Australian Imperial Band – Band Blasts from the Past

Hype versus reality: why the Malvern Tramways Band never travelled to the United Kingdom

February 28, 2024June 9, 2025 Jeremy de Korte2 Comments

Introduction:

Postcard: Malvern Tramways Band World Tour 1924 (Source: Jeremy de Korte Collection)

Sir. I desire to bring under the notice of our authorities and your readers the splendid status of the Malvern Tramways Band, and that public interest may be awakened with a view to sending the Australia’s champion band to contest against England’s best at the famous Crystal Palace brass band contest in London. Our soldiers and sailors, actors and singers, riflemen, footballers and politicians have won fame for Australia, and I feel confident our bandsmen can add fresh lustre to our laurels, and at the same time advertise our resources. The time is opportune to show the mettle of our pasture on the English contest platform, where the best in the world compete. In Malvern band we have the men, and in Mr. Harry Shugg we have the man. Yours, etc., J. STURT ANDERSON
(Anderson, 1920)

This letter by Mr. Anderson was published in the Prahran Telegraph newspaper on the 6^th of November 1920, two weeks after the afore mentioned Malvern Tramways Band won the A Grade Section at the Royal South Street contests. His letter is telling for many reasons, namely, for the high-praise language that he used, and because he advocates for the band to travel to the United Kingdom (U.K.). This is for a band that in 1920 is only nine years old, yet up to this point, had a contesting record which was enviable in the Australian band movement. What Mr. Anderson probably foresaw, but could not have known at the time, was that Malvern Tramways Band was going to get better in the very near future…and they did.

As will be seen throughout this post, there is an ongoing tussle between hype and reality, and expectation could probably be mixed into this as well. On one hand, we have a highly regarded brass band that is lauded at every opportunity for their playing. With this reputation, commentators and others talk up the prospect of sending the MTB to the U.K. compete and try to predict how well they will do when they get there. This is the hype. One reality, as we will find, was that the MTB was that good. However, the other reality is that travel overseas for any ensemble was expensive, as we saw in a previous post.

This is the story of why the MTB never travelled the U.K. within a time frame that spans the best part of a decade from 1920-1927. In this post we will unpick the reputation of the MTB in the 1910s and 1920s, their contesting record, and the inter-related stories of other bands that were also trying to travel. We will also see where the travel plans took them and the talk about the personalities that were involved. This is a band that gained an amount of support for their endeavours and plans. Alas that it never came to be.

The Malvern Tramways Band: building a reputation:

Postcard: Malvern Tramways Band World Tour 1924 : Contesting Record.
(Source: Jeremy de Korte Collection)

Above is the contesting record of the Malvern Tramways Band up to 1922 which was printed on the back of a souvenir postcard published in 1924. This record established the reputation of the MTB as one of the finest brass bands in Australia at the time. When considering the range of measures the MTB had in their favour during these years, including fine musicians and conductors, as well as a very active committee and the industry that supported the band, the advantages immediately become obvious.

Just looking at the conductors by themselves up to 1922, the MTB had the very best. From their inception in 1911 to 1914, they were conducted by Mr. William Ryder of Besses o’ th’ Barn Band fame, a musician who was detailed in a previous post (de Korte, 2018b). He led the band to its first contest win in 1912 in C grade after only thirteen practices where they surprised everyone – the Victorian Bands’ Association promptly promoted the band to B grade (Zealley & Ord Hume, 1926).

The second conductor of the MTB was the great Mr. Robert McAnally who took over for a short stint up until 1915 when Mr. Harry Shugg started a very long association with the band that lasted thirty-one years (Lawson-Black, 2010). These three famous musicians provided a foundation of musicianship and conducting for the band that set the MTB on a path to greatness in the early years of the band. By the time Mr. Shugg started at Malvern, he had already several successes at South Street with the Geelong Harbour Trust Band (Quickstep, 1920). Out of the three of these men it was Mr. Shugg that had the greatest impact and it is during his tenure that the MTB was primed to travel to the U.K.

The Malvern Tramways Band at South Street:

Thanks to visits from some of the top bands in the world at the time, namely the Besses o’ th’ Barn Band and adjudicators from the U.K. from the early 1900s and beyond, the Australian band movement underwent a rapid rise in standards (de Korte, 2021). The Malvern Tramways Band, although having started during this rise, was also a beneficiary with the mentioned conductors doing their part to take Malvern to new heights. In addition, the South Street band sections, having been added to the eisteddfod programme in 1900, were regarded as the premier band competitions in Australia (Greaves, 1996).

