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

23 Parts Concert Band Instrumentation
Quick March (March or One-Step)
Key Signature: Eb Major

Arranged for Military and Brass Band by P. Beechfield Carver

Instrumentation:
Eb Flute & Piccolo
Oboes
Eb Clarinets
1st Clarinets Bb
2nd & 3rd Clarinets Bb
Bassoons
Eb Alto Saxophone
1st Baritone Bb (or Tenor Saxophone)
Repiano Cornet Bb
Solo Cornet Bb (Conductor)
2nd Cornet Bb
1st Horn Eb (or Solo Tenor)
2nd Horn Eb (or 1st Tenor)
3rd & 4th Horns Eb (or 2nd Tenor)
1st Trombone (Alto Clef)
2nd Trombone (Tenor Clef)
Bass Trombone
Euphonium (Bass Clef)
Bb Bass (Treble Clef)
Basses (Bass Clef)
Drums & Effects (Tubular Bells in Eb, Sleigh Bells, Tambourine etc.)

Inscriptions & markings

On envelope: QM33. March or One Step, Cheer up Good Times are Coming, Greer. Q33, 402 (crossed out).
Stamped on the reverse of each card: Australian Broadcasting Commission, Sydney