North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club

Christmas Party/BBQ 12th December 2011

2011-12-12T22:45:00.000+13:00

What a wonderful way to wrap-up the North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club's 2011 calendar with a fantastic BBQ Xmas Party. Members and guests came and left as their schedule dictated but that was as well given the apartment would have been bursting at the seams if all stayed all day and all night! It was great to have guest artists join us: Len Hancy on vocals; Bev Barnes vocals; John Perkin on keyboards; Ron Stanwell (President of the Tauranga Organ and Keyboard Club) on keyboards and non other than Internationally acclaimed artist, Marian Burns, who squeezed us into her busy schedule for the BBQ and after dinner music. There was lots of jamming going on and many happy, if somewhat tired bodies, by the end of the night. Definitely a Club Christmas Party to remember!

A big thank you to Peter Brophy as our generous host and also to the guest artists and a special thanks to June Stanwell, Secretary to the Tauranga Organ and Keyboard Club, for acting as our culinary host and ably assisted by Peter Littlejohn with his famous Pavlovas and magnificent Christmas cake.

Club Night 6th December 2011

2011-12-06T23:00:00.000+13:00

What a magical way to finish Club Night for 2011. In excess of 50 members and visitors (including a Japanese guest - Mayo Murakami) packed our Club Rooms for the wonderful music. We had five invited players each given a 20 minute slot to create a mini concert. Thanks to the musical participants and to the Committee and helpers to put together a great evening, what with a super supper courtesy of Delyse Whorwood and helpers. Wonderfully presented Christmas Hampers (10 of them) prepared by George and Jean Watt courtesy of our generous members contributions. Even a visit from the North Pole with Santa's helper (Jeanette Beamish) dishing out Christmas gifts and goodwill. Thanks also to Philippa Zink and Peter Jackson for a great job on door duties. It was great to have our big screen back in operation after Mr President ran over it a couple of months ago in his car!

Prescott Club 30th November 2011

2011-11-30T14:39:00.000+13:00

As part of the North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club's "bringing music to the Community" programme, it was our pleasure to entertain the Age Concern's Prescott Club members at St Joseph's Church Hall in Takapuna. This is a weekly event put on for the senior citizens by this hard working organization and we are proud and pleased to be able to contribute an hourly concert at least once a month for them. As this concert was the last of the year their was a Christmas feel to the show and whilst Santa Clause couldn't make it he arranged for a beautiful fairy named Fiona to come along and share some Christmas cheer. Now where did Peter Brophy the NSOKC's Events Manager disappear to just after the start of the show!

Coffee Day 21st November 2011

2011-11-21T23:39:00.000+13:00

The keen members made the trek over to St Heliers for Coffee Day at Peter and Lizza Littlejohn's lovely home. Lizza took the day off work specially to cater for the members both morning tea, lunch and a superb BBQ banquet in the evening. The music was great as always with members participating in the morning and afternoon. Pre-dinner and after dinner we were treated to a great concert by John Bercich and Damien Shalfoon. John playing two stacked keyboards and accompanied by Damien on drums. A lovely day was had by those attending and on behalf of the Club a big thank you to Peter and Lizza for the incredible hard work to make the day so memorable. A pity more members couldn't make it along and enjoy the occasion also.

Club Night 1st November 2011

2011-11-01T23:54:00.000+13:00

The evening may have been stormy outside, but what a great ray of sunshine inside! We were treated to some great Club member playing in the first half and then treated to a wonderful concert in the second half which lasted a full 1 hour and 5 minutes non-stop! Our guest artists were Murray Hancox and Darren Smith both with the Musicworks Group.

Click the link on the line below if you would like to watch Colleen Kerr’s recital on Club Night 1st November 2011. The video clip has been uploaded to YouTube.com. Make sure you have your computer’s speakers switched-on!

Click this link >>>> http://youtu.be/ui2ktV9uf3M

Coffee Day 17th October 2011

2011-10-17T20:21:00.000+13:00

What a lovely Coffee Day. The reception lounge annex at The Baptist Church, Birkdale was a super venue - plenty of space and facilities. We had Korg, Yamaha, Technics keyboards to play as well as a digital piano. Thank you Delyse for sharing your church premises with us for the day as well as all the great food you prepared for us.