If we drill down into the MTB contest results a bit deeper, it is the last three on the postcard that provide the most interest, a hattrick of wins at the Ballarat South Street Eisteddfod in 1920, 1921, & 1922 (Royal South Street Society, 1920, 1921, 1922). Of course, their earlier contest results were important in the development of the band. However, in terms of context, the MTB achieved a string of results that cemented their status, and prompted the speculation and commentary of when, not if, they would travel to the U.K.

The MTB was not only renowned for their contest successes. They were an extremely hardworking band that endeared themselves to the local community through their charity work, community singing events, performances, and parades (Lawson-Black, 2010). And while they were nominally a band strongly supported by the Malvern tram depot, they also were strongly supported by the Malvern City Council who considered them as the council band (de Korte, 2022).

Rivalry:

By 1922, there was no shortage of bands trying to bump Malvern off its status as the champion band of Australia. As Zealley & Ord Hume (1926) noted in the chapter on Malvern Tramways in their book ‘Famous Bands of the British Empire : Brief Historical Records of the recognized leading Military Bands and Brass Bands in the Empire’,

There have been 7 A grade contests in Victoria since Malvern has been an A grade Band (1915-1921) : Malvern was eligible to enter five of these and received 1^st place on each occasion.”
(p. 60)

There were some Victorian A grade bands that were considered the main rivals of Malvern in competition namely Collingwood Citizens’ – they drew with Malvern at the 1915 South Street Eisteddfod – Hawthorn City, City of Ballarat, and St. Augustine’s Orphanage Band (Royal South Street Society, 1915, 1920, 1921, 1922). And then there were some interstate rivals including Newtown, South Sydney, Ipswich, and perhaps it’s greatest rival of the time, the Newcastle Steel Works Band (Greaves, 2005; Royal South Street Society, 1920, 1921, 1922). Although the Newcastle Steel Works Band only entered the South Street contests twice in these years, 1921 & 1922, they came second to Malvern both times (Greaves, 2005). However, unlike Malvern, the Newcastle Steel Works Band, then conducted by the great Albert Baile, did end up travelling to the U.K. in 1924, and won or placed in every contest that they entered (Greaves, 2005; Greaves & Earl, 2001).

Newcastle Steel Works Band, 1922 (Source: IBEW)

What if the MTB had made it to the U.K. and competed in their famed brass band contests? Some commentators felt they were a much better band than Newcastle…

The first attempt: “To Seek Fresh Fame in England”:

Do not believe the hype. But no one told the newspapers and other commentators of the day. After each of the three wins at South Street, the legendary status of the MTB only grew bigger. So did the garnering of support to send the band to the U.K.

The letter from Mr. J. Stuart Anderson at the head of this post could be considered the start of the commentary and hype. Sure enough, by early 1921, an announcement was made by the MTB that they would seek to go to the U.K. in 1924, news that surprised no one and was announced in newspapers up and down the country. The article below published by the Northern Star newspaper of Lismore, N.S.W. in February 1921 being one example.

In October 1922 the MTB achieved the hattrick at South Street and once again carried off the Boosey Shield (Royal South Street Society, 1922). The MTB and its conductor Mr. Harry Shugg drew widespread praise for their win and the adjudicator, Mr. Christopher Smith, from Adelaide and a former conductor of the Besses o’ th’ Barn Band had this to say about the MTB. Two Victorian newspapers, The Herald and The Prahran Telegraph, published his comments on the band and the musical genius of Mr. Shugg.

Malvern Tramways Band is such a cultured musical combination that it would capture English audiences by its playing. It would do so by sheer merit.

[…]

The successful conductor is a puzzle. To me he is only a boy, and I wonder where he gets such beautiful effects. He is a genius in the middle of a band, seeming to be ever striving after the unattainable, and getting nearer to it all the time. Let Melbourne send the boy and his band to London, and Londoners will take them to its collective bosom, and perhaps never allow them to leave.
(Smith in “Malvern Tramways Band.,” 1922)

The articles from the newspapers, while helpful, could only promote so much news about the band from their own correspondents. From the MTB’s perspective, driven as they were to get to the U.K. by 1924, they needed someone who was a networker and promoter, as well as being a musician, to help them manage the tour arrangements. That person was Mr. Gibson Young, and he got stuck straight into the job as tour manager.

