Mary’s merry band of men

Former Tasmanian, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark on her wedding day. Photo by EPA/Boris Roessler

LCpl Leigh Watson, SSgt Graeme Curran and SSgt David Schmidt from AAB-Tasmania.Photo by Capt Phil Pyke, CSI-T

By Capt Phil Pyke

WITH the recent marriage of Tasmanian Mary Donaldson and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark gracing most of the world media, it was inevitable such a story would find its way onto the pages of Army newspaper.

With celebrations being held in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, in the lead up to the royal wedding, the attendance of one Australian concert band gave three AAB-T members the opportunity to perform at the event.

SSgt David Schmidt, SSgt Graeme Curran and LCpl Leigh Watson are also members of the Derwent Valley Concert Band – the only Australian band to perform at the wedding celebrations at the invitation of the Danish Marching Band Association.

As Drum Major and Co-Conductor, SSgt Schmidt was easily recognisable in national media as he led the Band through the streets of Copenhagen as part of the 16-band parade on the wedding day.

But, it wasn’t an easy feat getting to Denmark for the Band that is based in a small town in the Derwent Valley north of Hobart.

“We had to raise $200,000 in three months,” SSgt Schmidt said. The band achieved this with a massive fundraising drive – including an auction with a bottle of Grange Hermitage donated by former Tasmanian Governor Sir Guy Green, corporate, State and Federal Government assistance – and a big effort from the local community.

With literally days to go, the Band reached its target and set off for Denmark. With a number of performances in the lead up to the wedding, including playing at a Royal reception at Copenhagen City Hall, it was an exhausting itinerary for the members.

“On the day of the wedding, we marched down the route of the wedding to the town square where we entertained the crowd,” SSgt Curran said.

“After the performances, we mingled with the crowd. It was an incredible experience.”

While not actually getting to meet the royal couple, the three AAB-T members were amazed at how the band members themselves were treated like royalty.

“The Danish really couldn’t do enough for us – especially once they found out we were Tasmanian,” SSgt Schmidt said.