When William Edward Harrison returned to Perth from World War One, he started his own band (also known as an orchestra) which performed under several names:
Harrison’s Band, Harrison’s Orchestra, Harrison’s Jazz Band, Bill Harrison’s Dance Band, Bill Harrison’s Orchestra, Harrison’s Returned Soldier Orchestra, and White City Orchestra.
Harrison’s (late A.I.F.) Band
May 1920
makes merry music every Thursday evening at
King’s Hall, Subiaco, at the R.S.L. assembly. [1]
[1] Call Friday 7 May 1920 page 10
Dancing Subiaco
Saturday 11th June 1921
Tonight. Grand Confetti and Streamer Carnival.
Masonic Hall, cnr. Townshend-rd. and Perth St.
Harrison’s full Jazz Band. Search lights
1s., 1s. 6d. Robson and Wheeler [1]
[1] The West Australian Saturday 11 June 1921 page 2
William Harrison’s “White City Orchestra” played at “Diggers Fair” at White City, dance carnivals at the Perth Town Hall and at regular dances in the King’s Hall, Rokeby Road, Subiaco.
DANCING
Tomorrow evening the, first weekly ‘dance de luxe’ will be, held in the Bon Marche dining-rooms, Hay Street. The hall will be specially illuminated and decorated, and. music will be rendered by the Altona Orchestra, including banjoline under the leadership of Mr. W.E. Harrison. The dancing will commence at 8.30, and supper will be provided. [1]
WHAT THE SUB-BRANCHES ARE DOING
WEST PERTH.
This branch held a very successful concert and dance in the Soldiers’ Institute on the 17th August, when about 120 of both sexes attended. The committee desire to express their sincere thanks to the ladies and gentlemen for their kind assistance. The following contributed items: Misses Russell, L.A.B., Driver and Davis, and Messrs. Solomon, Fisher and Davies. Mr. Smart’s Band played three items, which were much enjoyed, and Miss Smart played the various accompaniments in her usual capable style. The music for the dance was supplied by
Mr. Harrison’s Jazz Band, and left nothing to be desired.[2]
[1] The West Australian Thursday 10 May 1923 page 8
[2] Listening Post Friday 21 September 1923 page 6
William’s brother Charlie Harrison also played xylophone, drums and (apparently) bad saxophone in William’s band.
Another digger organisation enjoying a richly deserved success is Harrison’s Returned Soldier Orchestra. With a combination of expert players, they have done much to raise the standard of dance music in this city. It is a well-known fact that good music is not always good dance music, and vice-versa, but to use the words of a well-known critic, “they are as just as enjoyable to listen to as to dance to”. Anyhow, good luck to Harrison and his merry men. [1]
COASTAL SCOTTISH PIPE BAND RE-OPENING SOCIAL.
On FRIDAY NIGHT. MARCH 14, In the Literary Institute. at 8 P.M.
OLD TIME DANCES.
LATEST DANCES.
NATIONAL SCOTCH DANCING and SINGING.
Come along to the Opening and Presentation to Mr. J. McLeod.
Come all ye Auld Folk and bring the New Folk wi ye.
Harrison’s Orchestra.
TICKETS, Is. 6d.; no tax, Refreshments.
- INNES. President,
- CLARKE. Secretary. [2]
YES! WE’VE DONE IT! DONE WHAT?
HAD THE GREATEST OPENING OF ANY FAIR IN PERTH.
THE DIGGERS’ FAIR.
Last Night Exceeded Anything Ever Done in the same line in Perth.
The huge area was uncomfortably crowded. Everything went with a swing, not the slightest hitch occurred.
TO-NIGHT
Things will even be better.
And there will be
WHIPPET RACING, BOXING,
And
AMUSEMENTS GALORE AT THE DIGGERS’ FAIR.
The Dancing Floor, with Harrison’s Orchestra, is going all the time. Get on to the floor and your feet will tingle so that you cannot stop jazzing.
TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMME.
8 p.m. Dance Floor Opens.
8.15 p.m. Whippet Racing.