Club Night 4th October 2011

2011-10-04T23:55:00.000+13:00

Another absolutely wonderful Club Night with quality music and variety of styles in abundance. Our members played magnificently in the first half and then the evening was crowned by our guest artist and professional musician/music teacher, Dave Hallam, who played solidly for 1 hour 10 minutes including audience requests which he arranged and orchestrated on the fly with consummate ease. Wonderful - thank you Dave.

This was the Club's 34th Birthday celebration as well and so we enjoyed some lovely birthday cake in the interlude. Thanks as always to the Committee and helpers for making the evening go so smoothly. Definitely an evening to remember.

Our guest artist, Dave Hallam, thrilled us with his arrangements and selection of songs. Dave played 15 songs for us in his concert which lasted over one hour! In chronological order of play, Dave played the following songs for us:

Georgia on my Mind
It’s All Right With Me
Caravan
Summer Samba
Till There Was You
Excerpt from Swan Lake
As Time Goes By
Can We Be Friends?
A Swingin’ Safari
Tangerine
Night And Day
Old Folks
A Walk In The Black Forrest
La Vie En Rose
American Patrol

Here is a YouTube video link for you to sample Dave’s playing on the night. The clip is of Dave playing “Night and Day” last Tuesday on Club Night. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcajT0C7cCY

Coffee Day 19th September 2011

2011-09-19T17:59:00.000+12:00

A great Coffee Day with great music, great food and abundance of camaraderie. Twenty-five members turned-up for the day which is always a thoroughly enjoyable occasion at the Powell's lovely home. Thank you Rob and Barbara for sharing your home with us once again.

Club Night 6th September 2011

2011-09-06T23:30:00.000+12:00

Our Club certainly 'rocked' to the fantastic music on Club Night. Starting with some great member's contributions in the first half and then our guest band, Carole Littlejohn's Music Makers Band. With Carole on Clavinova, Peter Brophy on keyboard, Ian Jackson on drums, and band MC, Len Hancy with the Jazz vocals. Amongst the large audience, there were plenty of heads bobbing and feet tapping, which says it all really. So a big thank you to all contributors for the evening, players and organizers for a memorable evening.

Coffee Day 15th August 2011

2011-08-15T19:03:00.000+12:00

A terrific turn-out of 30 members for a really special Coffee Day courtesy of Peter Brophy in his lovely spacious apartment at Fairview Village. We had four keyboards to choose from as well as a digital piano. Gordon France brought along his Banjo-Ukulele as did Kevin Johnston. Kevin also brought his guitar as did Brian Gunson. So we had some great solo performances and some great jam sessions. We even had the opportunity to cut a birthday cake for Jeanette Beamish and Marlene Forrest (thanks Jeanette for bringing the lovely cake) as well as celebrating birthdays for Desiree Barrows and John Beales to occur in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks to everybody for the wonderful spread of food for lunch and to Peter for the BBQ and for being such a great host. Hey, we even had a visit by a surprise celebrity, Clarence the Clown! A day to remember.

Club Night 2nd August 2011

2011-08-02T22:04:00.000+12:00

A good sized audience enjoyed a great evening of musical variety showing off the skills of our very talented members. We even got a cameo by a (regular) visitor for the evening, Errol Storey. The highlight of the evening was our resident professional musician, John Bercich, demonstrating his diverse variety of music and playing skills to the delight of the audience.

A big thank you to all that played for us, for the Committee members for organizing the evening, as well as the two volunteer members on door duty for the evening (Peter Littlejohn and Yvonne Crann).

The raffle prizes of a bottle of red wine and a presentation set of steak knives were won respectively by visitor, Laurie Conder, and Alita Bercich.

Coffee Day 17th July 2011

2011-07-17T20:45:00.000+12:00

What a great Coffee Day. The day rocked from a slow start at 1 pm to a crescendo by 3 pm! A great spread was put on free by the Club and kindly organised by Delyse Whorwood. What a great variety what with Clavinova, three keyboards, Technics GA3 organ, banjo and vocals and some great jam sessions. Gordon Sutherland brought his Wharfedale Titan 8 MkII speakers and Peter Brophy his Wharfedale mixer so that we were all 'plugged-in'! Even the weather turned it on with a gorgeous warm winters day with blue skies red hot music within. Definitely a Coffee Day to remember. We even had a bit of dancing to the music!

