Army band struts stuff for schools

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 575, 28 February 1995, Page 3

Army band struts stuff for schools

By

Amiria

Teki

Raetihi School and Ruapehu College pupils were treated to an unscheduled concert performance last week. The Army band are up from Burnham, Christchurch, currently stationed at Waiouru, to perform at a variety of military functions. Two days off between military duties gave the band the opportunity to entertain the school pupils, who were delighted and surprised at the variety of rhythm and song and it was evident on their faces. It was almost too tempting for the children who, but for their shyness, looked likely to have gladly jumped up to dance away the afternoon. The highlight was probably when Private Alison Spurdle played Marya Carey's "Without You" solo. The children had fun identifying the various television themes. The programme went from jazz, blues, brass to finally a rousing finish with kiwi rock tributes; Ray Columbus

"She's a Mod", Dave Dobbin' s "Slice of heaven", Southside of Bombay's "Whats the time Mr Wolf ' and "Melting Pot" by The Cat's Away. Sgt Gerald Hansen, public relations officer, explained that aside from military commitments, the band is available for private functions and to tour schools. They also tour overseas at military tatoos, their last trip being to Australia in 1988.