ANZAC Day 2007
LIEUTENANT ANDREW STOKES - LOCAL MAN HEADS THE MUSIC IN ANZAC COVE
Darwin Version
This ANZAC Day Jingili's Andrew Stokes will be the other side of the world from Darwin 's Dawn Service at the cenotaph.
The former Nightcliff High and Casuarina College student will be in ANZAC Cove at Gallipoli itself, and he is commanding the Royal Australian Navy Band that is playing there.
"I changed my East Darwin Hockey Club colours for Navy whites back in 1990 when I was only 17," said Andrew, who is now a Lieutenant. "I was always keen on music - I'd played for the Darwin Symphony Orchestra and the Darwin Youth Big band."
"Now I'm responsible for a big band of my own - the 50 musicians in the Sydney Detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band. They are incredibly versatile - they can be anything from a large ceremonial ensemble to rock and pop via classical quartets.
"Gallipoli isn't my first overseas trip with the Navy - I was in Crete in 2001 for the 60 th anniversary of the Battle for Crete , and I was in Brunei last year for their International Tattoo to celebrate the Sultan's 60 th birthday."
"But to be at ANZAC Cove on ANZAC Day itself if a once-in-a-career opportunity, and to lead the band is a great honour. I've always been proud to march on ANZAC Day in Australia but to participate in Turkey as part of our official contingent is an experience I'll never forget."
"When I get back I'll have a lot to talk about with my wife and daughter. My daughter's only twelve months old, which means she is a really good listener!"
Manly Version
This ANZAC Day Fairlight's Andrew Stokes won't be taking part in any marches back home in Sydney . He's on the far side of the world, and he is commanding the Royal Australian Navy Band in ANZAC Cove at Gallipoli itself.
"I first put on Navy whites back in 1990 when I was only 17," said Andrew, who is now a Lieutenant. "I was brought up in Darwin , and I was always keen on music - I'd played for the Darwin Symphony Orchestra and the Darwin Youth Big band."
"Now I'm responsible for a big band of my own here in Sydney - the 50 musicians in the Sydney Detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band. They are incredibly versatile - they can be anything from a large ceremonial ensemble for parades and ceremonies to rock and pop via classical quartets."
"Gallipoli isn't my first overseas trip with the Navy - I was in Crete in 2001 for the 60 th anniversary of the Battle for Crete , and I was in Brunei last year for their International Tattoo to celebrate the Sultan's 60 th birthday.
"But to be at ANZAC Cove on ANZAC Day itself is a once-in-a-career opportunity, and to lead the band is a great honour. I've always been proud to march on ANZAC Day here in Sydney but to participate in Turkey as part of our official contingent is an experience I'll never forget."
"When I get back I'll have a lot to talk about with my wife and daughter. My daughter's only twelve months old, which means she is a really good listener!"
(Date uploaded: 26 April 2007 - 01 image)