Cornets
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Ian Cooper
SopranoNeil McPherson
2nd CornetWendy Bardsley
2nd CornetWarren Jensen
3rd CornetKathryn Smyth
3rd Cornet -
Ian Cooper
Soprano Cornet
Joined 1988
Ian first began playing trumpet at the age of 12 in his home State of Tasmania. In 1976 he began playing in brass bands before completing his schooling which included six years at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music. During that time he studied under the then principal trumpet of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Bruce Lamont.
Ian has worked as a freelance professional trumpet player with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Orchestra of Victoria and many other shows which have visited the Hobart Casino including the Tony Pantano Show and the Four Kinsman.
A member since 1988, Ian has spent most of his time on soprano cornet and is renowned for his range, technical prowess and reliability. Ian is also one of the most sought after lead trumpet players in the Melbourne big band scene. He has been teaching brass in Victorian schools since 1991 and has played with many of Victoria's bands at various levels.
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Neil McPherson
2nd Cornet
Joined 2004
Neil has been playing in Brass Bands, on Solo Cornet and Flugel, for more than 50 years.
In his younger days, his tally of solo and duet successes was fairly impressive.
He has lost count of the number of contests, concerts, radio and television engagements taken part in both here in Australia, and overseas and during these times, his wife Ronice has almost always also been involved.
There have been two overseas band trips, in 1978 to the Philippines, Switzerland and Canada, and in 1984 to Singapore, Switzerland, UK and Scotland.
For his personal efforts in organizing the 1984 Tour, Neil was presented with a special plaque from the City of Footscray.
He has received Life Membership awards from the Sale, Brunswick, and Footscray-Yarraville bands, and also has the VBL's Certificate of Honour.
Ronice is also a Life Member of Footscray-Yarraville.
In 2001, Neil took part in the Swiss Festival Contest with the Eriswil band at Fribourg.
Professionally, he started his career as an Industrial Chemist, but changed into Teaching, and after more than thirty five years service received the Directorate of School Education's Certificate of Recognition.
Before retiring in 1997, Neil had been a Secondary College Principal for many years.
As well as enjoying playing at Kew, he also finds time to carve large rocking horses, and with Ronice travels extensively in their caravan, as well as overseas.
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Wendy Bardsley
2nd Cornet
Joined 2003
Wendy began learning the Tenor Horn at the age of 8, following 3 years of piano lessons. Inspired to enter the brass world by her father and brother, who both started playing Cornet around the same time, her sister also joined shortly thereafter learning Baritone. This combination provided the perfect composition for family quartets. A member of Warragul Municipal Band for many years, Wendy has never felt the urge to play anything other than Tenor Horn (although she does admit to a secret desire to get hold of a French Horn).
Wendy competed extensively in solo, party and band competitions throughout her early playing years and has held the title of Junior National Tenor Horn Champion, as well as numerous State titles in solo, duet and ensemble competitions. After a long break from brass playing in which she dabbled in amateur theatre and singing, Wendy was re-introduced to the world of banding when she attended the 1998 Nationals in Melbourne. There she heard Moreland-Brunswick Band play, and decided to take up the Tenor Horn again.
Wendy was a member of Moreland-Brunswick Band until 2003, when she joined Kew. Wendy is currently employed as a Web Solutions Consultant, based in Collins St Melbourne.
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Warren Jensen
3rd Cornet
Joined 2008
Warren joined Kew Band Melbourne in 2008 following a six year stint at Moreland City Band. It was prior to this however that he spent a remarkable 30 years playing for the Footscray Yarraville Band. During this time he toured Internationally in 1975 and 1978.
Although he is known for his cornet playing Warren has in the past enjoyed playing baritone and Bass Drum on the March.
Warren is a committed bandsman and has had extensive involvement in committee of management of both his previous bands, including President of Moreland City Band.
In his professional life Warren is a Building Surveyor.
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Kathryn Smyth
3rd Cornet
Joined 2002
Kathryn first started her piano lessons at the age of 6 and took up trumpet at 12. Prior to joining Kew in 2002 she had never played cornet but quickly adapted to both the instrument and the community banding environment. Kew is her first brass band having been sent to us by a friend of hers who played in a "B" Grade band.
Kathryn has completed several AMEB trumpet levels and is a gifted and talented player. A keen member of the band since signing up she has already joined the committee and is currently the assistant secretary. In her private life Kathryn works in marine insurance and enjoys reading, cooking and mosaics.
