(Head)masters of rock ’n’ roll THE click, pop and hum of a PA system starting up is soon joined by the sound of guitars tuning, drumbeats and scales on trumpet and saxophone. Microphone checks and a 12-bar blues line on bass guitar is soon joined by a rhythmic drum backbeat and then guitar chords. The room is filled with music and then laughter, banter and eager chatter. These are the sounds of the Headmasters Apprentices, a pop band of eight school principals and assistant principals from the Frankston area and the Mornington Peninsula. Some are retired and others still work. The band was formed 15 years ago after its members joined music professionals on stage at a principals’ conference. The band was soon playing rock, blues and soul covers at conferences, charity gigs and other events across Victoria. It often plays for free, although the minimum charge is a meal for the musicians. Silvio Vitale, former principal at Mornington Primary School, said the band was a “perfect example of principals combining a love of music and a desire to manage our own wellbeing by creating regular opportunities for interaction, banter, support and, of course, making music”. “Many gigs are at significant birthdays. We
relish the camaraderie of the band and the joy we bring to audiences who just want to dance and have fun.” Vitale shares vocal with Greg Lacey, principal at Lyndhurst Primary School. Other members are rhythm guitarist Mark Dewhurst, former assistant principal at Somerville Rise primary; saxophonist Jeff Mead, former assistant principal at Pearcedale primary; the moustachioed Andrew Forrest, former principal at Baxter primary, on trumpet and trombone; drummer Andrew Felsinger, former principal at Barton primary in Cranbourne West; bass guitarist Simon Hamilton, executive director at the Education Department’s southeastern regional office; and lead guitarist Barry Wiggs, former principal at Cranbourne East secondary (and guitarist with Ants Bush Band 1972–2017). Former music teacher at Rosebud primary Mal Boag has also played with the band. The band has raised thousands of dollars for charities from gigs on the peninsula, its home base. The next gig is Melbourne Cup Eve, Monday 6 November, at Springvale RSL with a portion of ticket sales going to the Poppy Appeal. Tickets from Springvale RSL, phone 9548 4155. To book the band, call Andrew Felsinger on 0418 991 989.
Picture: Rosalie Arnold
Seniors taken for a ride THE inaugural Seniors Week bike ride by members of U3A Southern Peninsula saw four cycling groups ride from Safety Beach Yacht Club to Rye pier. All riders are aged over 50. Cycling is one of more than 80 outdoor activities and courses offered by U3A. Visit u3asouthpen.org.au for details. New members welcome. The U3A office is in the former Shire of Flinders office, 359a Pt Nepean Road, Dromana.
Prior fire warning PROPERTY owners should let the CFA know about any planned open air burning to avoid unnecessary fire alarms being raised with fire brigades. To give prior warning to the CFA about a planned fire call 1800 668 511.
Members sought THE Rosebud Lions Club is looking for new members over the age of 21 that would like to help raising money and helping on community projects. The club has been reduced to seven members
Southern Peninsula
3MP After-Care Aspire Pool Solar Heating Autumn Aged Care Back In Motion Balnarring Barry Plant Rosebud Bayside Bolts & Steel Bayside Shoe Warehouse Beachside Doctors Beachwood Homes Belle Property Dromana Breeze Broking Coast & Country Estate Agents CPR Gutter Protection Crowders Mornington Peninsula Daytripper Tours & Charters Denture Point Mornington Dromana Discount Timber Dromana Pottery Group Inc Element Roofing Euphoric Events Frankston Arts Centre
since the COVID-19 pandemic. This club meets on Tuesday mornings. Call membership chairman David on 5986 2261 or the club president on 0418 322 315.
Scones at Hastings THE next Scones on a Hastings will be held at the Hastings Bowls Club on Marine Parade on Friday 3 November between 10am and 11.30am. All welcome.
Picnic performance THE Southern Peninsula Concert Band will perform at a picnic and in the Mornington Botanical Rose Gardens from 2pm on Saturday 18 November. Cost is $30 and on arrival at the gardens in Civic Reserve, Mornington ticket holders will be given a picnic box. Numbers are limited to 50. Tickets at: eventbrite.com.au/e/a-picnic-in-the-rose-gardenswith-the-southern-pen-tickets-736947197907
Advertisers in the last month. Please support them! Frankston City Council Graham Jones Design High Quality Jewellerys P/L Kibu Imports Like Our Own Living Design Double Glazing Mark Egan Media Projects Michelle Ann Fashions Mornington Chery Mornington Hyundai/MG Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery Mornington Peninsula Shire Mornington Racing Club MRC Law Mt Martha Glass Our Songlines Pearl’s Manchester Pty. Ltd. Peninsula Beer Garden Peninsula Club Peninsula Plumbing Clearance Centre Peninsula Therapeutic And Research Group
Radius Real Estate Mornington Rosebud Country Club Rosebud Funerals Rosebud Hotel Rotary Club Of Sorrento RT Edgar Mount Eliza Shades Of Australia Shoreline Real Estate Sorrento-Portsea Rsl Soundbar Stataewide Autistic Services State Government Of Victoria Stockdale & Leggo Rye Sun Phase Electrical Swimart Mornington The Pig & Whistle Tavern The Residential Lift Co Total Tools Rosebud Ventura Bus Lines Western Port Mobility
THEY SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS IN YOUR COMMUNITY! Southern Peninsula News
1 November 2023
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