Music stalwart dies
Founder of the Drum Corps Kevin Ballantyne.
A STALWART of the Bundaberg music scene for more than 70 years has died.
Kevin Ballantyne died early this week at the age of 82.
Mr Ballantyne was born in Scotland Street in East Bundaberg on December 7, 1928.
During his long life in the city Mr Ballantyne held down a variety of jobs, but his main love was always drumming.
In a memoir he wrote for his family before his death, Mr Ballantyne said his music career started when he was nine.
He said he remembered his father paying a shilling for him for half an hour’s instruction in drumming.
While he was a pupil at East Bundaberg State School, Mr Ballantyne used to play the drums for the students to march into class.
In 1956 Mr Ballantyne formed the City of Bundaberg Drum Corps and the band went on to play at festivals across the country.
These included the Moomba Festival in Melbourne, the Canberra Festival in Canberra, the Ekka and Expo 88 in Brisbane and the world marching band championships in Brisbane.
He also played with many other city bands.
Mr Ballantyne is survived by three sons and a daughter.
This article is by courtesy of The News -Mail. Bundaberg
Article in the News-Mail Saturday 7th. August 2010
Corps needs female reinforcements
The City of Bundaberg Drum Corps is in need of female and mature-aged members.
THE City of Bundaberg Drum Corps is urgently seeking female members to lead the band as Drum Majors and learn to drum with the lads.
The Corps is now down to its last 12 members, comprised of juniors and seniors.
“We've always had female Drum Majors, leading with the mace and giving commands. But at the moment we don't have any,” said Bandmaster Mike Wilson.
Mike has been with the Corps for more than 50 years and still loves the strong sound achieved by the Corps' intricate drum work and old fashioned discipline.
“We enjoy achieving a strong sound, forging friendships, travelling and entertaining people,” he said.
The Corps often marches with brass, pipe or flute accompaniments in parades across the Wide Bay area.
“Financially we cover uniforms and drums, as well as food, accommodation and travel expenses,” said recent member Tony Ravenhill.
“We also provide all training. It's a very good value for money organisation.”
The Corps urges female and mature-age locals to apply for the currently all-male Corps.
Contact Mr Ravenhill on 0419 230 896.
