News - St. Joseph Band Club

Many decided to spend the New Years Eve celebrations at the bar of St Joseph Band Club. Our barman, Josef, certainly had a busy night as the Ghajnselmizi celebrated in style! Check out the pictures...

Nearly 180 members, bandsmen and guests attended the annual gala dinner organized by the St Joseph Band Club. The event took place inside the brand new Banquet Hall at the Grand Hotel, Ghajnsielem. Popular Maltese DJ John Muscat entertained the crowed with songs, jokes and animation.

The highlight of the event took place when Club President Gino Cauchi invited Mayor Francis Cauchi, Archpriest Dun Frankie Bajada and Ghajnsielem F.C. President Raymond Grech to give a short speech for the occasion emphasizing that Ghajnsielem is united and all organizations must help each other and work together for a better future.

Musical Director Mro Sunny Galea and Assistant Director Mro Frankie Debono mentioned the importance of helping all the voluntary organizations such as the St Joseph Band Club and appreciate the dedication and hard work that the bandsmen give. Guests also won several spot prizes which were donated by the main sponsors of the event. Click here to view the whole Photo Album

More Photos

The executive committee has just unveiled a new state-of-the art entertainment system for the enjoyment of all its members and volunteers who have always contributed toward the development of the club.

The entertainment system will be installed during the next few days in the bar/restaurant area. The audio-visual system consists of three large high-definition displays (Philips 50" Plasma and two Philips 32" LCD), DVD player and an 800watts Samsung digital surround system. Combined with a big-screen projector and premium quality TV channels, this will provide the ultimate experience for all those who love sports and movies.

This investment totals Lm2000 and is part of the refurbishment project of the bar / restaurant area. The work is projected to start during the third quarter of 2008 once the refurbishment of the Committee Room and the Musical Archive are completed. The bar will than have an all-new look which will certainly attract more visitors to the club.

Friday, 14th December 2007
Bar Tenders

The committee has issued a call for tenders for the rent and management of the bar/restaurant and terrace area. The closing date for this call is Monday 7th January at 6.00pm. Applications and rent conditions may be collected from the members of the executive committee.

Wednesday, 12th December 2007
Annual Christmas Dinner

The club will be holding the annual Christmas Dinner on Friday 28th December at the Grand Hotel, Ghajnsielem. John Muscat from Radio Calypso will entertain the crowds. Price is Lm6.96 for a 4 course buffet and free wine and water. Children will have a discounted price of Lm3.75. Tickets are available for sale from the St Joseph Band Club. The activity starts at 7.30pm. Places are very limited. Please book early to avoid disappointment!

On the eve of the Liturgical Feast of Our Lady of Loreto, Ghajnsielem for the first time marked the celebrations in the form of a procession where the St Joseph Band Club proudly accompanied the statue of the Black Madonna around the main streets. At the end of the procession, a bonfire was lit in the main square as the Ghajnselmizi gathered around it while Marian marches where played. Hundreds of people attended to this activity which certainly marked the beginning of a new tradition for our village.

This is the first time that the Black Madonna is being taken out for the procession. The statue was acquired in Rome and paid for by Frangisk Mizzi in 1924. The building of the new parish church has been under its protection and in fact, it was taken inside the old church on 13th September 1924, on the eve of the laying of the foundation stone of the new church.

The St Joseph Band Club is mourning the loss of Loreto Zerafa, one of the oldest and most active members of our band. Loreto join the Band Club in 1969 (basso) and has kept the same instrument throughout all these years. He was always an example to the other bandsman by attending most for the weekly concert practices. He hardly missed any service during these 39 years. He loss will no doubt effect us and will be sorely missed by many, but in particular by all the bandsmen who paid a final tribute by playing funeral marches during his funeral service. May he rest in peace.

Over 106 people from Ghajnsielem have just returned from an eight-day grand-tour around the main cities of Italy organized by the St Joseph Band Club. The thorough itinerary included a visit to the eternal city of Rome, the Vatican, Assisi, Cascia, Tolfa, Loreto and the wondrous city of Venice.

Managing a large group of over 100 people was never going to be easy and some problems were inevitable. But all-in-all, the trip was a very successful and completed one. full report

It was a three-hour recreational activity for over 120 persons (including over 40 bandsmen) who accepted the invitation of the St Joseph Band Club for a traditional Ikla ta' Wara l-Festa. Many of those who attended were still feeling nostalgic and a little sad when remembering that the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto came to an end.

The officials of the St Joseph Band gave a helping hand. The food was excellent, the company good and the venue, the St Joseph Club's terrace, couldn't be better. The three winners of the Grand Lottery were also announced. For many people, this event was an excuse for an informal review of this year's feast. more pictures

Ghajnsielem is today celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto. This morning Gozo Bishop Mario Grech led a pontifical concelebrated Mass. Hundreds of people attended. Distinctive guests were later invited for a reception at the St Joseph Band Club premises.