8.30 p.m. Cass Mahomet’s Concert Party.
9 pm Punch and Judy Show, with new and Original Settings.
9.15pm Boxing.
Join the Crowd and Come Along.
- S. MELLOR, Sec. and Organiser. [3]
THE DIGGERS’ FAIR
CARNIVAL SQUARE
Excellent and artistic displays have been made by enterprising firms with their goods. This is really the best method of introducing goods to the public, particularly if they be a new form of manufacture. The dance floor deserves special mention, owing to its excellent condition; and
here may be seen youth and beauty, and occasionally sober middle-age gyrating to the strains of the excellent orchestra, under the able conductorship of Mr. W. Harrison. In spite of all prognostications to the contrary, “King Jazz” still reigns supreme; but jazz music as played by Harrison’s orchestra is enough to convert the most bitter opponent to this form of terpsichorean art.[4]
SOCIAL
Government House ballroom presented a very gay and animated scene on Wednesday evening of last week, the occasion being the A.T.N.A. annual ball, this year in aid of a club building fund which the association desires to acquire. His Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Lady Newdegate, with Major Kerr Pearse, and Mr. F. E. Chase in attendance, arrived about nine o’clock, to the strains of the National Anthem. …Harrison’s orchestra, which is an entirely returned soldiers band, provided excellent and inspiring music.[5]
[1] Sunday Times Sunday 24 February 1924 page 5
[2] The West Australian Saturday 8 March 1924 page 2
[3] The West Australian Tuesday 11 March 1924 page 2
[4] Listening Post Friday 14 March 1924 page 12
[5] Western Mail Thursday 22 May 1924 page 35
DIGGERS’ FAIR
At White City
For those who have been looking forward to the re-opening of White City the news that the Diggers’ Fair will re-commence there on Wednesday night next will come as a pleasant surprise. For some weeks past the committee organising the Fair has been making every possible effort to give the public a high-class entertainment, and that these efforts have been successful will be shown by the number of really high standard amusements to be presented during the whole season. An outstanding attraction will be the well known magician, “Wong Toy Sun,” assisted by his talented company. Throughout his season at the Diggers’ Fair he will present many changes of programme. Another feature of the Fair is the whippet racing, under the auspices of the local club. Both amateur and professional foot runners will
be well catered for, and a boxing tournament is also being arranged. The dance floor will be open, and music will be supplied by Harrison’s Returned Soldier Orchestra.[1]
[1] Sunday Times Sunday 5 October 1924 page 8
DIGGERS’ FAIR
At the Digger’s Fair White City, the final nights of the ‘Bathing Beauties” competition are announced, and the winner will be declared on Saturday night. Petite Cora, the juvenile acrobat, and Wong Toy Sun (conjurer) will submit new programmes. A special boxing programme is a feature of the entertainment. The finals of both the amateur and professional footrunning handicaps will be decided. Dancing, Harrison’s Orchestra, Love’s Punch and Judy show, and a number of other diversions will complete the programme. Commencing
on Monday night ‘Mythological Posing will be a special attraction.[1]
[1] The West Australian Friday 7 November 1924 page 10
AT THE LITERARY INSTITUTE
R.S.L. BAND POPULAR DANCE – A GRAND CARNIVAL
Commences tonight, being the first of their weekly dances.
HARRISON’S RETURNED SOLDIER’S ORCHESTRA
THE R.S.L. BAND will render a few popular airs under the baton of Mr George Mellor, prior to the dance. C.E. O’KEEFE organiser
DIGGERS’ FAIR
Tonight’s special programme
At the Diggers’ Fair, White City, tonight a special programme will be presented. At the top of the bill is the Bathing Beauties competition, an item which has proven itself to be the most popular event staged at the fair. A number of dainty girls take part in this, and the bathing costumes worn by them are modelled on the latest American beach crazes. Petite Cora, a wonderful juvenile acrobat, will present her novelty act, which is something altogether different from the usual turn of this nature. The amazing Chinese conjuror, Wong Toy Sun, will also submit for approval a new series of illusions.
