The last note

Monomeith musician Mabel Green will perform for the last time on December 14, the day before her 93rd birthday. 201760_01.

By Jessica Anstice

Monomeith musician Mabel Green will perform for the last time on December 14, the day before her 93rd birthday.

Mabel was introduced to the saxophone when she was just 14-years-old in 1940.

“My mother was working in a band as a piano player and her saxophone player was in the services but he found out that he was really born in America so he wanted to go to America,” she recalled.

“She said ‘Do you think you could play a saxophone?’ and I said ‘Probably, I can try.’

“She took me down to Melbourne and bought be an alto sax and I met the man that taught me music in the store.”

Taught by a top Melbourne musician Rich Coulsen, it took Mabel only three months to learn how to play.

“My sister and I used to go down on the train from Monomeith station every Monday for three months,” she said.

“As soon as I could play my mother had me in the band but from then, she died and the band broke up because I got married.”

After playing in various bands across the region, Mabel settled down with Ebbtide, playing “old time” tunes accompanied by drums and piano.

“I’ve played with various bands all along the way between Melbourne and Meeniyan, you name it, and I’ve played there,” she said.

“I couldn’t remember how many bands I’ve played in. During the busy times, back in the 60s, I was playing nine nights out of 10, everywhere.

“I play music just the same as I ever have and as well as I ever have.”

Mabel says her family will support her at the Nar Nar Goon North Hall for her final performance.

“My life has been family, farming and music,” she said.

“I’ve always stuck with music because it’s something to get me out of the house and meet people – I’ve met some very nice people while I’ve worked in the band.

“It will be sad in a way but what do you do? I’m 93.”

Ebbtide will perform from 8pm to 11.30pm for the “old time dance”.