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

30 parts Concert Band Instrumentation
Quick March
Key Signature: Bb Major

Instrumentation:
Db Piccolo
1st Flute & C Piccolo
2nd Flute
Oboes
Eb Clarinet
Solo or 1st Bb Clarinet
2nd Bb Clarinet
3rd Bb Clarinet
Eb Alto Clarinet
Bb Bass Clarinet
Bassoons
1st Eb Alto Saxophone
2nd Eb Alto Saxophone
Bb Tenor Saxophone
2nd Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
1st Horn in Eb
2nd Horn in Eb
Solo or 1st Bb Cornet
2nd Bb Cornet
3rd Bb Cornet
1st Trombone
2nd Trombone
3rd Trombone
Euphonium (Baritone - Bass Clef)
Baritone (Treble Clef)
String Bass
Basses (Tubas)
Timpani
Drums

Inscriptions & markings

On envelope:QM173, Rifle Regiment, Q323