In the boxing stadium H. O’Brien (8.6) will meet J. Jefferies (8.4) and Kid Jones (8.5) will be matched against Pat Healy (8.6). There will also be a preliminary bout. Dancing, Harrison’s Returned Soldier Orchestra, Love’s Punch and Judy, and a host of other diversions will complete the bill. Another new attraction soon to be presented is the mythological posing living pictures. This is something absolutely new to Perth, and should prove to be exceptionally popular. [1]
[1] Daily News Thursday 6 November 1924 page 7
In February 1925 William Harrison’s orchestra played at the 44th Battalion Moonlight River Trip on the boat the S.S. Perth:
RIVER EXCURSIONS
A moonlight river trip conducted by the 44th Battalion will be made by the S.S. Perth tonight, leaving Barrack Street jetty at 8 o’clock. The route to be taken is from Perth to Point Walter, Rocky Bay, Claremont and Point Walter. Dancing will be held on board, Harrison’s Return Soldier Orchestra having been engaged. Tickets will be obtainable at the boat.[1]
R.S.L. WEEKLY DANCES
Say, Friends,
No need to ask “what’s doing tonight”. There’s only one place worthy of notice, and which speaks for itself and that’s the
LITERARY INSTITUTE
Hat Street Perth near Pier Street
TONIGHT
You can dance better to
HARRISON’S FAMOUS ORCHESTRA
It’s something to write home about.
Admission: Ladies 1s, 6d
Gents 2s. We Pay Tax
C.E. O’KEEFE organiser[2]
R.S.L. Dance
The R.S.L. Band dance will be held in the Literary Institute tonight. Harrison’s Returned Soldier’s Orchestra will provide the music for dancing. [3]
[1] The West Australian Thursday 12 February 1925 page 8
[2] The West Australian Monday 16 March 1925 page 2
[3] The West Australian Friday 20 March 1925 page 10
SOLDIERS AND SAILORS
The smoke social of the West Perth sub-branch of the R.S.L. was a bumper affair. During the evening Padre Riley made reference to the number of diggers still outside the ranks of the R.S.L. The West Perth sub-branch has an average membership of 600, most of whom have been members since the inception of the sub-branch, and the combined Public Services of the State and Commonwealth Governments would be in a very poor position to-day had it not been for that great organisation-the R.S.L. The sub – branch desires to thank Mr. William Harrison for the excellent music provided by his orchestra at their smoke social and also to extend its appreciation to those artists who provided the vocal items, namely R. Buchanan, H. P. Clarke, H. Gibson, D. Lyall and H. Miller.[1]
[1] Sunday times Sunday 5 September 1926 page 7
In 1927, William Harrison’s orchestra performed at season with “The Repertory Club” in their season of “Lord Richard in the Pantry”.
Top of Form
REPERTORY CLUB
‘Lord Richard in the Pantry’
In the Assembly Hall, in Pier-street, last evening, the Perth Repertory Club opened a four-night season of ‘Lord Richard in the Pantry’ before a large and most appreciative audience. The comedy, which is of the lightest possible type, and abounds in farcical situations is by Douglas Blow and Gilbert Hoare.
The dialogue is sparkling with witty phrases throughout, and these are delivered with a delightful appearance of spontaneity which ‘get across’ from the beginning.
The role of Lord Richard, which might, so easily have been overdone, and is not in any sense an easy one, was admirably sustained by Mr. H.W.D. Banger.
Discovered in a vapor-bath on the removal of the screen in the first act; seen later as a reluctant lover, and later again as the embarrassed aristocrat carrying out (very badly) the duties, of a butler, Mr. Banger is constantly confronted with difficult situations, which he meets in a most natural way, .and without any amateurish stiffness. Mrs. J. N. Thomson, as Cook confirms the impression already received of her capabilities as an actress. Especially when, after executing an errand for ‘Mr. Bloggins,’ she returns, having tried to drown her sorrows in liquid refreshment is her work excellent. The carefully preserved balance, when picking up a dropped parcel, must have taken considerable study.
