Kathleen Burns 1914-99

Caption:

Dance Band Pianist

Kathleen Burns (pianist) played for wool-shed dances on the Monaro, and led an all-woman dance band in the NSW Central West town of Orange, before joining as pianist one of that town's regular Old-Time and Swing dance bands (see picture 1946).

She was the first child, and only daughter, of Martha Annie Nunan (nee Manners) and Daniel Nunan. She began study of classical piano as a five year old in Collingwood, Melbourne, with a piano purchased second-hand from the opera signer Dame Nellie Melba (not so unusual- Dame Nellie owned many, and sold many pianos).

She was a talented pianist, with an attractive if untrained contralto voice, and as an adolescent sang with the Dubbo NSW Light Opera Company.

Subsequently, while living in Michelago NSW, south of Canberra, during the early years of World War II, Kath became the organist for the local Church of England. She also established there a dance band which played at wool-shed and community hall dances on the Monaro. Her violist, who also played gum-leaf, was a gentleman who operated a eucalyptus still in the Tinderry Mountains. Her drummer came from Bredbo.

Transferring to Orange in 1944, Kath was invited to join, and then led an all-woman dance band which entertained at Red Cross Convalescent Homes in the district. This group comprised Kath (on piano), a young woman who played violin and whose speciality number was a tap-dance whilst playing the violin, and a woman who played drum, the banjo, and whose speciality number was yodelling accompanied by banjo. Kath sang full choral services with the Orange Church of England choir.

She was soon invited to join the Orange Dance Band as a pianist, playing at regular formal dances and balls. In 1947 Kath and husband Alex transferred to Lithgow, where Kath was again invited to join a dance band. She played regularly at balls, and for the weekly Old Time New Vogue dances in the Town Hall. She again sang with the local Anglican Church choir.

After their retirement initially to Greenwell Point, then to Towradgi, north of Wollongong, Kath played piano regularly for the International Play Group, teaching small immigrant children and their mothers Australian nursery rhymes and popular children's music. Kath continued to use her musical talents, and spent many hours as an accompanist at local musical events for her friend, singer Jean Lee.

Marie Coleman (daughter) January 2006.

(Marie was a member of the WHM Committee from 2002-2005)

Themes: Entertainment, Gallery WHM 2006 - Musical Belles, Musicians, Education