The feast reached its climax in the evening with the procession around the main streets of Ghajnsielem. At 5.30pm, Xaghra's Victory Band played marches from Hamri Street where it later joined the St Joseph Band at the Apparition Square. Both marched together to the Main Square. As the statue of Our Lady of Loreto emerged from the main door of the church thousands of people started clapping and chanting 'Ave Maria'. The glitter of joy in the eyes of the Ghajnselmizi and their sense of pride was certainly visible. The procession started at 7.45pm. The St Joseph Band accompanied the statue around the main streets while the Leone Band entertained the crowds in the main square until 10.10pm.

The procession ended at 10.30pm. This year, the traditional 'Kaxxa tad-Dhul' wowed the crowed as a simultaneous number of fireworks were spectacularly displayed from all the private roofs and club's premises which are situated in the main square. The piazza was literally covered in colours - it was simply one of the best shows ever.

The feast ended with the traditional 'Marc tal-Hdax' performed by the St Joseph Band. But after the end of this march there was another surprise for many as a number of bandsmen led by Assistant Director Mro. Frankie Debono made a spontaneous dance-march around the main square and paid short "visit" to the Band Club and the Ghajnsielem F.C.'s premises. Although this was an unplanned event, many were delighted to hear the 'Viva x-Xemx' and 'Ta Gerew' for the last time. The Tolfa delegation were so enthusiastic when they heard them that they even joined them to chant the 'Viva ix-Xemx' now that they have learned the lyrics by heart! This unexpected show continued until the early morning hours. more pictures

Saturday, 25th August 2007
Festa 2007: Best 'Lejliet il-Festa' celebrations in years

External activities started at 9.00pm when Nadur's Mnarja Band played a marches from Garden Street ending in the Main Square where they later performed a musical programme. At the same time, hundreds of enthusiastic youngsters started to assemble in Hamri Street waiting for the St Joseph Band and Victoria's 'Banda La Stella' to arrive for the traditional ''Marc ta' lejlet il-festa". This year, several ground-fireworks were displayed along Hamri Street as rain of confetti and papers thrown from private roofs never stopped. At midnight, the St Joseph Band arrived in the main square where the young revellers continued to dance, chant and drink together.

To their delight and applause, over 60 fire-planes simultaneously crossed the main square from four different locations among the chanting of 'Viva x-Xemx'. A novelty for this year was a gigantic 'spider-web' filled with thousands of balloons covering the whole Piazza. The dark summer night was literally lit up when a spectacular pyrotechnic ground-firework display accompanied by relaxing music ended this fantastic evening. more pictures

The St Joseph Band and Xewkija's 'Prekursur' Band performed marches from Mgarr Road to Ghajnsielem street and finally ending in the main square. During the band-march, the statue of Our Lady of Home was accompanied by several youths dancing, singing and celebrating in style especially when 'Viva x-Xemx' and 'Ta Gerew' was played. For the second consecutive year, the statue placed on the pedestal in a spectacular way. As the St. Joseph Band was playing in the main square, at around midnight, the statue was hanged to a wire-cable crossing the whole square and then started to move slowly towards the pedestal while remaining elevated a few meters above the crowd. Fire-planes crossed the main square among the chanting of 'Ave Maria' and 'Viva x-Xemx'.

The fire-planes and the flying statue have a significant meaning as the Madonna of Loreto is considered the patron saint of aviation. more pictures

This year, Thursday's external activities started a little bit different than the previous years as the St Joseph Band Club made a surprise visit to 'Piazza La Tolfa' where a group of 60 people from Tolfa people were hosted to traditional Maltese dinner organized by the hosting families.

The Italians started to sing and clap with joy as they heard the St Joseph Band Club playing the popular 'Viva x-Xemx'. After playing two marches, the Band returned back to Simirat Street and was joined by Qala's 'Ite ad Joseph' . The march which started at around 9.30pm ended in front of the band club premises at midnight. more pictures

The St. Joseph Band directed by Mro Sunny Galea and assisted by Mro Frankie Debono performed its annual Instrumental Concert in front of over 300 guests at main square. The event started at 9.00pm when a short band march started from the Club's premises and ended on the main square.

