The Trumpeting Ladies

What are the chances that you would find two very accomplished female trumpet players living close by to each other, but unbeknownst to each other in Bridgetown?

When Colin Booth joined Rotary in Bridgetown, he met Neale Armstrong. Whilst at one Rotary meeting, when they were having a private conversation, Colin mentioned that his wife played the trumpet. A very surprised Neale said, “My wife is a trumpet player too”.

Colin and his wife Allison moved to Bridgetown around two years ago, they purchased a property along the Winnejup Road and are running ‘UltraWhite’ sheep, Allison works part time as a nurse in Bridgetown and Boyup Brook.

Wendy and her husband Neale also run a sheep farm along the Winnejup Road. Wendy has been a music teacher with the Education Department of Western Australia, for around 32 years.

Allison explains, “When Colin came home from his Rotary meeting and told me our neighbour Wendy played the trumpet, I was truly surprised and delighted.”

“Well, Wendy and I were both touched by the coincidence and we struck up a musical friendship straight away.

“Our Husbands have since jokingly named us the ‘Winnejup Wind Bags’.

“When I living in Adelaide, I played the Cornet in the Kensington and Norwood Brass Band for many years. We played at all kinds of events including the Grand Prix, Anzac Day Service’s and the Boxing Day Test. I also ran a small music school for children and in my spare time I studied the Trumpet.

“When I moved back to Perth, life was busy with work and raising three teenagers so my trumpet was placed under a bed for many years. When I heard about my trumpet playing neighbour Wendy, I dusted off my trumpet case, gave my trumpet a bath and polish to make it sparkle.

“I am so happy to have rekindled my interest in music, we have been practising together for a couple of months. Now along with Rosemary Wells who will be accompanying us on piano, the Trumpeting Ladies will be the opening act in the Rotary ‘Up Close and Classical’ fund raising concert in October.”

Wendy was also surprised and delighted in finding a neighbour who plays the trumpet, “Rehearsing together preparing ourselves to perform in the ‘Up Close and Classical’ concert has been a whole new venture for us.

“Having to practice for the concert has given me an extra reason with more purpose to get my trumpet out and play, having now semi-retired.

“It is great to have another local and experienced player to work with. also we now have a very good reason to polish up our instruments to make the best of impressions at the concert.

“Being a music teacher, I teach brass instruments and have also taught percussion and directed ensembles throughout my working life across many schools. One aspect I never tire of informing others about the many benefits of learning to play a musical instrument.

“Playing a musical instrument helps my students to be more creative, to think laterally, it helps with maths and science and it also makes them more culturally aware. Music is the universal language, and music therapy which is now being used in aged homes, is also proving to be a powerful therapy.

“Some of my students who come along to have music lessons, have come because their parents have wanted them to have the lessons, but it doesn’t matter how or why they begin, those that stick with lessons end up having a life time gift.

“Like most music teachers, along the way I have worked with some students with wonderful talent, who have ended up making music their career choice.” Wendy was pleased to say.

The ’Up Close and Classical’ takes place at the Bridgetown Repertory Theatre on 8th October, starting at 7pm. Come and enjoy a night of wonderful performances. There will be a sumptuous supper at Interval with proceeds going towards a local charity.