Melbournaires

Melbournaires
Type of post: "In Harmony" Newsletter
Sub-type: No sub-type
Posted By: Dick Bushell
Status: Current
Date Posted: Sun, 17 Jun 2018

The recent BHA Vic Region Contest was a successful and entertaining day thanks to the regional President, our own Rob Lee and his hardworking team of helpers. Successful because four of our quartets were medal winners with our mixed quartet Skeeters, being the first to qualify with a score over 70%. The other medal winners were Sound Investment in the open comp, and Harmonic Motion in the Seniors comp. Other quartets scored mid to high 60’s, and with the positive and useful judges’ comments still ringing in their ears, they have more than enough information to improve their performances.

The Melbournaires have performed a number of times for the Manningham City Council, welcoming new Australians into the local community. Last month we were officially recognised for this work, securing a nomination in the category of Community Service. Although not winning the award, the presentation of a framed certificate from the local mayor in front of a very large and enthusiastic audience. An information package of the Melbournaires delivered by the MC, a long-time radio personality who professed his love of barbershop music. This gave us tremendous publicity, not only for the Melbournaires, but to Barbershop in general. Our thanks to Charles Dougall who heads  up our events programme and who was instrumental in achieving this outcome.

As with most choruses, the Melbournaires are one big happy family, and the passing of any member leaves a very sad note within the chorus. We recently had the misfortune to lose a well-respected and valued member in Tony Hughes.

Tony was known for his musical knowledge and ability, as well as his rather forthright penchant for highlighting to the chorus or group or single member a wrong note. Coming from a musical family and gaining his Batchelor of Music degree at Melbourne University Conservatorium, he was in a strong position to do so, no matter how disconcerting to the target.

Tony taught music education at Deakin University where he also started DUO, which was the Deakin University Orchestra. Having played the trombone since the age of 10, it was here that he perfected his knowledge of all brass and woodwind instruments, and could play them all. He was composer, arranger, and conductor for many years, and before retiring from Deakin, he finished his Masters Degree in Music Composition. Tony’s music and family were the lights of his life, and while we mourn the loss of an enthusiastic and well-liked decent bloke, we send our condolences and best wishes to his family.

Terry Phillips