Keith was  well known to bands throughout the country as a player, adjudicator and conductor.

He had competed with a number of A Grade bands, including Townsville Citizens, South Brisbane Federal, Brisbane Excelsior, Toowoomba Municipal, Maryborough Federal and Rockhampton City. He studied conducting and adjudication under the late J. J. Kelly.

He was renowned as a soloist on his chosen instrument, the flugel.
His achievements on this instrument included:

• Queensland Champion Flugel 1950, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1959, 1963, 1964
• Queensland Champion of Champions 1951, 1959
• Australian Champion Flugel 1952, 1953, 1958, 1960, 1965

He also performed as a soloist on various radio programmes throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Keith was the longest serving conductor of the Rockhampton City Band, wielding the baton from 1961 until 1984, and was acting conductor a number of times after that. He was also president of the band for a number of years until recently stepping aside. Although he no longer played in any band, Keith continued playing his flugel for his own enjoyment until very recently. In later years, he was a fixture in the audience at contests all over the country, and was looking forward to attending the forthcoming National Championships in Brisbane.

He was a Life Member of the Rockhampton City Brass Band, and was only the eighth person to be awarded life membership of the Queensland Band Association.

He will be sadly missed by his friends in bands nationwide.

Keith’s funeral and memorial will be held at 10am, Tuesday 26th February at the East Chappel, Rockhampton Crematorium. There will be a wake held at the Rockhampton City Brass Band hall afterwards.

Please contact a family member or the band if you wish to attend so we can ensure there is adequate space.

We also had a great time playing at Rockhampton’s Walk Against Warming and the opening of the RiverfrontRedevelopment with Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and several council and parliament members, including Robert Schwarten.

Life membership of the Rockhampton City Brass Band is awarded in order to recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the band rather than simply the length of their membership.

Graeme has been a member of the band since 1988 making an enormous contribution musically on euphonium and as conductor for nearly six years until 1999. His dedication and selflessness in conducting between resident conductors, assisting with playouts and much of the running of the band has seen the band continue to play on for the community and contests.

Since 1982 Terry has assisted with teaching new members and acting as deputy conductor to the band. “Brass banding, especially with a group such as the City Band is always a pleasure and when we bring musical enjoyment to the community then the pleasure is doubled. To be honoured with life membership within such a group is cream on a delicious cake. I look forward to many more years of banding and socialising with the City Band.”

Brian’s musical involvement began with the band in the 1950’s and over many years he played soprano cornet in A and B grades. After many years with the Longreach town band he returned to Rockhampton and has assisted for many years with fundraising. He was delighted to receive life membership.

The Rockhampton City Brass Band is the oldest band in the region, and one of the oldest in the country, having it’s origins in 1873. Currently the band is preparing for the Queensland State Brass Band contest in Bundaberg over the Easter weekend. Any budding brass musicians interested in joining contact secretary@rockybrass.com or www.rockybrass.com.

The band practices on Monday nights, with practice commencing at 7.30 pm. Additional practices are called as required prior to contests.

Visitors from other bands are always welcome at the band hall in
Goss Park, Gladstone Road, Rockhampton (map).
Contact with the band can be made by contacting: Kate Handley, Secretary
Our email address is secretary@rockybrass.com
The band hall (practice nights) on 4922 6227 or by writing to
PO Box 5936, Central Queensland Mail Centre 4702