Musical healing

By Sergeant Paul Kellett

The Air Command Band plays for a Victory in the Pacific Day ceremony in Toronto on the northern NSW coast.

David Helfgott teams up with band singer CPL Stephanie Lambert.

Photos provided by SGT Paul Kellett

BEING struck down with a mysterious illness didn’t stop the Air Command Band from living up to their role as ambassadors of goodwill during a recent charity tour of the northern NSW coast.

Thirteen band members fell sick from a strong virus on the first day of the eight-day tour, with one member hospitalised en route to Lake Macquarie.

The other affected musicians were treated with antibiotics and quarantined in one of the tour vehicles, while the remainder rode in the band bus without air conditioning to avoid circulating the virus.

Despite the unfortunate start, the band continued on with its busy schedule, which included raising funds for local charities at each tour location.

The tour began with a Victory in the Pacific Day ceremony at Toronto, followed by a long drive north to Lismore for a busy concert day.

The band then headed south to Grafton, where performers renewed their relationship with ex-band member, Flight Sergeant Greg Butcher, Director of the Clarence Valley Conservatorium.

After two successful performances in Grafton, the next destination was Coffs Harbour, which brought back poignant memories for the band’s new vocalist, Aircraftman Jerry van der Slot. It was at the band’s last concert at Coffs Harbour two years ago that Jerry was an audience member. He recalled being jabbed in the ribs by his wife and asked why he wasn’t involved in such an organisation.

The band then travelled to Bellingen for what turned out to be the pinnacle of the tour. Bellingen was hosting a jazz and blues festival at the time and the band was involved in six activities throughout two days.

The highlight was an afternoon variety concert, where the band joined famous Australian identity and musician David Helfgott.

Just as he was portrayed by Geoffrey Rush in the movie Shine, band members found Mr Helfgott’s innocence and joie de vivre (joy of life), most infectious. His love of music and the joy that he got from it was obvious.

During the eight-day tour, the band completed 14 tasks, brought the Air Force to hundreds of people and raised thousands of dollars for local charities, including Our Kids in Lismore, Clarence Valley Conservatorium in Grafton and Towers of Strength in Coffs Harbour.

A very impressive effort, considering band members had been affected by illness – many seriously – but were still able to perform 12-hour days without a break.

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