Hon. Anton Tabone (Parliament Speaker), Hon. Giovanna Debono (Minister for Gozo), Hon. Louis Galea (Minister for Education and Sports) and other distinctive guests were present including a large delegation from Tolfa. During the ceremony, the renewal of the Twinning Agreement between Tolfa and Ghajnsielem was also signed. Gift for the occasion were exchanged and a small firework show ended this memorable show. more pictures

The Programme

Innu lil Ghajnsielem - Sunny Galea

Innu Mar` �Lill-Madonna ta� Loreto� - Sunny Galea

Air For Winds - Andre Waignein

Medley
L-Imnarja - Carmelo Pace
The Best of Queen - Paul Murtha

One Moment in Time - Solista: Loreto Galea (Coronetta) John Bettis
Italian Festival Solista - Loreto Galea (Coronetta) Glenn Osser

Selection - Aida Giuseppe Verdi

Overture No 1 in Bb - Sunny Galea
Solisti: Joe Galea (Clarinetto) and Loreto Galea (Coronetta)

Innu tal-Banda - Joseph Farrugia
Innu lil Ghawdex - Joseph Vella
Innu Nazzjonali - Robert Sammut

The week long celebrations of the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto officially kicked off on Monday when the St. Joseph Band Club played a set of marches from Garden Street to the Main Square. The church was packed with people, especially youths, for the traditional 'ħruġ' . The band played, the Ghajnselmizi sang and the young people clapped as the huge protective glass door of the niche was unbolted and opened wide, and the titular statue of Our Lady of Loreto was seen emerging forward into the crowded church. It was then placed in the main aisle . more pictures

Sunday, 19th August 2007
Traditional Fair closes pre-feast week activities

Another traditional fair organized by the St Joseph Band Club on the eve of the feast week proved to be a success. In just a few hours, it managed to attract hundreds of Ghajnsilmizi - both young and old. Many decided to take their chance and try to win a variety of prizes ranging from home goods to other traditional prizes like rabbits and poultry.

Many also took the opportunity to buy a few tickets for the grand lottery that will be drawn on the 27th of August. Prizes include a free trip for two to any destination in Europe worth Lm500, an LCD 32" Television worth Lm325 and a weekend break for two in Malta.

The fair was organized to raise funds for the musical archive project and for the upcoming feast

During the next few weeks, the St Joseph Band Club will be freely distributing the 2007 Annual Feast Magazine to all the Ghajnsielem households. This year, the publication will offer over 120 pages of featured articles related with the village of Ghajnsielem.

The Committee will also be collecting the lottery tickets. Prizes include a free trip for two to a destination in Europe worth Lm500, an LCD 32" Television worth Lm350 and a weekend break for two in Malta. The draw date is on the 27th of August during a traditional 'Ikla ta' wara il-Festa' at the Band Club premises.

A group of 57 children accompanied by several adults enjoyed a full day of fun and excitement at the Splash and Fun Park in Malta! The activity was organized by the St Joseph Band Club.

Many children took a thrilling ride down one of the water slides or just float around in the lazy river. A new attractions at the water park included the Super Bowl slide and the largest wave pool in Europe, where you can surf along the 1.5m heart pounding swells. The park also has a large swimming pool and deck area for adults to enjoy by the sea.

Following the success of this event, the executive committee is planning to organize another outing at the Splash and Fun for next September. More details will be announced soon.

A traditional fair organized by the St Joseph Band Club proved to be a success considering it was held for the first time after an absent of several years. In just a few hours, it managed to attract hundreds of Ghajnsilmizi - both young and old. Many decided to take their chance and try to win a variety of prizes ranging from home goods to other traditional prizes like rabbits and poultry. One of the prizes was a 26" LCD television!

The fair was organized to raise funds for the musical archive which the St Joseph Band Club will be inaugurating next year on the 80th anniversary. Another fair is planned for Sunday 19th August, one week before the feast of Our Lady of Loreto.

The executive committee yesterday launched the summer calendar of activities and promises a variety of exciting events ranging from the traditional BBQs, bingo games, fair and even a special pop-musical concert.

These activities promise to attract the crowds to the main square and make them look forward for the whole summer events. The peak will obviously be reached during the feast of Our Lady of Loreto.

The executive committee also announced details on a grand-summer lottery. Prizes include a free trip for two to a destination in Europe worth Lm500, an LCD 32" Television or a weekend break for two in Malta.

Saturday, 7th July
�High Tea� on the Club's terrace

Sunday, 8th July
Fair in front of the Club's premises

Wednesday, 11th July
Splash and Fun - Whole Day

Friday, 20th July
Wine & Pizza Party

Friday, 27th July
BBQ and Disco at 'Xatt l-Ahmar'

Friday, 3rd August
80�s Night & Disco Party - More details soon

Sunday, 19th August
Fair, Tombola, Bingo Games and BBQ

Monday, 27th August
Traditional "Ikla ta' wara l-festa"

After issuing a call for offers (published on the 10th of May / closed on the 10th of June), and following the tender selection process, the St Joseph Band Club committee finally gave the green light to start the work on the Musical Archive.

The Archive will be officially inaugurated in August 2008 - on the 80th Anniversary of the Club. Silvio Pace from Qormi designed the unit (and its sculpture) while Joseph Tabone will be in charge of the wood works. The archive will be over 20ft wide and over 11ft in height in solid dry mahogany wood.

