7 June 2012
RSIPF Band Plays From A Different Sheet Of Music
A new life begins for some proud and well-loved songbooks
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Band on Tuesday received a boost from former military bands in Australia through the donation of some much awaited and pre loved sheet music to the RSIPF Band and Police Commissioner John Lansley.
This donation was a follow-on support initiative from the Defence Cooperation Program’s (DCP) earlier donation of brass instruments formally played by members of Australian Army Bands in November 2010.
Although a long time in the making, the sheet music has arrived in time to be dusted off and rehearsed before the busy festive July season arrives.
Many classics are listed from renowned composers at the higher range to simple children’s classics like the Teddy Bears Picnic. The range is vast and includes everything in between, including some ‘The Beatles’ compositions. The range of music will now provide a greater range of music to choose from to meet all possible performance arrangements and activities.
The gathering, boxing and shipping of the music was achieved by some dedicated members from the University of New South Wales Regiment and the Army Band Sydney. These Australian Army Bands have had a long association with the RSIPF Band over many years.
It was noted the original or current sheet music used by the RSIPF Band today was donated by the Australian army bands some twenty to twenty five years ago. It is hoped this donation will sustain the band for many years to come.
In handing over the sheet music, Warrant Officer Tim Chislett, Defence Administrative Assistant at the Australian High Commission, reconfirmed the Australian Defence Forces’ commitment to our bilateral support through the Pacific Patrol Boat and Explosive Ordnance Disposal projects and in more recent times to the RSIPF Band.
Commissioner of Police, John Lansley accepted the donation on behalf of RSIPF Band and acknowledged this donation will provide a wider spectrum of musical accompaniments well into the future.
The Australian Army Bands hope the RSIPF Band gains as much enjoyment from the music as those Australian Bands have over the many years.