Tribute tune honours 74 years of music-making

A special piece of music will fill the Esplanade Hotel on Sunday, July 27, when Busselton Brass debuts the “John Piper March,” honouring one of its most dedicated members.

The composition celebrates John Piper’s impressive 74-year contribution to the band, nearly half of its 154-year history.

A brass band creates something extraordinary when dozens of instruments blend their notes.

From the spirited melodies of solo cornets to the resounding and moving harmonies of the full ensemble, each player adds their part to create music that stirs the heart and lifts the soul.

It was this idea of collective musical power that first attracted a young John Piper to Busselton Brass in 1950.

Now, retired and relaxing at their home in Busselton, John and Stephanie Piper shared memories from those early days.

“I was with a bunch of lads outside school one day, and one of them mentioned joining the band,” John recalled.

“We saw this ad that said, ‘Come along to the brass band, we’ll give you an instrument and teach you to play music.’

“I thought, ‘Oh wow, this could be good!'”

The irony of John’s musical beginnings still brings smiles to the couple today. His piano teacher had told his mother, “You’re wasting your money and I’m wasting my time. He’s never going to be a musician!”

“Well, how wrong was she!” Stephanie laughed. “He never took to the piano, but the band, now that’s a different story!”

A story that started with a young boy moving from Collie to the coastal town of Busselton in 1945. John spent his early years “on the beach, as all little boys did in those days!”

By 12, he’d found his true calling with the tenor horn.

“The photo from 1950, all my mates from school are in it, but none of them stuck with it. Except for me… for 74 years!”

Music wasn’t John’s only passion in those early years. It was at Churchill Park Hall in 1956 that he met Stephanie at a local dance. Now married for 65 years, they’ve built a life filled with music, family, and community.

While John ran his mobile greengrocer business for 41 years, Thursday night band practice was sacred. The habit stays with him even now.

“He still says every Thursday, ‘It’s band practice. But I don’t think I’ll go…’ and I say ‘no, I don’t think you will either, dear,'” Stephanie laughed.

The music may have drawn him in, but it was the people who kept him coming back. “It was the camaraderie that I really loved. Bands are like a family, really; we’re very close.”

“When you’re in a band, you’re part of a special group, and everyone supports each other.

“You play your part, they play theirs, and together you create music, which is a truly beautiful thing and experience.”

Over the course of more than seven decades, John served as a solo cornet player, president, conductor, and instrument repairman.

Young musicians often appeared at their door, declaring: “Oh, Mr. Piper, I washed my instrument, or I dropped my instrument, or my little sister smashed my instrument,” Stephanie said fondly.

The band’s achievements under John include competing in Melbourne’s and Hobart’s National Band championships, where they placed third in the Tassie capital competition.

“We also went to Sydney in 2012 for the International Music Festival with bands from China, Japan, and Singapore.

“It was so exciting, and apart from the extraordinary experience of playing at the Opera House and Town Hall, we won gold, which was incredible!”

Stephanie recalls a particularly memorable performance.

“When the Queen came in 1954, they had mass bands playing in Churchill Park.

“The conductor didn’t tell the bands when to come in – some had introductions, some didn’t.

“They all started at different times! It sounded like nothing on earth!”

John’s dedication earned him life membership in 1980 and the WA Band Association’s inaugural Band Person of the Year award in 2010.

However, sometimes life brings unexpected changes, and after a fall in 2023 that affected his health, John decided to play his final tune and hang up his instrument for good.

“He virtually won’t touch an instrument now,” Stephanie explained softly.

“He probably doesn’t know why, but I do.

“As he grew older, he became increasingly frustrated as it became harder for him to play.

“John was a perfectionist and so passionate.

“He wouldn’t play if he couldn’t do it properly. So retiring, as hard as it was, was okay – he knew it was time, he’d done his time.”

These days, John and Stephanie’s focus is their family, which includes their three daughters, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and another on the way.

But the band’s friendship remains strong, with members often lending a hand around their house.

“We’ve never lost that family feel, my bandmates are always popping over to help and say hi.”

When asked about the march composed in his honour, John simply said, “It makes me feel very humble.”

“That’s just the sort of person he is,” Stephanie added.

“He never wanted to be in front, that’s why he liked playing in a band – he was part of something wonderful but not the focus.”

“When we heard about the March and the celebration in his honour, it was truly overwhelming. Our three girls will be there with us to see it presented to the public.

“It’s incredible that someone has composed a piece of music dedicated to him because he’s never sought the limelight; he simply had a strong sense of duty, really.”

Busselton Brass Inc. President Di Panorios echoed these sentiments.

“John has been a wonderful asset to the band for over 70 years.

“He was always there, using his skills and knowledge to help in many ways. Always willing to help out.

“We greatly miss his presence at our rehearsals and performances. He always gave his all.”

She also expressed special thanks to John’s wife, “who has always supported John’s involvement with the band, and continues to do so.

“John’s legacy will live on through John Piper’s March.”

The “John Piper March,” composed by Perth musician Tim Middleton, will premiere at the Esplanade Hotel on Sunday, July 27, at 2pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.