Miss D. Mark plays lead as Mrs. Sylvia Gayford. Her work is eminently good and shows considerable development since her previous appearance. The part one that calls for restraint as well as for spontaneity, and Miss Mark, whether helping her incompetent butler to polish the silver or discussing her love affair with her friend, conveys an impression of naturalness that is most attractive.
The part of Lady Violet Elliot, which does not give very much scope, is filled artistically by Miss Edna Russell; Miss Evelyn Loveioy, the ‘dilettante in souls,’ is admirably portrayed by Miss J. Mortlock. The part of Bryan, the pert and pretty parlormaid, is taken with verve by
Miss Tess Smalpage, whose work is distinctly good, as is also that of ‘Rose’ (Miss M. Hodgson), the housemaid; and ‘Gladys’ (Miss Pattie Rees), who carries out with remarkable success the part of the kitchenmaid.
Mr. K. J. Douglas scores another success with his portrayal of the imperturbable ‘Mr Carter’ and provides some of the. wittiest points of the piece; Mr. R. E. Banks, as ”Captain Bannister,” is seen at his best, especially when visiting his friend in the basement and helping to dispose of the silver. Mr. A. J. Bishop, as the secretary to the impecunious Lord
Richard, has only a small part, but plays it well and Mr. A. E. Montefiore, as Detective-Inspector Brown, who had helped Lord Richard find his keyhole many times in former days, is admirable.
Laughter and applause were frequent, and the short season should be a very successful one. At the final drop of the curtain the artists received numerous expressions of appreciation in the form of flowers, chocolates, mascots, etc. Mrs. J. N. Thomson, who produces the piece, is to be congratulated on her work; Mr. J. F. Ottaway as stage manager, with Mr. K. Farrington as assistant stage manager; left nothing to chance, and there were none of the little hitches that so frequent or mar the first nights of amateur performances.
The music, which was delightful, was provided by Mr W.E. Harrison’s orchestra under the direction of Mr. W.E. Harrison. It included “Quaker Girl” music and some of the best-known airs from “Wildflower”, also an item embracing some of the ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ melodies.[1]
SOCIAL NOTES
The 11th Battalion held its annual ball on Friday evening in the Y.A.L. Hall. It was largely attended and an enjoyable time was spent by all present. The colours of the King and the 11th Battalion decorated the hall and these colours were also used in the decorative scheme in the supper room where wattles hovea, roses and Geraldton wax plant were arranged on the long tables…Mr William Harrison’s Orchestra provided the music. Amongst those present were General Sir Talbot and Lady Hobbs…[2]
[1] The Daily News Saturday 17 September 1927 page 5
[2] The West Australian Tuesday 12 July 1927 page 6
In May 1928 Bill’s “White City Orchestra” comprising of six instruments (Barney Barnard – drums, Bob Schenberg – violin, Billy Williams – trombone, George Mellor – trumpet, Vic Nicholls – saxophone, William Harrison – piano) played for a Grand Dance Carnival in the Town Hall at Geraldton. The poster advertising this event states “this band is noted for its snap, pep and good music, and has a state wide reputation, so that lovers of dancing should not fail to hear this wonderful combination.”
WHITE CITY DIGGERS’ FAIR.
