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

20 Parts Concert Band Instrumentation
Quick March
Key Signature: Db Major

Printed on reverse of QM36 On The Quarter Deck

Instrumentation:
Eb Flute & Piccolo (actually written in Db)
Oboes
1st Bb Clarinet
2nd Bb Clarinet
3rd Bb Clarinet
1st Bassoon
2nd Bassoon
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Clarinets
Solo Bb Cornet
2nd Bb Cornet
1st Eb Horn
2nd Eb Horn
1st Trombone
2nd Trombone (Tenor Clef)
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Bombardon
Side Drum
Bass Drum

Inscriptions & markings

Stamped on each card: Australian Broadcasting Co. Ltd.