September 21, 2012
Tributes are flowing for former Kingaroy State High School music teacher Laurie Case, 63, who died in Brisbane on Wednesday after a long illness.
Laurie, a former army bandmaster, began the highly successful South Burnett instrumental music program during the 1980s, working with ensembles in schools stretching from Yarraman to Murgon.
His formal musical career began in 1968 when he signed up with the Australian Army and joined the 4RAR Pipes and Drums as a bandsman/stretcherbearer.
He served in Vietnam and was discharged in 1971, but rejoined the Army in 1972 and stayed this time until 1985.
The following year he came to Kingaroy.
Kingaroy State High School Principal David Ballin said Laurie did a wonderful job with the music students.
“There will never be another Laurie Case,” he said.
“He had a good way with the community and a good way with the kids. He could bring out the best in everyone.”
Laurie left Kingaroy in 1992 and worked at Education Queensland’s Central Office in Brisbane as an instrumental music consultant before the urge to teach struck again and he joined the staff at Kedron State High School.
He then decided to rejoin the Army where he reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 and earned the Conspicuous Service Medal.
“His influence on a range of people in the music world will be felt for some time,” former colleague Mike Tyler from Education Queensland said.
“He was inspirational and a gifted teacher. He started the instrumental program at Kingaroy which became the pride of Queensland.
“He was very passionate about his work but also a thorough gentleman.”
The former army bandmaster was also a baton maker of world renown.
He began crafting batons for conductors as a hobby while in Kingaroy, and continued after he moved to Gordon Park in Brisbane.
The Courier-Mail newspaper interviewed Laurie about his craft last year. They took off after the Australian Opera began using one of his batons in 2004.
Laurie is survived by his wife Lesley and children Therese and Matthew.
His funeral will be held at Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane on Monday at 2:00pm.