The musical archives will hold the compositions that the St Joseph Band has been collecting for the past 80 years and will definitely reflect the glorious history of the Club.

The Formal Committee Meeting Room will be totally refurbished to compliment the imposing design of the Archive. The design and decorations of this room have been assigned in the good hand of Richard Young - a well known interior designer who specializes in antique design.

The executive committee will be launching several fund-raising activities including a grand lottery which will include attractive prizes such as a free trip for two to Austria or an LCD television. More details will be announced soon.

On Sunday afternoon, the Ghajnsielem parish celebrated the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, better known in Maltese as 'San Guzepp Haddiem'.

An orchestra, with the participation of Lauretana Choir accompanied the High Mass (5.00pm). The St Joseph Band Club then accompanied the procession which was then held afterwards. St. Joseph is also the patron of the Ghajnsielem Band Club.

The 44th Congress of the Holy Name Society was held this afternoon with a programme of various activities. A cortege, with the participation of the St Joseph Band, left the Apparition Square at 5.30pm. The main square was packed with hundreds of parishioners from all over Gozo. A variety of programme including mimes and religious music than followed. The highlight of the event was a concelebrated Mass led by Bishop Mario Grech.

Wednesday, 4th April 2007
'Musica Sagra' Band Concert at Old Parish Church

St. Joseph Band annual sacred music concert which was held at old parish church attracted a full house for a generous program of seven works related to the Holy week. The eve incorporated a mixture of marches from different composers. The Director was Mro Sunny Galea A.L.C.M. helped by his assistant Mro. Frankie Debono.

The conductor had chosen to sandwich a selection of music between his, two marches �Lil-Madonna tad-Duluri� and �Sul Calvario�. These included B� Tifkira ta� Carmelo Galea composed by Joe Galea, �Adagio� work of C. Schumann, �Santa Maria Della Sede� of Harry Simeone, �La Vergine Degli Angeli� from the great composer Giuseppe Verdi and the �Salve Regina� of Abel J. Mizzi.

The pieces were played at an astonishing level of virtuosity and the conductor rightly brought those present to their feet to acknowledge the applause.

St Joseph Band Club took part in the annual procession of Our Lady of Sorrow where. The procession took the form of a pageant with various participants dressed up in period costumes to represent Biblical personalities.

The Procession started out at the church of Our Lady of Loreto passing from Chambrai Street (in front of the band and football clubs), then Dun Guzepp Galea Rapa Street, Moghdija Street, Gleneagles Street, turned into Ghajnsielem Street, Our Lady of Loreto Square, Ramon Perellos Street, Independence Square, down Anglu Grech Street, Apparation Sqaure and finally Fawwara Street.

The St Joseph Band Club has issued another Funeral Marches CD entitled 'Sul Calvario' offering a collection of twelve funeral band marches composed by Mro. Galea. Each march bears its own special structure and characteristic. However all of them are rich in harmonious and soothing melodies. The CD is available from the St Joseph Band Club for Lm4.50

List of Band Marches

Lill-Gheziez Genituri Tieggi
Sul Calvario
Kollox Mitmum
L�Ultimo Respiro
Quddiem l-Imsallab
Lacrime sulla Tomba (In Memoriam - Frankie Xuereb)
Tislima lill-Bandisti Mejta
Mater Dolorosa
Sotto la Croce
Ti Ricordo per Sempre
L-Ahhar Tislima
Speranza dopo la Morte (In Memoriam - Anton Agius)

Friday, 2nd March 2007
AGM 2007: New Executive Committee Elected

Honourable President

President
Secretary
Treasurer

Vice-President
Assistant Secretary
Assistant Treasurer

PRO
Club Director
Assistant Club Director
Fund Raising

Band Delegate and Archivist
Spiritual Director
Legal Consultant

Band Director
Assistant Band Director

Archpriest Dun Frankie Bajada

   Mr Gino Cauchi
   Mr Kevin Cauchi
   Mr Elvin Tabone

   Mr Spiridone Cauchi
   Mr Paul Xuereb
   Mr Charlie Cordina

   Mr Silvan Debattista
   Mr Paul Azzopardi
   Mr Italo Cauchi
   Mr Amabile Xuererb

   Mr Loreto Galea
   Father Joe Cardona
   Dr. Josepha E. Xuereb

Mro. Sunny Galea
Mro. Frankie Debono

Over 30 students attended to the Christmas party which was organized especially for them by the executive committee. The party was held at the Grill 18 restaurant. The School of Music (also known with the Band Members as 'L-Alljievi' ) is in the hands of Mro. Frankie Debono, Mr Joe Galea and Mr Anthony Galea. The were also present for the event.