George Dobson (Carey Trumpet Teacher, 1968–1977)

Trumpeter George Dobson lit a musical fire at Carey during his teaching years from 1968 to 1977. Under his guidance, brass, woodwind, and band music were taken up enthusiastically by many students.

Well known since the 1940s as one of Australia’s finest trumpeters, Dobson’s professional career included directing the George Dobson Trumpet Serenade for the ABC, and performing with the Victorian Trumpet Trio, ABC National Dance Band, ABC Variety Orchestra, Sydney Trocadero Orchestra, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

In 1968, Carey purchased a new set of band instruments from America, and 70 boys in Form 7 enrolled to learn brass instruments. The following year, all Form 6 students received one term’s instruction on a brass instrument of their choice, and woodwinds were encouraged as well. This marked the beginning of Carey’s remarkable commitment to the performing arts.

The Carey Band, conducted by Dobson, quickly became a focal point of school life. He arranged all the music to suit the players’ abilities, often writing simpler parts to encourage newcomers. His infectious enthusiasm and skilled musicianship unified a band of 40 players ranging from Form 7 to Form 12. He also set high standards - as Old Carey Grammarian Andrew Mott (1980) recalled:

“He took no prisoners in a rehearsal and you were expected to be able to play your bit, as he pointed to each member of the section in turn to run through a particular passage, hands on hips and a determined, fairly fierce gaze set upon you.”

In addition to conducting the band at Speech Nights and fetes, George Dobson played The Last Post and Reveille at Anzac Day services - a moving and memorable contribution. By the time he left Carey in 1977, instrumental music had established a strong foothold at the School, one upon which subsequent generations of teachers and students have proudly built.