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

31 parts Concert Band Instrumentation
Quick March
Key Signature: F Major
Standard Edition for Military Band No. 342
Note to the Conductor included above

Instrumentation:
Solo Bb Cornet (Conductor)
Solo Bb Cornet - Conductor part (Special)
1st & 2nd Db Piccolos
1st & 2nd C Flutes
1st & 2nd Oboes
Eb Clarinet
Solo & 1st Bb Clarinet
2nd & 3rd Clarinets
Special 3rd & 4th Clarinets (Simplified)
- note; for concert, bring clarinets out in front at TRIO
Eb Alto Clarinet
Bb Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Bb Soprano Saxophone
1st Eb Alto Saxophone
2nd Eb Alto Saxophone
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
Bb Bass Saxophone (Bb Bass - Treble clef)
1st & 2nd Eb Horns (Altos)
3rd & 4th Eb Horns (Altos)
Solo Bb Cornet (Straight Part)
- note: When REEDS are out in front - Cornets take high finish.
1st Bb Cornet
2nd & 3rd Bb Cornets
1st & 2nd Bb Trombones (or tenors - treble clef)
3rd Trombone (treble clef)
1st & 2nd Trombones
3rd Trombone
Bb Baritone (Treble clef)
Baritone
Basses
Xylophone, Chimes (or Bells)
Drums

Inscriptions & markings

On envelope: QM167, ... to the Front, Q260