Significance

In 1932 the call was put out to the ABC to start a military band. The band’s task was to record music to play on air four times a week, and to perform live concerts for the public. By November 1933 a band was put together with 40 musicians from around Australia. The band was initially conducted by Captain H. E. Adkins, Director of the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London. After the tour, Adkins returned to his position at Kneller Hall, and Stephen Yorke, a retired bandmaster of the Gloucestershire Regiment, was brought out to Australia to become the permanent director and conductor of the band, which he did until the band closed in 1951. During the band’s 17 year history they presented a sizable program of music. Their final concert received a standing ovation from its audience of 1500, with a teary-eyed Yorke.

Physical description

19 PARTS BRASS BAND INSTRUMENTATION ONLY
QUICK MARCH
Key Sig: F MINOR
Band series number: 4874

Instrumentation:
Eb Soprano Cornet
Solo Bb Cornet
1st Bb Cornet
2nd Bb Cornet
3rd & 4th Cornets
1st Eb Horn
2nd Eb Horn
1st Bb Baritone
2nd Bb Baritone
Eb Solo Saxhorn
1st Trombone
2nd Trombone
Bass Trombone
Bb Euphonium (treble)
Eb Bombardon (treble)
Bb Bass (treble)
Side Drum
Bass Drum

Written on some parts:
- Caussinus progressive Method (for Cornet), new and revised edition 16/6 post free
- Langey's Practical Tutor for the Slide Trombone is the best, 4/4 post free

Inscriptions & markings

On envelope: 27 Nov 1940, 3 Dec 1943, QM27, Q214
Stamped on the reverse of each card: Australian Broadcasting Commission *Sydney*, Property of Charles Godfrey Musical Director & Arranger