History: Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

COLIN J. THOMAS

Mr. Colin J. ("Colin J") Thomas is one of the huge contributors to Music in Queensland, especially the Queensland Brass Band movement. From a talented musical family, his abiding passion for the Muse was aroused by his mother, first on piano, then violin and cornet. At the age of eight he joined the Brisbane Institute of Social Services Brass Band (BISS Brass Band), and at twelve, the Naval Reserve Band where he transferred from cornet to tuba. At seventeen, he joined the Naval Reserve Band which used to practise at Kangaroo Point. Colin J remembers with clarity lugging the heavy tuba down the 130 steps to rehearsal below the Kangaroo Point cliffs, then back up the 130 steps at conclusion of practice. It was superior musicianship which brought about his promotion to Band Sergeant and the ensuing skills as Conductor and interpreter of music.

In 1942, Colin J joined Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band, begun in 1912 and arguably the most outstanding band in the State at the time. Thus commenced a relationship which has continued to this day. From a humble start as probationer for six months (that being a requirement imposed on all potential members), Colin J progressed from valued member of the Bass Section to Musical Director in 1961. He remained Conductor until failing eyesight compelled him to step down in 1984, after twenty-four years of devoted service to his beloved Band. The achievements of Excelsior during this period owe much to his outstanding gifts as Musical Director.

When Band Contests were resumed in 1946 after the wartime recess, Colin J won his first Queensland Championship (BB b), a feat repeated another three times. He was also the Australian Champion on three separate occasions, his virtuosity such that he was invited to play with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and to join the South Australian Symphony when it urgently required a tuba player. His reputation as musician is by no means limited to Brisbane and Queensland. At Brass Band Contests across the nation, he was in demand as highly-regarded Adjudicator, the long-serving State Secretary of the Q.B.A. (Jack Marchingo) recalling the visits of Colin J to Victoria (where Jack had also been State Secretary). And in 1977, Colin J was one of the few Australian bandsmen invited to the International Congress of Brass Musicians held at London's Royal Albert Hall where he was specially requested to conduct a number of Britain's best-known Brass Bands at workshops and performances.

In arranging he had a reputation for excellence. The celebrated Australian baritone, Peter Dawson, sang a number of his arrangements, and banding groups played many of his Brass Band arrangements especially the "miles of hymn tunes" (Colin J's phrase). Less well known are other related facets of his work life, including weekly stints on Radio in the late 1940s as "Tiny Tim", a little boy character who was one of the show's comedians, and his work as Compeer, a role to which he brought a special dignity.

Colin J's gifts brought untold pleasure to those who heard him play or witnessed his conducting of Excelsior, but his measure as musician ultimately depends upon his peers. There appears to be universal regard for him from both amateur bandsmen who play for sheer love of brass music and from professionals. Brisbane Excelsior made him a Life Member for his work with them. Witness also the action of the celebrated Dr. William Lovelock, first Director of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Dr. Lovelock as Patron of Excelsior, composed a special score, "The Diamond Jubilee Overture", for Excelsior's fiftieth anniversary. He dedicated it "To Excelsior Brass Band and to Colin J. Thomas" as token of his admiration. It was an outright gift, with all royalties waived forever, an expression of admiration for a much-respected fellow-musician.