For more than six decades Bundaberg Drum Corps has proudly marched on ANZAC Day, this year they will be the only non-military band to perform in the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade.
Band Master Trevor Ballantyne said years ago members watched the Brisbane Anzac Day parade broadcast on television and they thought they should be involved in the significant event.
It was 2013 when Bundaberg Drum Corps first took centre stage in front of thousands of onlookers on the streets of Brisbane to commemorate the landing at Anzac Cove.
The momentous occasion will live long into the memory of many members, and Trevor said it was always a privilege for Bundaberg Drum Corps to return year-after-year.
“The Drum Corps has been part of the local ANZAC Day, with the dawn parade and march in the main street, since 1957,” Trevor said.
“It was when we were sitting at home watching Brisbane’s Anzac Day Parade on television when we thought we should be there.
“We put out a call for a 20-piece band, and we ended up with a 30-piece band instead – everyone was very excited.
“We will return again this year as the only non-military band to take part, so it is very special for us.”
Trevor said ANZAC Day this year would be different from previous occasions due to COVID-19 regulations, and it would be the first time it was held in Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds instead of the city streets.
“Ex-diggers always like marching behind us, they find it easy to keep to the beat,” he said.
“It is special for us, as we will be honouring the military and we love tradition.
“We are very similar to military bands with regimental type drumming. It will be our senior members who play and so the sound will be superb!
“You learn drumming from a young age, as we are trained as children and we know every beat – I guess it’s like riding a bike and every beat is logged in the brain, and the crowds always love it.”
Trevor said no matter where the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade was held, he was always excited when it came to performing.
“With my sons in the army, I have a connection to the armed forces and it’s always a big buzz,” he said.
With the bands long drumming history, they will celebrate their 65th anniversary this year and Trevor said there were big plans in place for the reunion in June.
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