The band attended two funerals on the same day.
Saddened deeply by the passing of Steve Hooper Cymbal player, ex President and Trip organiser, we extend our sympathies to Pat, Josh, Ashley and Harley
Our sympathies go out to the families of Ron Halpin, founder member of the drum Corps.
Music stalwart dies
19th March 2011
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