Mr. Gibson Young, musical influencer:

The MTB won the 1922 South Street A Grade section in October of that year, by December, an announcement was made that Mr. Gibson Young would be the “business manager and organiser of the world tour” (“A BAND ABROAD,” 1922). In Mr. Young, the MTB could not have made a better choice of tour manager.

Mr. Young was not unknown to the musical circles of Melbourne. He mainly known as an accomplished singer and music critic, and claimed to have been the first person to introduce community singing events to Melbourne in 1919 – events that soon attracted huge numbers of people (“GIBSON YOUNG,” 1936). His ability to promote and network, and his eloquent writing, was evident as Mr. Young sought to talk up the proposed tour of the MTB to the U.K. His description of a MTB rehearsal which opens an article published by The Herald newspaper on the 4^th of December 1922, shows readers the inner workings of this band.

High up near the roof, and overlooking a sea of tramcars, is an employee lunch room at the Malvern Tramway sheds. Here a human dynamo induces into one circuit, or magnetic field of action, 30 players who make up the personnel of the Malvern Tramways Band – the champion brass band of Australia.
(Young, 1922)

Having introduced the band, Mr. Young goes on to write about the influence of Mr. Harry Shugg and how he shapes the sounds in rehearsal. However, in the last paragraph of the article, attention turns to the upcoming tour and the feelings of the band members. It is obvious that Mr. Young has possibly attended his first real rehearsal of the MTB and is astute in his observations. He may not understand the band yet, but he does understand musical finesse and can see what the MTB is striving to achieve.

And then these coatless musicians become a round table of smokers, discussing the all-absorbing topic – the band’s world tour to begin in March 1924. For 12 years the members of this band have given unsparingly, and without reward, the energy of enthusiasm which is said to be able to move mountains, and at least it seems as though this self-sacrifice is to be rewarded. No need to remind these men that they must compete with the world’s best, and that an Australian band may not necessarily be successful at Manchester or the Crystal Palace. For the next 15 months the men will have little else in their minds, and Harry Shugg will leave nothing to chance. The moral of this band is good now, Mr. Shugg expects it to be almost perfect in March, 1924.
(Young, 1922)

Up until September 1923, Mr. Young worked ceaselessly to promote the band and the tour by regularly penning articles and letters in newspapers, networking with politicians and community members, visiting various other states, and trying to secure more funding. Interestingly, he also uses his prowess in promoting community singing as a funding source for the band by having the band provide the accompanying music for community singing events (“MALVERN BAND CONCERTS,” 1923). This initiative started in January 1923 and collections were taken at each concert in Malvern and St. Kilda to benefit the touring fund.

There is no doubting the combination of community singing with the band was hugely successful. Mr. Young writes in a letter to The Herald newspaper on the 17^th of January that 8,000 people had attended the most recent event at the Malvern Cricket Ground (Young, 1923h). Booklets of the songs were also produced and sold to attendees as another form of funding for the tour (Malvern Tramways Band, 1923). One page of this booklet is devoted to a letter written by Mr. Young inviting interested parties to a public meeting in May and subscribing to shares in a company set up to fund the tour (Young, 1923b). Mr. Young is quite honest in this letter as he suggests up to “£20,000” will be needed to fund the tour (Young, 1923b, p. 24). But he also tries to talk up the potential earnings of “£40,000” from the tour which he expects will be earned from 200 concerts across Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, and other countries (Young, 1923b, p. 24).

Booklet (front cover):
*Community singing : St. Kilda Esplanade every Wednesday evening : words of songs & program*, 1923 (Source: National Library Australia: nla.obj-52777212)

Mr. Young worked to solicit money from other sources while promoting the tour. In early April 1923 he was adjudicating in Launceston, Tasmania, and being the opportunist organises a concert with the Launceston City Band accompanying a community singing event with the money going towards the MTB tour (“MALVERN TRAMWAY BAND,” 1923). In May of 1923 we see that Mr. Young has approached the Federal Government for funding (“AN ENGLISH TOUR.,” 1923).

In some ways, Mr. Young provides the best commentary of all as he draws everyone into the potential of this tour. Occasionally, and perhaps naively, he invites controversy in his articles and letters. One article written in February 1923 where he takes aim at the Redfern Band of Sydney is an example of this (Young, 1923f). Later that year in May, Mr. Young pens another letter where he outlines a conversation he had with Mr. W. Partington, then conductor of the South Sydney Band of Redfern about the touring plans of the MTB (Young, 1923g). At the time, Mr. Partington is trying to raise his own all-Australian band, the Australian Imperial Band (AIB), to go to the U.K. in 1924 (de Korte, 2019a).

