us know: if you will play with us and what instrument will you play;
- Your name and address, phone number and email address;
- An address to where we should send the music, and
- Contact details of any other member of the alumni of whom you know.
For more information please phone Terry on: 07 55453257.