Kathryn George OAM Prepares For Final Anzac March With North High Band

After nearly five decades of teaching, one of Mackay’s most passionate music educators is preparing for a bittersweet farewell as she leads her final ANZAC marching band trip.

Kathryn George OAM has spent almost 49 years at North Mackay State High School, where she helped build the school’s renowned marching band program from the ground up. This year’s Brisbane ANZAC Day March will mark her final major appearance before handing the program to the next generation of staff.

Mrs George formed the marching band in 1992 alongside fellow founding director David Bayliss. Since then, the program has grown into one of the largest single school marching bands in Australia.  

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She said the program began as a way to extend talented instrumental music students beyond simply playing their instruments.

“It’s a specialised skill and an extension to just playing an instrument, where you actually have to march and hold your position both vertically and horizontally while you’re playing,” she explained.

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Over the years the band has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, representing Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, performing at Disneyland and the Los Angeles Independence Day Parade, and even appearing at the Shanghai Tourism Festival.

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“It’s certainly one of the largest single school marching bands in Australia,” Mrs George said.

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“It’s so unusual – and rather wonderful – that it comes from a little town like Mackay rather than a big capital city.”

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This year the school band will again travel to Brisbane with around 90 students preparing for the parade, where they will appear as the first civilian band at the start of the procession before later marching alongside the army contingent marking its 175th anniversary.

Among those helping carry the program forward are former students who have returned as staff members.

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“I know it’s in good hands,” she said.

This year’s band will be led by Year 12 drum majors Chloe Waples and Alana Plunkett, who were selected after extensive auditions.

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Reflecting on her career, Mrs George said music has always been central to her life and she believes it plays a powerful role in education.

“I’m really passionate about how important music is in learning for students and how it enhances the whole learning experience,” she said.

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“It teaches self-discipline and patience. With an instrument you have to work at it… it’s not a quick gratification, but it’s highly rewarding.”

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When she retires at the end of the year, she hopes to spend more time with family, including welcoming a fourth grandchild.

And as she prepares the band for Brisbane one last time, she says the milestone fills her with immense pride.

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“I’m just so proud of my legacy and that the teachers continuing the tradition have come up through the band themselves.”

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“It’s going to be a very bittersweet moment, but it’s something I’ve been preparing for a while now.”

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After nearly 49 years at North Mackay State High School, Kathryn George OAM is preparing to lead her final ANZAC marching band. Photo supplied

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