Club Night 5th July 2011

2011-07-05T23:17:00.000+12:00

A great evening of musical variety with the first half of the programme let-over to selected members playing the Club's Clavinova and Technics GA3 organ together with a keyboard brought along. We made good use of the big screen and projector by showing some short musical video clips of organist, Hector Olivera and Dudley Moore. A big thank you to Doug Farr for bringing the video clips for us to share. The second-half of the programme introduced our guest artist, John Perkin, who brought along his brand new and state-of-the-art arranger keyboard - the Korg Pa3X. What a wonderful instrument and concert! Thank you John for sharing your music with us and also a big thank you to our very talented members who played for us, namely; Colin Crann; Desiree Barrows; Alan Dadson; Denise Gunson; and Doug Farr.
As always a great effort by the Committee to organise the evening and also to our co-opted door entry assistants - Peter Jackson and Peter Littlejohn. The raffle prizes of a bottle of wine and a set of ladies bags were won by Alita Bercich and Ken Mahy respectively.

Richard Hore Concert 26th June 2011

2011-06-26T22:54:00.000+12:00

What a super concert! Richard Hore came, played and conquered the hearts of all those present. Richard played sessions in both half of the concert on the Technics GA3 organ, the Clavinova, and, the specially shipped-in Roland Atelier AT800 organ. Such a variety of styles and arrangements played to perfection as always with Richard. Delyse put on a wonderful supper which was well appreciated by all present as were the three great raffle prizes: wine; steak knives set; and, ornate ceramic liqueur vessels.
A big thank you to the Committee and helpers on the door and kitchen. Also, a big thank you to Music Planet Taharoto Road, Takapuna for allowing us to use the magnificent Roland Atelier AT800 organ. And of course, an extra special thank you to Richard Hore for flying from Christchurch to give the concert in the face of adversity in the form of earthquakes and ash clouds!

Coffee Day 20th June 2011

2011-06-20T18:00:00.000+12:00

Everybody who braved the winter showers to share the day at Delyse's home seemed to thoroughly enjoy the music, company and wonderful lunch. Gordon brought his Korg Pa3X keyboard and Michael Bramley his Yamaha PSR-910 keyboard, and so, with Delyse's Clavinova available there was plenty of choice of instrument to have a go on if desired. All in all, a very pleasant way to spend the penultimate shortest day of the year.

Club Night 7th June 2011

2011-06-07T22:25:00.000+12:00

A near full house shared a wonderful evening of music presented by our very talented members together with a 7 year old future virtuoso pianist! Starting with some great arrival music from John Beales on his Korg Pa500 keyboard. Followed by: Michael Bramley; Cindy Yang (7 year old guest); and, Dorothy Waddel on the Clavinova. Then, Yvonne Moller played her Korg Pa1X, followed by Warren Levick on the Clavinova.

To start the second-half, Roy Steen and Peter Jackson worked together with Roy playing the Clavinova and GA3 organ and Peter playing his Korg Pa1X keyboard. Peter mixed playing the keyboard with some great singing and hilarious jokes! The finale was given over to Takashi Iida who brought his wonderful Yamaha Electone D-Deck two manual keyboard to entertain us with 6 amazing arrangements (full orchestration) with a mixture of well known easy listening pieces and some beautiful contemporary Japanese ballads. All in all, a terrific evening of variety and talented musicianship.

A big thank you to Philippa Zink and Sylvia Riddel for doing an excellent job on door duties. Also, thanks to the Committee for making the evening run so smoothly. The two raffle prizes were won by two visitors: Dennis (pot plant); and, Laurie Conder (bottle of white wine).

Coffee Day at the Club 15th May 2011

2011-05-15T18:41:00.000+12:00

Something different this month for our Coffee Day, instead of holding the event at a member's home we held it at our Club Rooms so that our instruments could be made use of. We set the room up cabaret style with the coffee and tea freely available when desired on a side table (together with a delectable cheese board and bikkies - thanks Delyse Whorwood for organizing the refreshments so well). As well as our lovely Clavinova and Technics GA3 organ we also had a Korg Pa3X available to play. The Korg Pa3X is the very latest flagship keyboard from Korg. A great afternoon of music for those that made the effort to attend. The two raffle prizes were won by Marlene Forrest and Ngaire McRae.

