Significance

In 1932 the call was put out to the ABC to start a military band. Their task was to record music to play on air four times a week, and to perform live concerts for the public. By November 1933 the musicians were chosen 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 Concert Band Instrumentation
Quick March
Key Signature: C Major
Boosey's Military Journal - 155th Series No. 2

Instrumentation:
Eb Flute & Piccolo
Oboes
Eb Clarinets
Solo & Ripieno Clarinets in Bb
2nd & 3rd Clarinets in Bb
Bassoons
Alto Saxophone & Alto Clarinet in Eb
Tenor Saxophone
1st & 2nd Horns in Eb
3rd & 4th Horns in Eb
Ripieno Cornet in Bb
1st Cornet in Bb
2nd Cornet in Bb
1st Baritone in Bb
1st & 2nd Tenor Trombones
Bass Trombone
Euphonion
Basses
Drums

Inscriptions & markings

Stamped on the reverse of each card: Australian Broadcasting Commission *Sydney*, Property of Charles Godfrey Musical Director & Arranger