Three more letters were written to The Age, The Argus, and The Prahran Telegraph newspapers in April 1923 by Mr. Young as he seeks to dispel a rumour that the bandsmen are taking their wives using the band funding (Young, 1923c, 1923d, 1923e). One of Mr. Young’s more interesting letters was written in June 1923, just before the public meeting on June 14^th where he addressed the composition of the touring party. Basically, he points out that some of the other attempts at touring parties were bands made up of bandmasters, unlike the MTB which has one band conductor and a band made up of very fine musicians (Young, 1923a). He is firm, but polite in this letter, especially in the first paragraph.

Sir. – Your correspondent, Mr Herbert Eden, is apparently acquainted with the full history of the attempts which have been made to send an all-Australian band abroad. He also realises how essential it is that any band that leaves Australia should have official status as a winner of championships, and that it should not merely be a combination of bandmasters filled with the wanderlust.
(Young, 1923a)

This is where Mr. Young leaves this story as he was busy organising the public meeting, but he will be back as this story is not quite done with him yet.

Some funding: then a reality check:

*The Sun News-Pictorial*, 15/06/1923, p. 13

By June 1923 the organising of the tour was well-underway with Mr. Young at the helm of the business side of things, along with the president and committee of the MTB. There was some money coming in, and important figures had been engaged to lend support. Now, it was time to form the company to handle the touring money and for the public to buy into the tour.

On the 14^th of June the MTB held a public meeting at the Malvern Town Hall where interested parties were invited to buy shares in the band company. By all accounts it was a grand affair with many councillors, dignitaries, members of the public, and three other metropolitan brass bands, Brunswick, Caulfield, and Hawthorn who teamed up with Malvern to present a recital on the front steps of the hall before proceedings commenced (“TOUR-SCHEME LAUNCHED,” 1923).

The challenge from the English band authorities had been accepted (“MALVERN BAND,” 1923a). To the keen observer, however, reality was obviously beginning to hit. The meeting was only attended by two-hundred interested parties and by the end of the night, only £2,000 had been raised (“TOUR-SCHEME LAUNCHED,” 1923). When Malvern Councillor Wettenhall “said that it was estimated that £10,000 would need to be subscribed before the band commenced the tour” (“MALVERN BAND,” 1923a), he was highlighting a certain reality of the situation.

Tour abandoned:

By the end of September 1923, reports that the Malvern Tramways Band had abandoned their tour began surfacing, as the article above shows (“MALVERN BAND,” 1923b). By early October, it had been confirmed. Disappointment was an understatement as it was realised that many factors were against raising more funds. The band said that it was not due to the administration being faulty, and one could readily believe that given the management of the MTB and nous of Mr. Gibson Young (“MALVERN BAND,” 1923b). The decision to abandon the tour was mainly due to an almost complete lack of funds at a time when they needed them most. As part of an article published in the Geelong Advertiser lamented,

The paltry response by the public generally shows how little even a great musical combination like the Malvern Band, with its brilliant record of successes, counts within the public when it comes to a practical point.
(“WORLD TOUR DROPPED,” 1923)

It was probably fortunate the band abandoned the tour when it did considering the futility of trying to raise around £7,500 in such a short time frame (“WORLD TOUR DROPPED,” 1923). Also, there were factors overseas that were against them, mainly economic conditions (“MALVERN BAND WORLD TOUR.,” 1923).

The aftermath:

From viewing the newspaper articles of the day, perhaps the Prahran Telegraph newspaper offered the most pragmatic response to the abandonment of the tour, laced with a bit of local self-interest.

That the Malvern Tramway Band would have gained world laurels those most competent to judge have little or no doubt about it. The world’s loss is our district’s gain, and not a few, who made it a habit to attend the Malvern Band recitals, will be pleased to know that they will be still able to listen this summer to the exquisite playing of the Malvern Tramways Band
(“MALVERN BAND WORLD TOUR.,” 1923)

Oddly, perhaps the MTB still felt there was some kind of chance to go to the U.K. to compete, even though the tour had been officially abandoned, perhaps in administration but not in mind. In early April 1924, letters were published in all the major Victorian newspapers written by Mr. Frank Garson, then President of the MTB. It seems the MTB were a bit put out at the thought that the Australian Imperial Band might make it to the U.K. instead of the MTB.