Club Night 3rd May 2011

2011-05-03T22:10:00.000+12:00

What a stormy day but such a sublime evening's musical entertainment. The first half saw some of our talented members show off their keyboard (and guitar) skills. In the second half of the programme, our guest artist was John Bercich, our resident professional musician of 50 years standing. John put a programme together to show-off the wonderful styles and sounds of the very latest arranger keyboards from Korg of Italy, the Pa3X. John played the 61 note version whilst for a section of the programme he invited Kane Steves from Music Planet Taharoto Road, Takapuna to demonstrate the 76 note version. What wonderful musicians and what great keyboards!

A big thank you to the Committee and volunteers who made the evening work so well. The raffle prizes were won by: Jan Johnston (bottle of wine) and Yvonne Moller (woolly scarf and gloves).

Coffee Day 18th April 2011

2011-04-18T15:45:00.000+12:00

A Coffee Day and a half! 25 members turned-up for a fantastic day of music with so much variety of styles of play and instruments to choose from. There was plenty of jam sessions up to 6 keyboards to choose from and even an electric guitar on hand! Members had the opportunity to see the brand new Korg Pa3X arranger keyboard for the first time in NZ courtesy of the Roger Smith and the Music Planet music stores.

Thank you Peter for being such a wonderful host and thanks to everybody for all the wonderful eats available for the luncheon banquet and sharing the music - we are blest in the Club with such a surfeit of superb musicians.

Prescott Club Concert 13th April 2011

2011-04-13T11:30:00.000+12:00

As part of the Club's Community Music Programme, it was with much pleasure that North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club members: George Watt; John Beales; and Gordon Sutherland played for the Age Concern Prescott Club. Our MC was Club Events Manager, Peter Brophy. The audience seemed to like the variety of music played and particularly were intrigued with the lovely sounds that the very latest state-of-the-art Korg Pa3X keyboard demonstrated. This is only one of two of these magnificent instruments in the Country at the moment (whilst Korg are in initial production build-up). The keyboard was loaned courtesy of the Korg distributors, South Pacific Music Distributors Ltd.

Club Night 5th April 2011

2011-04-05T23:59:00.000+12:00

The large audience were treated to a great night's entertainment with some of our talented members in the first half and capped in the second-half by our special guest artist, Louise Lamb who played our Clavinova to perfection. Louise arranged her concert in chronological order working through from the 1920’s through to the 1950’s and choosing a tasteful selection of jazz classics. Wonderful dexterity on the keys and a refreshingly new arrangements created by Louise.

Members generously contributed funds for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal which will be combined with donations from the Creative Keyboard Club of Browns Bay and the Hibiscus Organ and Keyboard Club and submitted to the Red Cross Appeal Fund.

Two very nice raffle prizes were: Bottle of Pinot Noir wine won by Yvonne and Colin Crann and a leather wallet won by Len and Jesse Osbourne.

A big thank you to Sylvia Riddell and Yvonne Crann for handling the door entry duties for the evening. As always acknowledgement has to be made for the behind the scenes preparation work organized by the Committee.

Coffee Day 21st March 2011

2011-03-21T23:47:00.000+13:00

What a fantastic Coffee Day courtesy of the Jacksons at their magnificent home. The weather was rainy outside but the music shone through indoors all day and all night! With three keyboards, a Clavinova, a Yamaha grand piano, drum kit and electric guitar on hand. The music variety and jamming was terrific. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and then at 4 pm cocktail hour! A BBQ dinner (indoors due to the weather) was thoroughly enjoyed by over 20 people and the music played on until about 10.15 pm. A great day to remember and a big thank you to Maureen and Ian Jackson for hosting us at their lovely home. A big thank you also to the professional musicians that enhanced the musical experience for us all too.

Club Night 1st March 2011

2011-03-01T22:15:00.000+13:00

The evening started with the AGM. This done and dusted the music began. This was primarily a DIY night and we were treated to a great variety of keyboard playing both in instruments and arrangements. The photos and inscriptions tell the story. A big thank you was given to George and Jean Watt for services rendered to the Club over many years as they stood down from the Committee. The President, Gordon Sutherland, presented Jean with a bouquet of flowers as an appreciation.

