A long-standingTamborine Mountain tradition continues to strike a chord each Anzac Day, with a local marching band marking more than a decade of service to the community.
Founded in 2013 by former Surfers Paradise marching band drum major Bernie Klupfel, the Tamborine Mountain Anzac marching band has performed at every Anzac Day parade on the mountain since its inception.
What began as a small grassroots effort has grown into a familiar and valued part of the annual remembrances.
Mr Klupfel said the idea came after noticing the absence of live music during local marches.
“The RSL didn’t have a band when they marched, and so when I moved up here, I started a march,” he said.
With support from fellow musician Russell Harden, Mr Klupfel set about recruiting players, initially facing challenges in building numbers.
“I put an advert into the February 2013 edition of the Tamborine Mountain News asking for players and one person turned up, who was a mate of mine,” he said.
“So, I went chasing down people. I said, you don’t have to play the tune, you just have to ‘play at it’.”
Over the years, the band has drawn on a mix of volunteer musicians, including members of the Tamborine Mountain Orchestra, local school students, and even Mr Klupfel’s own grandchildren to help fill out the ranks.
Despite its informal structure, the band has become an integral part of the Anzac Day experience, performing traditional pieces such as Colonel Bogey during the march before finishing with Waltzing Matilda.
“It’s really important to have a live marching band with these sorts of events,” he said.
“Without that, what is the march?”
Support from the Tamborine Mountain RSL Sub Branch has also played a key role, with past president John Brookes and current president Phill Hunter backing the band’s participation over the years.
However, Mr Klupfel said finding musicians remained an ongoing challenge and encouraged more locals to get involved.
“It’s getting harder to find people now who play instruments,” he said.
“I encourage anyone who wants to get involved to contact the RSL next year before Anzac Day, because it’s really important we keep this tradition alive.”
The band typically holds a single rehearsal in the week leading up to Anzac Day, making it accessible for those who may not be able to commit long-term.
For more information about the Anzac marching band, contact Bernie Klupfel on 0403 015 267 or klupfel@hotmail.com.