Sir, – I am instructed by the committee of the Malvern Tramways Band to ask, through this column of your valuable paper, for the public support to send this band to compete at Belview Manchester, for the brass band championship of the British Exhibition in 1924. This band endeavoured to raise funds for a company, but was unable to get the necessary capital. I notice that the Lord Mayor of Melbourne (Cr. W. Brunton) has convened a meeting of citizens, to be held in the Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday, April 3, to consider the sending of an Australasian Imperial Band to the Empire Exhibition.
(Garson, 1924)

After outlining the credentials of the MTB (which most people were probably aware of), Mr. Garson did not ask for that much!

We have a complete set of uniforms and instruments, and can leave in a month’s time. All that will be necessary if for 150 residents of Victorian to contribute £50 each. Any surplus will be returned to the contributors. In the event of the band not going all money will be returned. Trusting this appeal will meet with success. – Yours, etc.
(Garson, 1924)

There is no indication that this appeal for late money was in any way successful.

Postcard: Australian Imperial Band, 1924. (Source: Jeremy de Korte Collection)

For the rest of the Australian band movement, the desire to go to the U.K. and compete still resonated in a couple of bands, and the hole left by Malvern’s absence was to be filled by another Australian band. The two bands in the running were the Australian Imperial Band conducted by Mr. W. Partington and the Newcastle Steel Works Band conducted by Mr. Albert Baile.

Briefly, the Australian Imperial Band was an ensemble made up of many fine brass musicians from around Australia and they proceeded to go on a grand tour around Australia to raise funds, and which no doubt cost them money. However, when they reached Perth and were just about to sail to the U.K, the funds had run out – they needed more funds, but the money was not forthcoming (Mitchell, 1924). This is one band that had not heeded the lesson from the MTB’s failed attempt at travelling to the U.K.

Then there were the exploits of the Newcastle Steel Works Band, which has previously been mentioned in this post. They had been quietly preparing for their own tour and when the chance to go came up, they took it (Greaves, 2005).

As for Mr. Gibson Young, his appointment with the MTB ended with the abandonment of the tour, so was free to do as he wanted, but did not let his experiences with a brass band go to waste. Ever the musician, he had kept up numerous activities while associated with the MTB. And as we found in a previous post, one of these appointments was directing the brass band and community singing at Pentridge Prison, which he left at the end of September to travel to the U.K. (de Korte, 2023; “GAOL MUSIC,” 1923). He was spotted in Perth in November before sailing for the U.K., where his photo and article published by the Sunday Times newspaper mentioned his new appointment.

In January 1924 it was announced that Mr. Gibson Young had contracted an Imperial Band from Australia to play at the Wembley Exhibition for eight weeks (“VICTORIAN BAND,” 1924). It was not hard to work out which band had been contracted (and it was not Victorian), but we know what happened to the AIB and its plans for this tour. He also put on his other hat as a music critic early in his next stay in the U.K. and wrote a very useful critique of the 1924 contest at Crystal Palace where the Newcastle Steel Works Band came third. In this article published by The News newspaper in Adelaide in November 1924, he observed some distinct differences between South Street and the U.K. contests.

Unlike South street, the adjudicators allot no marks and make no remarks. Presumably they judge by a combined process of impression and elimination, in my opinion, a difficult, dangerous, and unsatisfactory method. Too much strain is placed on the judge’s psychology, and too much depends on the playing position of the winning band in the draw.
(Young, 1924)

And interestingly, he had this to say about final adjudication.

Out of the 17 competing bands, not more than ten appealed to me as essentially A grade. There are at least four Australian bands, not counting the Australian Imperial, which I have not heard, which could have defeated all the starters save one, the winner – St. Hilda’s Colliery Band. In my opinion and judging by the type of performance favoured by the judges, brilliant tone and a technically flawless performance, the Malvern Tramways Band would have won the contest given equal rehearsal opportunities with St. Hilda’s. The first three bands were St. Hilda’s, Black Dyke, and Newcastle (New South Wales) Steel Works in that order.