Coffee Day 14th February 2011

2011-02-14T18:18:00.002+13:00

What a wonderful Coffee Day. Beautiful sunny weather, in Pam Rea's lovely home in Orewa, great food and convivial company. What more could one ask for... oh yes, the music! We had lots of fun playing Pam's Korg Pa80 keyboard and her Yamaha Electone organ. Also, Peter Brophy brought along his Korg SP250 digital piano for the pianists to share their music.
So thank you Pam for sharing your beautiful home with your music friends from the North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club.

Club Night 1st February 2011

2011-02-01T22:30:00.006+13:00

A great start to the Club's New Year Programme. With Colin Crann doing a super job on the arrival music and followed in the first half by some of our very talented members, in order of play: Peter Jackson; Pam Rea; Rob and Barbara Powell. The second half was given over to our special guest artist, Chris Larking, who really turned it on with some amazing arrangements. For two of the songs "Circle of Life" from the Lion King and "Phantom of the Opera Theme", Chris played the soloist part over the top of mp3 arrangements. An incredible performance to be remembered for a long time by those who made the effort to attend.

Thanks as always goes to the organizing Committee for facilitating such a grand event.

Some of the photos:

Coffee Day/BBQ 17th January 2011

2011-01-17T23:38:00.000+13:00

Great food, great venue, great camaraderie and wonderful music sums-up a terrific Coffee Day and evening BBQ at Peter & Lizza Littlejohn's lovely home in St Heliers. A quiet start at 10.15 am but the troops soon started arriving to enjoy some great music on Peter's array of instruments: a Korg Pa1X keyboard; Technics GA1 and GA3 organs; and a grand piano. Thank you Peter and Lizza for making this such a wonderful day for us all.

Club Night 7th December 2010

2010-12-07T23:35:00.001+13:00

What a wonderful Club Night. What a wonderful way to finish our Club Nights for 2010! A record Club Night audience were treated to some magnificent musicianship and lovely melodies. Our special guest artist for the arrival music was none other than Margaret Massey, who has to one of the finest pianists on the North Shore. Margaret played our Technics GA3 organ and then moved on to our Clavinova. Inspirational Margaret thank you so much! Some of our most talented members then gave us a veritable feast of music starting with Roy Steen on the GA3, followed by Carole Littlejohn, who came up all the way from Papamoa to play for us. To finish the first half, Taka Iida played his magnificent Yamaha Electone D-Deck keyboard - gorgeous sounds, great arrangements and masterfully executed. After traditional mince pies and a cuppa (the bar was open for those that wanted a sip of wine), Denise Gunson treated us to some wonderful music on the Clavinova - what a lovely style and touch. After the special raffle draw, there were 11 buckets of goodies, we were treated to a grand finale with John Bercich, our Club resident professional, who was joined by one of his star pupils and a member of our Club, Jan Johnston. They played their Korg Pa1X keyboards and thoroughly delighted the audience with their great music.

As always, a big thank you to the Committee for organizing the evening so successfully.

Care & Craft Concert 26th November 2010

2010-11-26T23:30:00.000+13:00

When Daphne Markwick, Supervisor for the local wing of The Care & Craft Centres of New Zealand Trust, asked if we could entertain their members for their Xmas Party we were very pleased to accept. The members of the Care & Craft Group meet at The Lady Allum Retirement Home in Milford. Peter Brophy, Peter Jackson, Roy Steen and Gordon Sutherland were the contributors for the event with lots of Christmas carols sung and seasonal songs played to the delight of the Care & Craft members. We were kindly invited to share lunch with the Group after the Concert which lasted about 75 minutes.

Prescott Club 24th November 2010

2010-11-24T23:55:00.000+13:00

It was the Club's pleasure to play for the Prescott Club at St Joseph's Church Hall, Takapuna for an hour as a pre-luncheon concert. Members playing were Denise Gunson, John Beales, Gordon Sutherland and the MC was Peter Brophy. We were joined by Chris Larking. It is so wonderful that professional musicians like Denise and Chris are prepared to take time out of their busy schedules to participate in our Community Music Programme.

Coffee Day 15th November 2010

2010-11-15T23:57:00.000+13:00

What a great Coffee Day. Weather started dodgy but turned into a gorgeous day for us to enjoy the finger food lunch in the sun-soaked back courtyard. About 23 Club members enjoyed the day of good music, good company and good cuisine. With the choice of an acoustic piano, EL90 Electone organ, Yamaha PSR-710 keyboard and a Korg Pa1X keyboard there was every opportunity to express ourselves. A big thank you to Jack and Phyl Briscoe for opening up their lovely home to the Club members for a memorable Coffee Day.

