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 (plus 3 handwritten parts, and 1 part belonging to separate set)
Boosey's March Journal
By arrangement with Messrs. Francis, Day & Hunter, Charing Cross Rd.
No. 246
Quick March
Key Signature: G Minor

Eb Flute & Piccolo
Oboes
1st Clarinet in Bb
2nd Clarinet in Bb (From incorrect set, "Two-Step El Dos De Mayo")
3rd Clarinet in Bb
Soprano Cornet in Eb
Unknown handwritten part in Bb (presumed Cornet)
1st Cornet in Bb
2nd Cornet in Bb
1st Trumpet in Eb
2nd Trumpet in Eb
1st & 2nd Horns in Eb
1st & 2nd Horns in Eb (2nd copy)
3rd & 4th Horns in Eb
3rd & 4th Horns in Eb (2nd copy)
1st Trombone (handwritten)
1st Tenor Trombone
2nd Tenor Trombone
Bass Trombone
1st Baritone in Bb
Euphonion in Bb (Treble Clef)
Euphonion (handwritten)
Euphonion (Bass Clef)
Contra Bass in Bb (Treble Clef)
Basses
Drums

Inscriptions & markings

On envelope: QM25, Stamps indicating 20 NOV 1939, 6 DEC 1943. Q13 (pencilled), 22 (crossed out).
Stamped on each chard: The Australian Broadcasting Co.