Denmark to host grand musical weekend in celebration of the town’s iconic John Clark Memorial Band

WA’s longest-running school band, the John Clark Memorial Memorial Band, will celebrate more than 60 years of musical history with a jubilee gala this month. Led by the group’s 22nd bandmaster Catherine Warnock, a Saturday evening concert in Denmark on November 11 will bring teachers, students and players past and present together. They will celebrate seven decades of music with host ABC National weather reporter and former band member Tyne Logan. The iconic music group is the legacy of former Denmark resident John Clark, who bequeathed 3500 pounds to the Denmark Parents and Citizens group in 1956 to establish a silver or brass band. Originally parading as the John Clark Memorial Silver Band, the addition of flutes, clarinets and saxophones in 1975 saw the ensemble transform into the historic band it is today. Over the years, Mr Clark’s gift has shaped the cultural landscape of Denmark. The John Clark Memorial Bandstand was erected on the banks of Denmark River in 1964, providing a place for community concerts and carols until its demolition in 2020 after the heritage-listed pavilion was deemed structurally unsound, despite a 500-signature petition. The band, however, has played on, keeping Mr Clark’s legacy alive in the music. The jubilee will feature an exhibition with memorabilia from the band’s past on display over the weekend of November 11-12 in the Denmark Community Resource Centre Gallery. The concert on November 11 will be held at the Denmark Civic Centre at Strickland Street from 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets for the concert are $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for children aged 10 and under. A morning tea will be held at the Denmark Community Resource Centre Gallery on November 12 from 9.30am to 11.30am. The morning tea will be free to attend and refreshments will be available to buy. To buy concert tickets or register for the morning tea go to the Compasstix website.