🦆 How It All Began
Well it all started back in the autumn of 1989. The kids from St Rose School, Collaroy Plateau were sent home with a message from the new Principal (Peter Rafferty) that all parents that could play, or have played, a musical instrument should come along to rehearse for a "one off" School Bush Dance.
So the volunteers were Gillian Evers (a teacher at the school on guitar and vocals), Shane Evers (Gillian's Husband – offered to help by managing our sound – and still does), Joe Lizzio (piano accordion), Glen Nichols (the church organ player, on keyboards) and Paul Buckingham (guitar and vocals).
📝 The Name "Ducks on the Pond"
We needed a name for this show; Peter Rafferty came up with an old shearing term "Ducks on the Pond" which was used when Ladies were present in the shearing sheds or "on the boards," to warn the men to stop swearing, quite apt for a school show, we all agreed and so began the story of "The Ducks on the Pond".
Lo and behold, six weeks later the inaugural St. Rose School Bush Dance was held in the school playground, with the band on the back of Mr Chiarelli's fruit and veggie truck. In spite of our rusty musicianship, the song selection and eager audience participation, contributed to a successful and enjoyable evening.
Our Musical Evolution
🎵 Growing Our Sound
Bush Dances seemed to be becoming a popular event, therefore more songs were required and maybe a few different instruments or sounds to add to the entertainment. One of Joe's mates, Geoff Ford, came along to a rehearsal and joined us. Geoff can play anything you can blow, suck, strum or pluck plus the occasional gum leaf.
We all chipped in and had a shopping spree at Smithy's in Camperdown. With a joint effort we constructed a PA system that we still use today, including Joe's homemade microphone stands.
🥁 The Band Evolves
The next step in our progression was to add a real drummer. Another of Joe's mates was Bob Croydon, a classic jazz drummer. Bob earned his sticks in the big band era and graduated to jazz, forming a trio with a couple of his mates.
Bob's drumming took us to another planet musically, more new songs, different dances and a new structure to our shows. Over the years, many talented musicians have joined The Ducks on the Pond, each bringing their own unique style and expanding our repertoire.
🎭 Memorable Performances
Some memorable gigs for us include playing on one of the Sydney Harbour Ferries on Australia Day, at the Manly Pacific Hotel for the Annual Presentation Night of the NSW Spastic Centre, for a private function at the Harbord Diggers Club, and many times for the Special Olympics and other fund-raising organisations.