Barry Croll

Barry Croll played a vital role in the expansion of music education throughout Australia. Playing music since he was five and having performed for troops in Asia, as well as clubs all around the United Kingdom, Barry knew firsthand the importance of good musical training. As a result, he took on a job at a music store in Melbourne in the late 1960s in the educational division. While working for Music Junction in the Camerwell area of Melbourne, Barry developed several initiatives that were embraced by the Australian Music Association as well as the government. His Music Expo program ran for several years in the 1980s and his Melbourne School Band Festival provided opportunities for thousands of students to become music makers. Future Music, which Barry also established, continues to this day to provide school band training throughout the country.