Julie Dorey


Above: Julie, performing with K&N


Above: Julie Dorey - playing with Enfield Band in the early days


Above: Julie at Campbelltown Band


Above: Julie Dorey - with Klemzig Juniors


Above: Julie in Enfield Band, sitting in front of basses


Above: Julie in winning Band K&N, Al Kidney holding shield
Introduction:

Julie Dorey is kind and conscientious.

I came to this conclusion a few years ago after watching her watching her offspring during a rehearsal. She had that look that all the good mums have, ready to protect, ready to help, ready to encourage and hoping for the best for them.

Here's what Matthew Dorey had to say about his mum in October 2003.
“My hero is my mum because she helps me when I'm frustrated or having trouble. She is also very nice to me. That's why I think she's my hero.”

Julie was an outstandingly successful young soloist herself and had the medals to prove it. She was part of the era when junior bands were flourishing. As part of the impressive stable of young talent under the guidance of Ron Arthur at Enfield, Julie’s talent blossomed. She was also part of the K&N nineties juggernaut under Bruce Raymond.

 In 2020 her enthusiasm for music making rolls along unabated, she has become a ubiquitous presence in the SA Banding World, helping anyone in need. 

Julie projects optimism, her smart appearance and smiling countenance encourages me to think that there is a future for Brass Band Music.

Please enjoy the story of Julie Dorey.

Geoff Meikle,
2020


Julie Dorey 
Born:                   1968 Adelaide, to parents Jean and Ray King
Instruments:       Cornet, Flugel

I first joined the Klemzig Band's learners class in 1977 after my mum's employer, Kathy Cameron's father, told my mum that she should take me along to join the local brass band. So mum dragged me along to the learners class taken by Nell Wilsdon and said that I had to give it at least 2 weeks and then I could decide if I wanted to continue. That 2 weeks came and went and now I'm still playing!

I soon progressed to the Klemzig Junior Band on solo cornet and then on to the Enfield Senior Band. Banding back then was a fantastic experience. Many friends were made and great times were had. My fondest memories were of the band competitions, especially the Tanunda and Hahndorf contests and the trips inter and intra state for the Nationals. The contesting part was always secondary to catching up with friends in other bands.

Back in the early 80’s the state had a few pretty good junior bands and players. Solo competitions were always well attended and ran over several days for both senior and junior. It was just expected back then that you compete in them. For a couple of months prior to the solo contest Ron Arthur, the conductor of the bands, would spend his Friday nights picking up Christine Quinn, Michelle Rosenboom, Anissa Strain and myself and take us back to his house to tutor us on our solos. Jean Magin would then accompany us on the day.

Over years, thanks to Ron, I won a lot of contest titles including National Junior Cornet in 1986.My siblings and friends never had an interest in banding but my parents were actively involved in the committee and so was I down the track.

In 1988 I left the Enfield Band and joined Kensington & Norwood, where I mostly got to sit on solo cornet next to Kevin Joughin. It gave me a fantastic opportunity to extend myself. I learned so much from Kevin through sitting next to him, it was such a privilege. Just a pity his talent didn’t rub off on me!

Over the years with K&N, I have had the opportunity to compete in contests at a high level, winning the A grade Nationals twice over the years. Other highlights have been performing with James Morrison, Don Burrows, Julie Anthony, Tommy Emmanuel and the Childs brothers.

In recent times I have been helping out other bands around Adelaide, which has given me even more memorable highlights, such as touring  England with the Tanunda Band where we were able to visit the Black Dyke band room and perform in a gala concert with them.

I really enjoy performing to people and would rather play in a concert than a contest.

Unfortunately I lack the motivation to practice at home so find preparation for contests hard work and tedious. I often wonder how good I could be if I had actually spent time doing quality home practice over the years. I do regret now not putting in the ground work, so to speak, that would have enabled me to become a very good player.

Music has been a wonderful part of my life. I am pretty much a loner, so without music, life would have been very boring. It’s been a great way to socialise in a non-threatening environment. I don’t think that I’ll ever be able to give up playing in bands so the thought of physically not being able to play one day is scary. I think I’ll probably die with a cornet in my mouth!

Julie Dorey, 2020.