The present Carnival being held at White City under the name of Diggers’ Fair has so far been a great success, one of the main reasons being that full value for money is provided in this ideal entertainment square are felt none of the discomforts usually attaching to indoor entertainments on summer nights, and the excellent, fare provided plus the fresh evening air provides a tonic as well as an entertainment. There are amusements for old and young alike ranging from dancing to bucking bullocks, and trapeze acts of daring. The roughriding
contests for the championship of W.A. are in full swing. Three silver cups are on offer, and three gold medals, and ladies are catered for in the stampede arena. The boxing has been of very high standard, and two gold medals are being awarded for the most improved lad, and the most scientific display, during the carnival. New attractions are constantly being added, and there is always good music to be heard from the R.S.L. Band and Harrison’s Orchestra. The cause to which profits are to be donated is too well known to need description, and while patrons enjoy an evening of healthy amusement it is gratifying for them to know that they are assisting a good cause in aid of the men who answered the call of war.[1]
DIGGERS’ FAIR
Tonight at the Diggers’ Fair at White City, the Carlrenos, magicians and illusionists will conclude a successful week. Harrison’s orchestra will provide music for the dance floor, entrance to which is free except on Friday and Saturday nights. The stadium will be re-opened tonight at 9.15 o’clock, when wrestling and boxing bouts will be put on, and Stan Gorringe will give a weight-lifting exhibition. Next week Eugene Knoop, the ambidextrous calligraphist, will caricature local celebrities.[2]
A CHAMPION MUSICIAN TO VISIT GERALDTON
WITH WHITE CITY ORCHESTRA
Mr, Geo. Mellor, who will shortly be here as cornetist and manager with Bill Harrison’s Orchestra, is a man who has had many and varied experiences through life. Born in Newton, N.S.W., of a musical family, he commenced performing at the age of
eight. In those days band contests were very popular and little George was a yearly contestant at Sydney and Ballarat. He has won no less than thirty two medals, apart from prizes for cornet playing. Since coming to Perth he has been conductor of the Perth City Band and of later years the R.S.L. Band. During the war he was well known to Diggers as bandmaster of the popular 16th Batt. band. Since the war he has spent some years touring the world with the Australian Commonwealth Band, and has just, returned from America with that combination. George is recognised as the leading cornetist in the West.[3]
CITY ORCHESTRA
LUNCH-HOUR PROGRAMME TOMORROW
Harrison’s White City orchestra of six instrumentalists will conduct their
dance carnival in the Town Hall tomorrow night, when a splendid entertainment can be expected. The party, which is on its way back from the annual Murgoo event, will also play about Noon tomorrow Nicholson’s in Marine Terrace, which firm will be featuring and providing the music.[4]
[1] Weekly Judge Friday 16 March 28 page 192
[2] The Daily News Saturday 16 March 1928 page 4
[3] The Geraldton Express Monday 23 April 1928 page 3
[4] The Geraldton Express Friday 4 May 1928 page 2
From June 1928, William Harrison’s orchestra played at the old time dances in the King’s Hall, Subiaco every Friday night.
In 1929 the Diggers Fair Committee appointed his orchestra of four players to play at their Carnival at White City during March and April. He also directed the “Altona Orchestra” at the Bon Marche dining rooms, Hay Street, for a supper dance.
Sailors and Soldiers Section
A particularly successful dance was conducted by the Nedlands sub-branch of the R.S.L. on Thursday last when patrons so outnumbered the estimate that the smaller hall of the Broadway Theatre had to be vacated for the bigger floor space below. Expecting 100 and making provision for this number, the Women’s Auxiliary had the pleasing experience to almost the second century. Bill Harrison’s Orchestra provided excellent music up till midnight, and Mrs Goodman fed the multitude.[1]
On Parade
Nedlands R.S.L held a dance in the lesser hall at the Broadway Theatre recently and the attendance rather staggered those running the show. The women’s auxiliary were told to expect about one hundred, and catered accordingly, but when double that number turned up, hurried arrangements had to be improvised, and the larger hall at the theatre utilised. Bill Harrison’s Orchestra provided the music and Mrs Goodman’s provisions left no room for complaint.[2]
RETURNED SOLDIER FIXTURES
