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

25 Parts Concert Band Instrumentation
Quick March
Key Signature: G Minor

Instrumentation:
Flute & Piccolo
Oboes
Eb Clarinets
1st Clarinet Bb
2nd Clarinet Bb
3rd Clarinet Bb
1st Bassoon
2nd Bassoon
Eb Alto Clarinet or Saxophone
Bb Tenor Saxophone or Bass Clarinet
1st Horn Eb
2nd Horn Eb
3rd Horn Eb
4th Horn Eb
Eb Trumpets
Solo Cornet Bb (Conductor)
2nd Cornet
1st Trombone
2nd Trombone
Bass Trombone
1st Baritone Bb
Euphonium
Basses
Drums

Inscriptions & markings

On envelope: QM39, Q25, 220 (crossed out). Stamped on the reverse of each card: Australian Broadcasting Commission, Sydney. Property of Charles Godfrey.