Tempo Terrific Inc – is a Community Concert Band. It is a non-profit organization.
It is a Central Coast community concert band using a wide range of instruments – wind (flute, clarinet, saxophone, etc.), brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba, etc.), and rhythm (drums, guitar, string bass, keyboard, auxillary percussion, etc.). Band members supply their own instruments and playing ability ranges from late beginners to experienced. The band has a regular Director of Music who is responsible for choosing the music played. The music covers a wide range from marches, light classical, shows and popular song pieces. The band supplies all the music to members. A uniform of black slacks and sky blue shirts is worn by members to all performances. The band practices weekly on Mondays from 5 to 7pm at the Uniting Church Hall, corner of Avoca Dr. and Killuna Rd., Kincumber on the Central Coast,N.S.W.
The Aims of Tempo Terrific Band are: to give members the opportunity to enjoy playing music together; to develop instrumental and performance skills of members in a group; and to present entertaining musical programmes to audiences.
History
The idea for an adults’ beginner band emerged after discussions with friends late in 1998. We believed that mature people could learn a wind instrument, even if they had no previous music experience. Such a band for new players would give everyone a chance to experience how enjoyable it is to play with other musicians. The Band began with about a dozen people, all from a ballroom dancing group.
The first rehearsal took place in October 1998, and the players learned three notes. Within one month we had mastered eight notes, and could play some simple tunes. Notices were placed in the local newspaper encouraging other players to join our ‘Never-Too-Late’ Band.
The Band gave a concert in the week before Christmas 1998. It was in our usual practice place, the recreation room at Avoca Beach Caravan Park. Our relatives and friends packed in eagerly and were surprised to hear that we could actually make music! Thus began the tradition of our Annual Concert for Friends which continues to this day.
Our Name
The idea for the Band’s name came from a popular ballroom dance called Tango Terrific. Then members suggested that we needed a uniform. After looking at different samples, we chose white slacks and maroon shirts with an embroidered logo with the name Tempo Terrific . These uniforms were organized before our performance at the Central Coast Flora Festival one year after our beginning. At that time, the Band had about 18 players.
Experienced players have joined us steadily over the years. Members enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere as well as the varied music we play. Occasionally, players and partners enjoy social dinners. In fact, partners are very important and enthusiastic groupies, helping us a great deal and sometimes joining in when we need extra percussion or singing and acting at gigs. The annual membership fee goes towards our ongoing running costs.
Performances
The Band has performed for both Gosford City and Wyong Councils at organised festivals such as the Flora Festival, Spike Milligan Festival, Putt Putt regatta, Australia Day functions, International Volunteers’ Day and opening of the Mardi water pipeline. We often play for community organisations such as Retirement Villages, Nursing homes, Camp Breakaway, Seniors clubs, and school and church functions. We have performed twice at the Laycock Theatre in Gosford. These are rewarding gigs for us as the audience is most appreciative and is happy to listen and participate. We also perform at large fund-raising concerts.
New Players Welcome
New adult players are always made welcome and all encouragement possible is given to them. However, players must be able to read music and must have learnt the basics of their instrument. The operation of the Band is assisted by many of the players who perform administrative and support functions. We have a music librarian, a treasurer, and an active committee that handles all organisational matters. For enquiries please fill in our contact form.