Awards 2021

Ronald Roberts 

Ronald was born in West Yorkshire in 1956, emigrating to Australia with his

family in 1956. His father came to conduct a Community Brass Band in Tasmania. Brass band music rubbed off on Ron who started playing brass band instruments at an early age.

Ron enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in 1973 and a year later he graduated from the Army Apprentices School in Victoria with a Trade Certificate as a Musician. After recruit and initial training, Ron was posted to the Band of the Royal Military College. Further postings followed throughout

his Military Service, culminating in a posting to the Australian Army Band Northern Command in 1989, later renamed the Australian Army Band Darwin. Ron retired to civilian life, 15th February, 2011.

Early in his posting to Darwin, Ron Roberts joined the Darwin City Brass Band as a tuba player. In 1993/94, Ron was appointed Musical Director of the Band, a position he held until 2013.

Soon after, Ron was elected to the position of President of the Darwin City Brass Band, a position he held until 2017 when he was again appointed Musical Director.

Ron retired from that role in 2020 but remains a tuba player in the Band and currently holds the voluntary positions of Librarian, Property Officer and Drum Major. To date, Ron has served the community through his roles in the Darwin City Brass Band for 33 years which include; Preparing programs and conducting the band at weekly rehearsals; preparing the band forperformances and events throughout the year including concerts; interstatecompetitions; ceremonial occasions; community performances; mentoring and developing young players; working with the band's committee to ensure the objects of the Association are being met; working with community organisations and funding bodies and providing opportunities for players to perform to the best of their ability, be they learners or accomplished musicians.

Outside of the DCB Band, Ron has also played with the Darwin Symphony, Arafura Wind Ensemble and in a leadership role with the Christmas In Darwin Association's Carols by Candlelight event, for 25 years.