Club Night 2nd November 2010

2010-11-02T23:58:00.000+13:00

A record attendance of members and visitors were rewarded with an absolutely absorbing evening of music. The evening started with a DVD presentation of the Club's Clavinova being played by Glynn Madden of the UK. A few UTube video clips were shown at the start of proceedings also which had the house rolling about with laughter! Then, a Japanese visitor, Mayu Murakami, played our Clavinova with two popular Japanese ballads. Yvonne Moller then entertained us on her lovely Korg Pa1X keyboard and followed by Marlene Forrest on the Clavinova - well played ladies. To finish the first-half, Alan Dadson, played three pieces on the Technics GA3 organ and then a piece of the Clavinova - nicely played Alan and thanks for all the pre-work to become familiar with our GA3.

The Second-half of the evening was passed-over to our special guest artists, Darren Smith (National Retail Manager for MusicWorks) and Murray Hancox (Piano/keyboard Manager at Atwaters MusicWorks, Hobson Street, Auckland City), Wow, did they turn-on a fantastic concert with a great selection and variety of songs that also brought-out the gorgeous sounds and styles that the Clavinova CVP-509 is capable of as well as the magnificent newly released Yamaha Tyros 4. These magnificent instruments can be further inspected at Atwaters Musicworks, Hobson Street, Auckland City where Murray Hancox is the Piano/Keyboard Manager (Phone: (09) 303 1919).

A big thank you to the Committee and support members for making the evening go so smoothly and oh how the Big Screen facilitates a grand-stand view from anywhere in the House. Supper was provided by Alan Wilkins and support members - thanks Alan for stepping into the breach whilst Delyse Whorwood recovers from surgery.

Tyros 4 Launch

2010-10-28T13:22:00.000+13:00

Atwaters Musicworks launched the new Yamaha arranger keyboard flagship - the Tyros 4. An enthusiastic audience enjoyed Musicworks National Demonstrator, Andy Keys, highlight the exciting new sounds and features of the latest iteration of the venerable Tyros - the Tyros 4. Atwaters Musicworks, Piano and Keyboard Manager, Murray Hancox, finished off the hour and a half launch with some great R & B songs. A splendid luncheon then awaited the attendees whilst discussing the exciting new features of this magnificent instrument. Thanks to Darren Smith of Musicworks, Murray Hancox and Andy Keys for making the launch so enjoyable to all present.

Music Planet Extravaganza at Barrycourt Conference Centre

2010-10-24T18:30:00.001+13:00

An enthusiastic audience celebrated the 30th anniversary of Music Planet's original music mega store at 42 Taharoto Road, Takapuna. The Musical Extravaganza started a little after 10.00 am and carried through until about 6.30 pm with just a one hour break for lunch! What a fantastic day the attendees were treated to with a veritable orgy of gorgeous musical keyboards to listen to and enjoy the wide variety of songs and genre articulated by the professional artists. What with two concert by International variety artist, Jimmy Keys (from Florida, USA); Steve McNally the Worldwide demonstrator of Korg keyboards (straight from Canada) we were spoilt with such amazing music - we learnt some good technique tips too during the day! Not to be intimidated by the International artists, Music Planet engaged some of Auckland's top professional keyboard artists to round-off the Extravaganza. Artists playing were: John Bercich; Kane Steves; Dewald Kritzinger; Chris Larking; and, surprise guest artist, Peter Parkinson! Wow, all this for $25 including a scrumptious morning and afternoon tea break.
A big thank you to Roger and Vicki Smith of Music Planet for sparing no expense in providing the audience with a first-class days musical entertainment. If you haven't yet visited Music Planet's newly refurbished Mega Music Store at 42 Taharoto Road then it is strongly recommended - with a wide variety of brands and models of acoustic and digital piano/keyboards, guitars, hi tech and peripheral supplies.

Lady Allum Concert 19th October 2010

2010-10-19T15:00:00.000+13:00

It was the North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club's pleasure to give a concert for the residents of the Lady Allum Home in Milford. Members Peter Jackson, Roy Steen and Peter Brophy generously gave their time for free to share their great music and singing with the appreciative audience. The show was so popular that the management requested that we make more bookings for 2011! A big thank you to Emerson and Frances on the staff of the Lady Allum Home and not forgetting resident Bruce Mills doing a magnificent job on the ‘spoons’!

