On Wednesday, July 3rd, we gathered to bid farewell to Harry Potocnik, an integral member of the D² Performance Line.
Harry’s departure marks the end of an era for the D²Drumline. He has been one of the most influential and pivotal members of D² since the group’s inception in 2010.
Harry’s journey with us began in 2014 when he attended the National Drumline Camp while studying Music at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. His talent and dedication shone through, and he successfully auditioned for the D² Performance Line in 2015. By 2017, Harry had risen to the role of Lead Snare, where his guidance and leadership significantly enhanced the musical quality of the ensemble.
Harry’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the future of the drumline art form in Australia and, as a performer, Harry quickly earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most renowned and respected marching percussionists.
In 2019, Harry joined our Founder and then Musical Director, Campbell Phillips, on a tour with the world-famous Top Secret Drum Corps. Harry and Campbell are the only Australians to have marched with Top Secret, a remarkable achievement that has elevated the Australian marching percussion community on the international stage. It was a true honour to see these two musicians represent D² in this capacity.
Harry’s contributions extend beyond his exceptional performance and leadership abilities. Since 2018, he has been an instructor at the National Drumline Camp and a key member of the D² Education team, teaching at numerous clinics, events, and camps across the country.
Under Harry’s leadership, and with the support of Chloe Dempsey and Anthony Stanislavski, the D² Academy was established in 2024. This exciting new education program provides talented young drummers and percussionists the opportunity to hone their skills in a high-performance ensemble.
Stick Throw – Melbourne Cup, 2018 Caleb Gasteiger, Harry Potocnik, Thomas, Claesen, Campbell Phillips, Drake Melson – Top Secret Drum Corps – Sydney, Australia 2019 Top Secret Drum Corps, 2019 Campbell Phillips and Harry Potocnik – Top Secret Drum Corps, 2019 Hawthorn Football Club 150th Anniversary -MCG, 2023 Australian Dental Association – 37th Australian Dental Congress 2017 May 17, 2017: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Queensland (QLD), Australia. Credit: Pat Brunet / Event Photos Australia Beat The Heat Brass Band – RMIT Graduation Parade, 2023 A Leage Grand FInal Drummers, 2021
L-R: Byron Goodwin, Tom Doublier, Anthony Stanislavski, Campbell Phillips, Harry Potocnik, Jordan Kiely, Leon Kechayas, Corey MillsD²Drumline – Melbourne United NBL, John Cain Arena, 2018 National Drumline Camp 2023 A Night With Ralph Nader, 2018 – Ft. Ralph Nader, Alexander Flood, Darryn Farrugia and Leon Kechayas D² Drumline – NGV, 2024 John Solli, Harry Potocnik, Campbell Phillips, Jon Lemer – What So Not @ Laneway Festival, 2018 Leon-Duncan, Campbell Phillips, and Harry Potocnik -Melbourne Fashion Week, 2021 D² Academy, 2024 Campbell Phillips, Harry Potocnik, Jordan Kiely, Chloe Demspey – On Tourin Tasmania, 2022 D2Drumline x Moama Anglican Grammar, 2021 Melbourne United Drummers – 2018 Campbell Phillips and Harry Potocnik – Melbourne United NBL – 2018 National Drumline Camp 2018 Carlton Football Club Grand Final Luncheon – Crown Palladium Room, 2017 Moama Anglican Grammar, 2017 – PREMIERE: Catching Shadows arr. Harry Potocnik and Campbell Phillips FFA Cup Final – AAMI Park, 2015
In 2023, Harry published Symbiosis through D². Symbiosis – a groundbreaking piece for snare drum and tape created in collaboration with Ralph Nader and Nikki Katiforis – was included in the VCE Percussion Syllabus list of prescribed works, marking the first time a marching percussion piece has been featured on this prestigious list.
Harry’s passion for drumline continues in his roles as a drumline and percussion teacher at Scotch College and Ivanhoe Girls Grammar where he continues to inspire the next generation of young musicians.
In addition to his musical talents, Harry is also a skilled lacrosse player. His diverse interests and achievements are a testament to his dedication and versatility. We are immensely proud of Harry’s incredible accomplishments during his nearly decade-long tenure in the D² family.
His hard work, commitment, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our community. While we will miss him dearly, we wish Harry the very best in all his future endeavours.
Thank you, Harry, for everything you have done. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
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