Squadron Leader (Ret) Michael Butcher, AOM, LRAM, ARCM, LGSM

Mike Butcher has made an outstanding contribution to music in Australia through his service career, his involvement in community music, presenting Australian musicians to international audiences and in particular, the fostering of musical ability in young people.

At the age of four, Mike commenced learning the piano and at seven started the trombone.  Mike attended the Royal Marine School of Music in the UK, studying trombone, euphonium and v’cello, playing principal cello in the School Orchestra and Band, and tenor trumpet in the Fanfare Party.

A distinguished career in the Services followed Mike’s emigration to Australia in 1954.  This commenced with playing principal trombone and solo euphonium in the Royal Australian Army, Western Command Band, Perth, then an instructor’s post at the Army School of Music, Balcombe, Victoria for four years.   In 1960, Mike joined the Royal Australian Air Force, RAAF Central Band as trombonist. He was promoted to sergeant and put in charge of training before attending the three year Bandmaster’s course at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London.   Back to Australia, Mike established and conducted the No.1 Regional Band RAAF at Richmond, NSW, before taking up a ten year post as Director of Music with the NSW Police Department.  1984 saw Mike appointed as Director of Music – Air Force, and Commanding Officer RAAF Central Band, with the rank of Squadron Leader.

Mike retired from the RAAF in 1989 to return to Sydney and re-establish the City of Sydney Concert Band.

During his years with the Services, Mike also played casually with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Channel 7 Orchestra, Melbourne, the Channel 9 Orchestra and Elizabethan Orchestra in Sydney.   In addition to many years on staff at the Sydney Conservatorium as Brass Lecturer, Mike has worked as music teacher and conductor with a number of local schools.

      Amateur musical activities have played a large part in Mike’s life.  Since 1958, Mike has spent time      as Conductor/Musical Director of Mornington Citizens Band, Hornsby Concert Band (later to    become the Golden Kangaroos), Footscray & Yarraville Band, Geelong Concert Band, Hills Music Academy (founder and director), City of Sydney Wind Ensemble, Lane Cove Concert Band,

It is Mike’ leadership, guidance and musical experience which has brought the Castle Hill RSL Youth Band to the very top of its musical sphere.