Coffee Day at the Club Rooms 17th October 2010

2010-10-17T17:00:00.000+13:00

We held Coffee Day at our Club Rooms rather than a member's home in order to better utilize our Club instruments, particularly our new Clavinova CVP-509. Around 32 members took time out of their busy weekends to attend the afternoon and the general consensus was that it was a great success. Coffee, tea and biscuits were available throughout the afternoon on a side table in the Club Rooms and we tried to create a 'cabaret' layout with tables interspersed around the Room. Some great music was shared also. Thanks to those that brought their keyboards and the members who assisted with the organization for the day. We must hold more such Coffee Days at the Club!

Club Night 5th October 2010

2010-10-05T22:20:00.000+13:00

Some evenings are just magical and our Club Night this month was one of those. Our members played great in the first half. It was good to welcome back our out-of-town professional musician member, Carole Littlejohn. Carole brought the house down with her rendition of "The Black and White Rag". Thanks for coming all the way from Papamoa to share your music Carole.

The second-half of the evening was given over to our special guest artist, Dave Hallam, who gave us a magnificent concert for the best part of an hour (that disappeared very quickly with the superb music). Dave gave us a wonderful diversity of styles both on his lovely new Yamaha PSR-910 keyboard and on the Club's state-of-the-art Yamaha Clavinova CVP-509. The big screen worked very well too so that everybody in the Club Rooms got a 'birds-eye' view of the the keyboards being played.

Club Night 5th October 2010

2010-10-05T19:30:00.000+13:00

Definitely an evening of music not to be missed! Why not bring your friends along as visitors are always most welcome.

Coffee Day 20th September 2010

2010-09-20T21:18:00.000+12:00

A record number of members enjoyed a fantastic Coffee Day at Peter Brophy's luxury apartment at Fairview Lifestyle Village, Albany. With 6 keyboard to choose from including a portable two manual keyboard the 36 members were spoilt for choice and certainly spoilt with the wonderful music being played. Thanks Peter for being a wonderful host and sharing your lovely home with your friends from the North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club.

Fairview Lifestyle Village Hospital Wing Concert on 17th September 2010

2010-09-17T18:18:00.000+12:00

Club members, Gordon Sutherland and Colin Crann, had the pleasure of meeting the residents of the Fairview Lifestyle Village Hospital Wing in a mini-concert. This is part of the Club's policy of taking its music out to the Community. Colin took along his Yamaha DGX620 ensemble piano and Gordon took his Korg Pa1X keyboard. The residents seemed to enjoy the variety of music played and then after the concert it was Happy Hour with the wine flowing freely - nice!

Club Night 7th September 2010

2010-09-07T22:00:00.000+12:00

What a great DIY Club Night. We are blessed to have such a wonderful number of talented musicians and an equal number of enthusiastic listeners! We tried out our big screen for the first time and this certainly worked well for members to see all the action on the keys! It was great to have such a variety of instruments brought along to augment the Clubs Organ and Clavinova and terrific to see such a large attendance to enjoy the evening.

Members wished our past President, George Watt, a very happy Birthday in the usual way!

On a sad note we held a minutes silence at the beginning of the evening to remember two of our long-standing members who have passed-away in the last two weeks – Lenore Truscott and Clare Davidson. Please go to the Club’s Hall of Fame Web Page which you can access on the right-hand side of this page by scrolling-down or click here to see some memories of them. We showed a remembrance slide on the big screen at the start of the evening and this is printed below as well.

http://nsaokcfame.blogspot.com/

The members also were sad to hear that our beloved Secretary, Colleen Kerr, is very poorly at the moment and our thoughts and best wishes are with her for a speedy and positive outcome.

Club Night Tuesday 7th September 2010

2010-09-06T11:39:00.001+12:00

Coffee Day at our Club Rooms 29th August 2010

2010-08-29T17:30:00.000+12:00

A Coffee Day with a difference! We held it at our Club Rooms this month and enabling members to familiarize and enjoy the Club's new CVP-509 Clavinova. We also used the occasion to launch the Club's new Video Projector and big screen so that we can show a close-up of the players hands on the keyboards or project the lyrics for sing-a-longs etc. It was great that professional musicians, John Bercich and Kane Steves could come along and join in the fun! The meeting started at 1 pm and continued until a little after 5 pm.

