Vale Roy Hamilton

It is with great sadness that Westgate Concert Band lost Roy Hamilton on December 7, 2023. A co-founder of the Westgate Concert Band in 1979 along with Derek Humphrey, Roy was a much-loved member of the Westgate community serving as a Musical Director up until 2015. His dedication and generosity towards Westgate Concert Band was profound, from conducting rehearsals and performances, to running camps and fostering the musical development of members. He also steered wonderful shows such as Broadway and Beyond, while working tirelessly behind the scenes on repertoire, arrangements, and logistics to ensure the band’s success and longevity.

Known to Westgaters by many names - Roy, Hammo, Hammy, Sir - he was more to many of us than just our conductor and Musical Director. He was a teacher and mentor, a drinking buddy, a mate, and, to some, a father figure. He didn’t just wave a stick around, he immersed himself in the music in a way that was contagious to all. Roy fostered a deep comradery between members that evolved into what we now refer to as the "Westgate Family" - something he was very proud of. This is reflected in the number of members who have stayed with the band for over 25 years. Indeed, so many of today's friends, relationships and families have grown under Roy's baton.

Through his role with the Westgate Concert Band, as a teacher at both Braybrook College and Sunshine High School, and as a guest conductor with numerous youth ensembles, Roy inspired countless individuals to take their own musical journeys - leaving a legacy that will live on in many generations. In recognition of this impact, the music centre at Braybrook College was named in his honour. He served as an adjudicator in the Melbourne School Band and ABODA (Australian Band and Orchestra Directors' Association) State Band Festivals, as well as uniting ensembles through the Festival of the Bands, culminating in a Victoria Excellence Award (2002) and an ABODA Victorian Life Membership (2016).

It was an honour to know and be led by Roy. Westgate would like to offer our condolences to Roy’s wife and all his family.

We remember Roy today and always…