Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Mackay Band Marches In Brisbane

Mackay North State High School’s (MNSHS) marching band travelled to Brisbane last month to take part in the 2022 State ANZAC Day Parade for the 28th consecutive year.

Over 100 students from years 7 to 12 marched through the capital’s CBD streets, forming the largest band in the parade.

The MNSHS marching band is the only state secondary school to be invited to perform in the parade and the only school band outside of Brisbane.

MNSHS Performing Arts Head of Faculty and Marching Band Director Kathy George says wet weather conditions provided a few difficulties for the band.

“The march was the first parade in 30 years that we’ve ever done in the rain,” Kathy laughed.

“So it was writing another page in the history of the band.”

“It did cause a few little hassles for us … but the kids actually really enjoyed it.”

Kathy says the rain caused damage to students’ hats and instruments but former band director David Bayliss, who started the band with Kathy in 1992, repaired all instruments to make sure they were dried out and oiled properly.

The band completed the route three times: once as the first civilian band in the march, once as selected by the State Marshall, and third to fill in for another band who were unable to attend.

“We were very tired at the end of it,” said Kathy.

“The Brisbane spectators are so good … it’s a long way but it’s worth it.”

Kathy says the march is an excellent opportunity for the talented students that make up the band.

“It’s a wonderful extension activity for our gifted and talented students.”

After their first performance at the ANZAC Parade in Mackay in 1993, the band’s reputation flourished, travelling to perform at prestigious events including the Shanghai Tourism Festival, the 2000 Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony, the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Los Angeles Independence Parade, and the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

NMSHS students withstood wet conditions in Brisbane last month to perform in the ANZAC Day parade. Photos: supplied

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