Geoff’s musical journey started in the brass bands of the lower Hunter, joining the Burlington Mills Band (Branxton) post WW2 as a youth playing the trombone. A student of Maitland Boys High (commencing in 1948), he subsequently joined the Maitland City Band, ultimately becoming the Bandmaster. He was also a member of the Waratah Brass Band.
Geoff was an accomplished musician, proficient in trombone, cornet and French horn as well as a bandmaster. He had established a valuable network within the region (including Michael Golding at Broadmeadow High School), which proved a latent resource which he utilised at the school.
Geoff started at the school as a science teacher, studying part time to then qualify as a Manual Arts teacher, the faculty he remained in until leaving Jesmond.
The stars aligned in 1963 and Geoff became the main driver of the band. Bandmaster, visionary, supplementary musician, recruiter and instrument teacher to the students, conducting tuition after school in his own time. He continued to be involved in Newcastle’s musical community after he left JHS.
Geoff lived in Jesmond with his wife Mary until his death in November, 2023.