In 1962 several Latvian people formed the "ADELAIDE LATVIAN BRASS
BAND" to provide the Latvian people of Adelaide with traditional folksongs and
music for dancing. There was a Canadian Latvian Band which disbanded and as far
as we know we are the only Latvian Brass Band in the World outside Latvia.
In 1970 the name of "ADELAIDES' LATVIESU PUTEJU ORKESTRIS" (A.L.P.O.) was adopted and is still used for Latvian Community functions.
Janis Palins was the Bandmaster until his retirement in 1973 when Steve Garie was invited to take his place and set about introducing the Band to other organisations and we started to present our music outside the Latvian Community.
The alternate name "ADELAIDE VILLAGE BAND" has been used since our first Schuetzenfest in 1976 and the 2005, 41st Schuetzenfest was our 29th !!
We featured 11 y.o. clarinet soloist Alexander Ioakim and keenly watch his progress.
Gay Lee plays percussion and trombone and her sons John and Simon play trumpet and percussion.
Previously described by the Mayor of Clare as "the Band of Merry Men" the players are men and women of all ages who enjoy performing in this unique ensemble. Sousaphone player Walter Grapatins at age 96 has recently ceased active performance but still practises !
In between over 400 "gigs" we produced a total of 8 Cassettes which were sold.
The Band presents "Genuine Oom-Pah" music of mainly marches, waltzes and polkas and some of our instruments are European oval originals with rotary valves.
On Sunday 1-12-02 we celebrated 40 years with a free function at the Latvian Hall, Clark St, Wayville from 2 to 5pm with byo drinks and well received "Oom-Pah".