Meet the retirement village band proving you’re never too old to rock out

When residents at a Sydney retirement village began playing music from their balconies during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, they could hardly have imagined it would lead to a five-piece band, two-hour performances and a crowd belting out Sweet Caroline.

The DRV Toe Tappers began at Anglicare’s Donald Robinson Village after Robert, an accordion player, was inspired by footage of musicians overseas performing from their balconies during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kevin soon joined in from a neighbouring balcony with his ukulele, followed by pianist Julie. Singer Brian was then “conscripted” into the group, while drummer Chris, a more recent resident, later joined them on the cajón.

Together, the musicians, aged from 71 to 88, now perform songs spanning the 1930s to the 1960s, including old-time dance music, Beatles favourites and a selection of hymns and choruses.

The performances have become regular social occasions at the village, with residents gathering near the café for coffee, cake, music and a singalong.

The band has created several songbooks, with enough material to fill a two-hour performance, and often uses its shows to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, resident achievements, staff awards and occasions ranging from St Patrick’s Day to World Pirate Day.

Every performance ends with a village song written by a resident, followed by Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline, complete with an enthusiastic rendition of “So good, so good” from the crowd.

Their original closing number was Yes! We Have No Bananas, but Sweet Caroline has since claimed the coveted final spot.

“We may not be ready for a world tour yet, but that could be beyond us now anyway!” Kevin joked.

While music brought the five band members together, each arrived with a different level of experience.

Robert began learning classical accordion at the age of nine after surviving polio. Playing the instrument was considered good exercise for his arm, and his lessons eventually led to years of performing at old-time dances.

Julie learned classical piano as a child and went on to become a music teacher with the Department of Education. She also played at church services before moving into the village and continues to provide music for its regular Sunday services.

Kevin’s first attempt at learning music involved an accordion given to him by an uncle and a collection of self-teaching books. Carrying the instrument to lessons soon lost its appeal, however, and he stopped playing after a year.

It was not until retirement that he enrolled in a community education ukulele class, rekindling his interest in music and inspiring him to join a local ukulele club.

Brian had played the organ at school, church and social events but had never performed as a soloist before moving into Donald Robinson Village. Chris brought years of drumming experience to the band and has helped strengthen its beat and expand its repertoire.

The Toe Tappers’ name was suggested by Brian’s wife, Dilys, after she noticed the musicians tapping their feet to keep time during rehearsals. It was later expanded to the DRV Toe Tappers to reflect the community where the group began.

The musicians are supported by their four wives who proudly serve as their “roadies”, helping with songbooks and equipment while also supplying coffee and cake, looking after audience members and encouraging everyone to sing.

The band has performed at Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations, church services and at other village events. It has also appeared in Sydney Square as part of Anglicare’s 170th anniversary celebrations and visited other Anglicare villages to perform.

All of the musicians volunteer their time and perform free of charge.

“We do it for the enjoyment we get out of the participation of those who attend,” Kevin said. “It is a ‘giving back’ process as we improve our playing together.

“It’s about friendship, confidence, staying active, giving of time and effort and giving pleasure to others. We get more out of it than we put into it.”

For the members of the DRV Toe Tappers, the band has become about far more than playing familiar songs. It has created friendships, built confidence and given residents another way to contribute to village life.

Their advice to other retirees is to seek out people with similar interests, make new friends and create a community around whatever brings them together.
And if that happens to involve a ukulele, an accordion and a room full of people singing Sweet Caroline, all the better.