Coffee Day 20th May 2012

What a nice day at our Club Rooms for our monthly Coffee Day. We started off with an hour practice session for the members who will be participating in first-half of the PumpHouse Concert on 17th June 2012. Not as large a number turned-up this month which was a pity because we had some great instruments to play or listen to and some wonderful finger food to nibble on during the afternoon. Peter Littlejohn brought along a delicious banana cake and our Catering Manageress, Delyse Whorwood, brought along a spread of crackers, pate, cheese dip, sandwiches, more cake and a huge bowl of non-alcoholic punch to compliment the tea and coffee that was on tap for the full afternoon. Thanks Delyse for all the effort you put in to make sure we had a gastronomic delight as well as a musical treat! In summary, a lovely afternoon by those that made the effort to support the Club.

                                         

                               

                                             

                      

Concert for Albany Community Music–6th May 2012

North Shore Organ and Keyboard Club members played a concert for Albany Community Music at Holy Cross Church, Albany. The concert was a fundraising event for the Church's new Johannus Opus 37 Organ. These fine instruments are made in Holland. It was pleasing that members of our Club came along to support the fundraising and appreciate (hopefully) the music. Each artist played a couple of songs and then repeated half-way through. Colleen really enjoyed playing the Church's lovely Broadwood grand piano which she said had a super light touch and was therefore very responsive.

We wish Albany Community Music and Holy Cross Church every success with their fundraising for such a wonderful organ.

 

  

     

PS Unfortunately, no photo came out of Peter Littlejohn playing his Korg Pa1X.

Club Night 1st May 2012

A wonderful evening of magnificent music. A near full-house enjoyed three of our members play in the first-half and followed by our special guest artist Peter Parkinson for the full second-half of the programme. In the first half we were entertained by: our Treasurer, Jim Nicholson for the arrival music on our Clavinova; then, Peter Jackson on his Korg Pa1X with vocals; Marlene Forrest on our Clavinova CVP-509; and to finish the first-half, Taka Iida gave us a cameo of five pieces on his Yamaha Electone D-Deck two manual keyboard with pedals. Splendid stuff ‘guys’.

Our special guest artist, Peter Parkinson, is currently the manager of Music Planet Botany and specializes in acoustic pianos and keyboards. His phone number is: (09) 265 0230. Peter brought along a Korg Pa588 fully-weighted 88 note arranger piano. Wonderful orchestrations and wonderful choice of music and impeccably presented!

We also raffled-off a bottle of whiskey and raised $110 for the North Shore Hospice which the Club has supported for many years. Thanks to those that joined-in the ‘spirit’ of the occasion!

We were honoured to have Rendall Miller and students amongst the audience. Rendall played for us in November 2009 and we are hoping to twist his arm for a return visit later this year.

            

      

Preview of Club Night 1st May 2012

Our talented member, Taka Iida, will be playing his Yamaha Electone D-Deck two manual keyboard with pedals for a cameo in the first half of our May 1st Club Night.

Guest Artist for the Evening: ** Peter Parkinson **

To top the evening off, we are delighted to have as our guest artist, Peter Parkinson, who will play piano and keyboards. Peter has been involved in the music industry for over thirty years and is currently managing the Music Planet Botany Store (Phone: 265 0230). Peter is a qualified music teacher and holds a Degree from the Royal Manchester School of Music. Peter has a lifetime of involvement and success in professional entertainment. I know Peter is looking forward to renewing old acquaintances and I am equally sure this is reciprocated. Again, you are in for a musical treat!