Concert for Age Concern’s Prescott Club 25th August 2010

2010-08-25T16:15:00.001+12:00

On behalf of the North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club, Gordon Sutherland, Peter Brophy and George Watt gave an hour's concert for Age Concern's Prescott Club. Peter and Gordon played a Korg Pa1X keyboard and George played the Church's acoustic piano. These concerts are part of the Club's desire to share its music with the community at large. The Prescott Club concerts are in collaboration with the Creative Keyboard Club of Browns Bay. We are hoping to bring along the Club's data projector and big screen for the October concert and have a Sing-A-Long session!

An Afternoon with Carole Littlejohn in Papamoa 25th July 2010

2010-08-04T15:24:00.000+12:00

An afternoon with Carole Littlejohn at Ocean Shores Village with some of her students and friends from the North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club. Photos courtesy of Colleen Kerr.

When Carole Littlejohn invited Peter Brophy, Gordon Sutherland and Colleen Kerr to come down to Papamoa and participate in a Concert she was putting on for the residents of the Ocean Shores Village, Papamoa, we were delighted to accept the invite. For one reason it was going to be a fun event but also because all three mentioned above and Carole Littlejohn are members of The North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club, Takapuna. Part of the Club's mission is taking our music out to the Community at large (the Club’s Header includes “Proudly bringing music to the Community”) where it is sometimes difficult for senior citizens to travel to outside venues. About 150 residents and family members of the participating students turned-up for the afternoon Concert and that made is most satisfying. The audience seemed to love the format of the Concert also, what with variety of instruments, styles of music and experience levels of the participants.

Certainly one of the highlights for the writer was to finish the Concert with a quartet playing: “Cabaret” and “Drifting and Dreaming”. The Quartet consisted of Carole Littlejohn on a Korg Pa1X keyboard; Peter Brophy on a Yamaha PSR-910 keyboard; Colleen Kerr on Yamaha piano; and Gordon Sutherland on his Korg Pa1X keyboard.

It certainly is nice to see the youth of today learning to play the keyboard whether that is an electronic keyboard or acoustic piano and this was a great venue for some of Carole’s junior pupils to gain experience playing for a large audience. They acquitted themselves very well it must be said.

A big thank you to Bev Taylor from the Ocean Shores Village for allowing Carole Littlejohn to stage the Concert at their lovely Village. And not forgetting Carole Littlejohn that did a great job organizing the event and then being actively involved in the Concert.

The photos below have been forwarded by email and as such are low resolution. Should anybody want a high resolution copy please contact Gordon Sutherland or Colleen Kerr at the email address in the right hand margin.

Club Night 3rd August 2010

2010-08-03T22:10:00.000+12:00

A packed house enjoyed a fantastic evening of music at our Club Rooms. This was the first Club Night with our brand new Yamaha Clavinova CVP-509 and if we thought our CVP-305 was good well this latest technology beastie just blew us away with it's responsiveness and clarity of sound. The first half saw Club members entertain us on the Clavinova with one member, Yvonne Moller, playing her Korg Pa1X. We also had a Japanese visitor play the piano for us with great sensitivity - thank you Mayu Murakami.
The second half was taken over by our guest artist, Roy Steen, who captured our enthusiasm for his lovely touch for about 50 minutes. Roy played his Roland G-800 for the first four pieces to great effect. He then played two pieces on the Clavinova by popular request and then proceeded to wow us with his mastery of the organ when he thrilled us with his superb playing, sounds and choice of songs on the Club's Technics GA3 theatre organ. There was hardly a dry eye in the house by the end of Roy's performance. Thank you Roy for a wonderful evening and also for having visited the Club on several occasions in the last few months to familiarize yourself with the GA3 organ and prepare disks of registrations.
Chris Larking was going to make a cameo appearance to launch our Clavinova but was unfortunately held up with a Corporate gig that extended beyond schedule. The good news though is that the Club still has four pieces or so in credit from Chris for a future evening!

John Beales won the raffle which was a lovely sandwich tray. Thanks as always must go to the Committee members for tirelessly making sure the evening went so well.

And now for the pix… slide the mouse over the photos to see text captions: