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

33 Parts Concert Band Instrumentation
Quick March
Key Signature: Eb Major

Instrumentation:
Piccolo Db
1st Flute
2nd & 3rd Flutes
Oboes
Eb Clarinet
1st Bb Clarinet
2nd Bb Clarinet
3rd Bb Clarinet
Alto Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
Bassoons
Soprano Saxophone
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
1st & 2nd Tenors
1st & 2nd Bb Trumpets
Eb Cornet
Solo or 1st Bb Cornet
2nd Bb Cornet
1st & 2nd Horns
3rd & 4th Horns
1st & 2nd Trombones
3rd & 4th Trombones
3rd & 4th Bb Basses or 3rd & 4th Trombones (Treble Clef)
Euphoniums/Baritone (Treble Clef)
Euphoniums (Bass Clef)
Basses
Drums
Harp

Inscriptions & markings

On envelope: QM37. Q27, 328 (crossed out).
Stamped on the reverse of each card: Australian Broadcasting Commission *Sydney*, Charles Godfrey. Printed on parts: To the American Legion. Lieut. Com. U.S.N.R.F.