Historical information

This photograph of the Orbost Municipal Band was taken for the 1937 Back To Orbost celebrations. The band is wearing new uniforms, bought especially for the occasion and for subsequent use. The double-breasted navy jackets have three pairs of silver buttons, three silver stripes on the cuffs and a silver lyre on each lapel. the bandmaster's stripes were gold. The jacket was worn with a white shirt and a bow tie. The caps were navy blue with a silver braided band and a central lyre.
There were 29 members at this time.
The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's.
(Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall)

Significance

The Orbost Municipal Orbost Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights.
The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.

Physical description

A very creased and crumpled black / white photograph of a band in uniforms. The back row is standing, the middle sitting on a seat while a row of younger boys are sitting, cross-legged on the grass at the front. All have instruments. They are in front of a wooden building.

Inscriptions & markings

on front - "Orbost Municipal Band 4.3.37"