After joining the Orange Town Band at the age of 12, he developed a love of brass band music.

It has been a thread which has run throughout his life, including his marriage to Monica, who always came to see him perform during their courtship, and the birth of their nine children.

Harry says music has brought another dimension to his life.

“But it wasn’t about performing. I loved going to the practices probably more than I liked playing in public,” he said.

Harry says the cameraderie of players in the City of Orange Brass Band is what kept him always going back.

“Bob Petrie is such a wonderful bandmaster - he always makes practises fun,” he said.

Yesterday Harry Knight was honoured with a medal presentation to honour his commitment to brass band music.

The presentation was made during a park performance of the band in Cook Park.

During yesterday Harry also had the opportunity to conduct the band for one of his favourite pieces - the Victoria March.

Harry was taken to his first band practice at the Orange Town Band at the age of 12 by his father, Sid Knight, who played the trombone.

“The band days were something I really remember fondly,” he said.

At a time when every town and village had their own band, Harry says the regular gatherings in Orange were a sight to behold.

Bands from Dubbo, Mudgee, Wellington, Bathurst, Lithgow and more marched down Summer Street to Wade Park where the community would gather for free concerts.

Harry says brass bands were very popular with young people as they were often the only way some people could afford music lessons and gain an instrument.

In 1956 when the Orange Town Band split, Harry and other players became involved in the Orange Industrial Band, later to become the City of Orange Brass Band.

Harry says he is grateful his father took him along to the brass band.

“I would say to any parent, try to encourage your children to become involved as I had a tremendous amount of enjoyment from playing.

“It is a wonderful form of recreation,” he said.

Mr Knight said he found his music to be a wonderful outlet from his busy working life.

And his wife Monica says she didn’t begrudge him leaving the house.

“No I didn’t mind at all,” she said.

Mr Knight was made a life member of the City of Orange Brass Band 10 years ago.