Gordon Alderslade


Above: 13 year old Gordon at right with Barossa Junior Bandmate Kuni Wendell
SNAPSHOT PROFILE
 
Vital Statistics
Date and place of birth:     1960 Tanunda
Parents names:    Neville and Edna Alderslade
Instrument(s):      Cornet, but have played Euphonium and Eb Bass
 
Who were your first influences and who gave you your first lesson?
Aubrey Kernich (Barossa Junior Band), Galvin John (Tanunda Town Band), Driving force; Father Neville who was a soprano cornet player with Tanunda and also played in dance bands and jazz bands.
 
What bands have you played in?
Barossa Junior Band, Tanunda Brass Band, 27th Battallion CMF Band.
Helped various bands over the years.
 
Contesting……...Is it worth the effort?
Whilst I don’t like the pressure and extra practice, yes I believe it does make you strive for the best you can achieve and it helps to keep your standards up to a high level as a Band.
 
What awards, prizes and achievements have made you glad that you made the effort?
Badge of Merit, 25 Year Band award, Life Membership of Tanunda Band.
 
What are your preferred styles of music?
More classic brass music.
 
Who are your favourite musicians, bands and musical associates?
Love the British Brass Bands and James Morrison.
 
What would you do differently ? Any regrets?
Practise more on scales and Arban Tutor.
 
What effect has banding had on your family life?
Probably negative as it has taken me away from my family and kids at times, but it has been my release!!
 
Has banding influenced your social life?
Yes. My fellow band members are like my second family, more than just friends.
 
What are your other interests?
Work; Selling vehicles in my business Barossa Valley Toyota.
Cars, motor bikes, squash.
 
What lies ahead for you?
Retirement and happily still playing cornet.
 
Anything else?…………..Thoughts and opinions?
Playing in a Brass Band makes you appreciate all types of music and how hard it is to excel.
I’ve been playing an instrument for 52 years now.