Concert to honour long-serving leader of the Melbourne Staff Band
BY ANTHONY CASTLE
The Melbourne Staff Band will honour Bandmaster Ken Waterworth with a celebration concert this weekend as he concludes three decades in the role.
The concert will be held on Saturday afternoon at the Yarra Valley Grammar School in Melbourne, featuring band performances, reflections and special guest Silvie Paladino.
Tickets are $25/$20 and are available online.
Ken was appointed Bandmaster in 1994, having joined the euphonium section of the Melbourne Staff Band in 1979. With brass music a family affair, Ken followed in the footsteps of his father, who had joined the band in 1963. In his time as principal euphonium player, Ken featured in concerts, tours and recordings.
His 30 years as Bandmaster have been marked by a passion for music and innovation in the band’s service, connecting with Canadian recording engineer Ted Marshall for the band’s recording projects, overseeing collaborations with international composers and commissioning new music. Ken’s tenure also oversaw the appointment of a band vocalist and the introduction of multimedia to their performances.
Ken took the Melbourne Staff Band to every state and territory of Australia to participate in brass music festivals. On two occasions, the band performed at gala concerts at the Australian National Band Championships.
The Melbourne Staff Band has toured New Zealand, the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom in Ken’s time, as well as Switzerland, South Korea, Zambia and South Africa. His busy time as Bandmaster has been supported by his wife Lynne and their children – Ashlea, Kara, Chevaune and Brandon.
New leader
Mark Hamilton has been appointed as the incoming Bandmaster, effective from 1 January 2025. Mark has played in the Melbourne Staff Band for 24 years and is the current Deputy Bandmaster.
He has led the Ringwood Citadel Band as Bandmaster for 13 years and brings with him a wealth of musical talent, leadership experience and a deep passion for the ministry of The Salvation Army.
As Bandmaster, Ken’s service has been committed to remaining relevant in a rapidly changing culture within The Salvation Army and society in general. Ken gave many opportunities to younger musicians, ensuring the band’s youth programs, Future Brass/Impact Plus, were supported.
His important decades of leadership have overseen the development of countless musicians through training, rehearsals, workshops or band clinics.
The Celebration 30! event will be held at George Wood Performing Arts Centre, Yarra Valley Grammar School, Saturday 16 November, with tickets $25/$20 available online.