The monthly dances organised by the Nedlands sub-branch R.S.L Women’s Auxiliary was held in the Nedlands Picture Hall and was an unqualified success in spite of the very inclement weather, some 70 couples taking to the dance floor – which was very gratifying to the newly elected president (Mrs George Randell), the hon. Secretary (Mrs A. Terelinck) and their band of willing workers. Musical items were rendered by Mr and Mrs Darwell while Bill Harrison’s Orchestra again catered for the dancers. The next dance has been arranged for Thursday 24 July.[3]
[1] Sunday Times Sunday 25 May 1930, page 3
[2] Western Mail Thursday 5 June 1930 page 2
[3] Sunday Times Sunday 6 July 1930 page 12
William’s wife Edna must have had good babysitters for sons Bill Jnr (6) and Ramon (2) as William managed a gig a couple of days after the birth of the twins Jack and Jill on 12th August 1931:
Sailors and Soldiers Section
The success of the community singing evening held in the Soldiers’ Institute was greatly helped by the artists. Theo Meugens and Roy Glenister, the R.S.L. Band and Bill Harrison’s Orchestra comprising W. Harrison (piano), H. Newton (violin), P. Newton (clarionet) and G. Mellor (cornet). Mr Billy Wilkins very excellently conducted the community singing which was enthusiastically entered into. The whole of the proceedings were ably presided over by Mr. W. J. Hunt, president of the Perth sub-branch of the R.S.L. The evening will probably be repeated next month.[1]
On Parade
The Perth sub-branch deserved all the congratulations they got in the success of their recent community singing night. Not only did those present thoroughly enjoy themselves, but thousands were able, by means of wireless, to picture themselves back in the old possies where such songs were sung so long ago. Geroge Mellor and Bill Hunt, secretary and president, soloists Theo. Mengens and Roy Glenister, the R.S.L Band, and Bill Harrison’s Orchestra, all deserve a hearty pat on the back.[2]
ON PARADE
Perth sub-branch of the R.S.L. will be staging another community singing night at the Soldiers’ Institute on Tuesday, September 29. All the old songs of other days will be sung and Harold Hopperton will assist with vocal items and monologues. George Mellor on the cornet and Bill Harrison at the piano should help the proceedings along: There is no charge for admission and diggers are invited to bring their friends. [3]
[1] Sunday Times Sunday 16 August 1931 page 9
[2] Western Mail Thursday 3 September 1931 page 2
[3] Western Mail Thursday 17 September 1931 page 2
In June 1937 William’s brother Charlie Harrison was married to Emerald “Emmie” Koeford and his father William Harrison provided the music:
Picturesque Wedding at St. Mary’s Church
Miss E. M. Koefod and Mr. C. G. Harrison
At attractive wedding was solemnised at it. Mary’s Church, Colin-street, West Perth, when Emerald Marrion Koefod. youngest daughter of Mrs. E. Longbottom, of Aberdeen-street. Perth, was married to Charles George Harrison, of Kitchener Street, West Subiaco. The Rev. Stillwed performed the ceremony.
The bride, who was given away by her foster-brother, was a charming figure in a frock of white Chantilly lace over white satin, and featuring a graceful frilled train. Her attendants were Miss Pearl Koefod (sister) and Miss Nellie Longbottom. They were dressed alike, wearing blue Chantilly lace over blue satin, and carrying bouquets of pink roses. The trainbearer, little Judith Harrison wore a dainty pink satin frock and carried a bouquet of pink and white roses.
The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Joe Koefod, brother of the bride, as best man and Mr. Ray Fullerton was groomsman.
The wedding breakfast was held at Keough’s Hall, the tables being artistically decorated, pride of place at the bride’s table being given to the handsome wedding cake. During the repast the customary toasts were honoured and telegrams read. Many of these came from relatives in the Eastern States.
Dancing and games were enjoyed, and excellent music was supplied by
Mr. William Harrison’s orchestra.
Later in the evening the bride and bridegroom left by car for a tour through the South-West, returning through the Great Southern districts. The bride’s twilling frock was a smart maroon ensemble of wool crepe-de-chine, with matching accessories. The bride and groom were the recipients of numerous beautiful presents.[1]
[1] Sunday Times Sunday 6 June 1937 page 3
From 1937 until 1946 William devoted his life to promoting his children’s careers.
1946
Available-Bill Harrison’s Dance Band for Weddings, etc. ring WM2755 [1]
OLD-TIME and Modern Dance, Tonight and every Friday night, Victoria Park Town Hall Bill Harrison’s dance band. Val Stevens, M.C. Conducted by Ex-Servicemen’s Cricket Club. [2]
Bill Harrison’s Dance Band specialises in weddings, parties, etc.
