Wangaratta Tin Kan Band

Historical information

The Wangaratta Tin Kan Band, a significant part of local folklore, was formed mainly for the purpose of raining funds for the district hospital. The original drum was a discarded carbine tin, hence the band's name Tin Kan Band. The band was formed in 1914 by Syn Emery and was active until 1935. Music was important in this era for public and social functions.
The instruments played were tin whistles, mouth organs, accordions, banjos, violins, guitars, drums, wash boards and anything that would make a musical sound; they often made their own instruments such as one string fiddles. Each band member had their own distinctive costume.
The band members were mostly business men and shop owners who used their talents to entertain at public functions. They organized sports meetings, dances, concerts and anything that would help the hospital financially and in the depression of the 1930's; they were the mainstay that helped keep the hospital going.

Significance

Very significant in local public and social functions and a part of local folk lore.

Physical description

The Wangaratta Tin Kan Band, a significant part of local folklore, was formed mainly for the purpose of raising funds for the district hospital. The original drum was a discarded carbine tin, hence the band's name Tin Kan Band. The band was formed in 1914 and was active until 1935. Music was important in this era for public and social functions.
The instruments played were tin whistles, mouth organs, accordions, banjos, violins, guitars, drums, wash boards and anything that would make a musical sound; they often made their own instruments such as one string fiddles. Each band member had their own distinctive costume.
The band members were mostly business men and shop owners who used their talents to entertain at public functions. They organized sports meetings, dances, concerts and anything that would help the hospital financially and in the depression of the 1930's; they were the mainstay that helped keep the hospital going.


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