Hall and catering arranged if desired. Phone WM2755. [3]
[1] The West Australian Monday 1 April 1946 page 14
[2] The West Australian Friday 5 April 1946 page 15
[3] The West Australian Wednesday 16 October 1946 page 23, 29 Nov1946 page 22
WESTRALIAN HILL-BILLY CLUB
DANCE TONIGHT
SATURDAY 3 JUNE 1950
Old-time and a dash of Modern.
At R.A.A.P. Rendezvous, downstairs
National House, William-st,
Items. Novelty Dances. Lucky Spots.
Bill Harrison’s Band
Good Floor and Music.
Admission 2/5.
1950 – PERTH TWINS TO STUDY HERE
Two young Perth musicians, 19 year-old twins Jack and Jill Harrison, are in Adelaide to further their musical careers.
Yesterday, Jack began his duties as second clarinettist with the S.A. Symphony Orchestra under conductor Henry Krips. Jill has been in Adelaide since March studying piano and bassoon at the Elder Conservatorium under an A.B.C. Scholarship.
Music is a family affair with the Harrisons. In Perth, Jack had his own dance band trio with Jill at the piano, older brother Ray on the drums and himself playing the saxophone and clarinet. Mr Harrison senior, who plays the piano, has his own dance band and Bill, the eldest son, plays the same instruments as Jack. Jack and Jill have ideas of forming their own band in Adelaide – “something on the lines of a Benny Goodman quartet or quintet,” they say. “But don’t get the idea that I’m keener on swing than the classics, because I’m not” Jack said today. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have tried for the job with the Symphony Orchestra.” Jack worked under Henry Krips before when Krips conducted the A.B.C. Symphony Orchestra in Perth before coming to Adelaide.
He and his sister said today the winning of a Perth dance band contest in 1948 really gave them the incentive to go on. A few months ago Jack was a finalist in the concerto competition in Perth.
Jill expects to spend all next year at the conservatorium, and hopes eventually to join the State orchestra which is being formed in Perth. Apart from his job, Jack’s main interest is in cars. He and his sister are busy searching for a flat, and hope to find one with a garage. [1]
[1] The News Adelaide Wednesday November 8 1950
Bill Harrison. Senior was a part-time picture theatre pianist in the silent days with that wonderful repertoire of mood music which gave the old flicks another emotional dimension. He had to wait to resign from a government job to be a full-time musician, took a band up to the Murgoo races every year for 10 years, had a dance band and took his teaching diploma after the war. When his son had a group playing for radio, Bill Harrison did their arrangements for them. Now Jack Harrison does his own arrangements. Bill Harrison, now more than 70 and still playing and teaching on a restricted scale, belonged to that generation of parents who wanted their families to make music together. He drew his children into his own band- son Bill on saxophone. Ray on drums( he still does some playing) and twins Jack and Jill on clarinet and bassoon. At 16 the twins and Ray formed their own dance band. Playing for a Perth College dance, Jack met pretty Marcia Chayter and later married her. She is not a professional musician. She plays the piano usefully and enjoys singing in the chorus of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society as contentedly as Kimberley plays one hymn, arranged by his father, for his Sunday school.
John Mowson now Principal double bass player in the W.A. Symphony Orchestra came from Melbourne and married Jill Harrison the bassoon player nearly 3 years ago. John and Jill were invited to join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on a tour which included the Commonwealth Arts Festival in England and in Asian countries. They left their two children with Jill’s parents. Two years later they were asked to join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for Expo 67 in Canada. There was then another little Mowson, so Penny, now eight, Peter showing musical promise at six and baby Paul were farmed out among the family. The family is scattered around Perth. Jack and Marcia Harrison have a delightful, modern, open-planned home at the end of the Dodonia Gardens City Beach with the coast down to Fremantle as picture in a picture window. The young have learnt to be quiet when music is going on in such a house, to listen with appreciation. But the whole family looks forward to having a music room so that making a noise when one wants to isn’t so important. [1]
[1] Daily News, Monday June 3 1968 page 10