[…]

Some members of the Newcastle Band created mild amusement and some criticism by calmly and nonchalantly stripping off their tunics on the stage and playing in their shirtsleeves. This was not a gesture of defiance, but a natural desire to be comfortable.”
(Young, 1924)

Postcard: St. Hilda Colliery Band, 1924. (Source: Jeremy de Korte Collection)

After a long absence from Australia, Mr. Young came back from England in April 1936 but by November he had sadly passed away at the relatively young middle-age of 48 (“GIBSON YOUNG,” 1936; “Mr. ERNEST GIBSON YOUNG.,” 1936).

This ends the story of the first tour plan with all the hype, and reality that led up to the tour being abandoned. But the Malvern Tramways Band did not rest, there were other things to do, and dreams do not always fade.

A side note: the 1925 consolation tour of New Zealand:

If there was one lesson that the MTB learned from their failed attempt to get to the U.K., it was to have a proactive and varied fundraising strategy if they were to go on international trips. With this in mind, in August 1924, the MTB made the decision to go to New Zealand in February 1925 to compete at the New Zealand National Band Championships, a trip that would probably be cheaper than a jaunt to England (“MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND,” 1924). At this time, the band sections of the South Street Eisteddfod were not run from 1924-1932 and this left a gap in the competition calendar. While they could enter, and did enter, many other competitions around Australia during this time, the New Zealand trip offered them a different opportunity Once again, aspects of this tour have been documented in a previous post so the details of the fundraising effort have been noted here (de Korte, 2019b).

One cannot fault the MTB for their innovative and impressive fundraising efforts to get the band to New Zealand, and in November 1924, this fundraising effort was on full show. There were two major events in November that the MTB organised. The first event was a Massed Bands recital at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (M.C.G.) which was held in front of a crowd of 15,000 people (“MASSED BANDS PLAYED,” 1924). All members of the crowd were admitted by silver coin, and the MTB invited another eleven suburban bands to help them – as with any band event at the M.C.G., bands marched from Princes Bridge to the ground (“MASSED BANDS PLAYED,” 1924).

From the various suburbs 11 bands rallied, assembling at Prince’s Bridge and marching to the ground.

They were the Preston Citizens’ Band, Williamstown City Band, Caulfield District, Malvern City Band, Carlton Citizens’ Band, Footscray City Brass Band, Malvern Drum and Bugle Band, 32nd Battalion Band, Yarraville and Williamstown Naval Drum and Bugle Band, Collingwood Junior Brass Band, and the Burnley Band.”
(“MASSED BANDS PLAYED,” 1924)

This was quite the line-up of bands, including some that would not normally get to participate in this kind of event. For some, like the Burnley Brass Band, it was a very special experience and the fact that the great MTB invited them made it even more special (“Burnley Brass Band.,” 1924).

Two weeks later the MTB held a carnival at the Malvern Cricket Ground and it was not a small affair It comprised of a sports carnival involving thirty athletic clubs, a Highland Dancing competition, and a dance at the Malvern Town hall (“MALVERN BAND CARNIVAL.,” 1924). And just to top things off, for the musical entertainment there were five brass bands and three highland bands (“MALVERN BAND CARNIVAL.,” 1924).

Gaining all the funding that they needed, the MTB started their six week tour of New Zealand on the 4^th of February by sailing for Invercargill on the South Island (“MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND,” 1925a). And as they were nominally a tramways band, the NZ authorities gave them free travel on all NZ trams and reduced fares on the trains as the travelled up from Invercargill to Auckland, playing recitals in every locality that they visited (“MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND,” 1925a; “MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND,” 1925b).

Perhaps the end results of the competition were a foregone conclusion as the MTB dominated proceedings in Auckland. The New Zealand bands were no match for the MTB and the championship points reflected this – ten points separated the MTB from the next band in the A Grade test section (“MALVERN WIN A GRADE TEST,” 1925; Newcomb, 1980).

Malvern Tramways Band, Auckland. *Auckland Weekly News*, 2/03/1925, p. 46. (Source:
Ngā Pātaka Kōrero o Tâmaki Makaurau / Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections: AWNS-19250305-46-1)

Obviously, the win in New Zealand was impressive and only served to boost the reputation of the MTB. However, later in 1925, hype started building again and speculation grew that the MTB might again try to get to the U.K. to compete.

1926: The year they tried again:

There are several very fine bands in Australia, and I have heard some of the best of them, including the Malvern Tramways Band,” says Mr J Ord Hume, the well-known band adjudicator, in an interview published in the English Band News on his return to England from his visit to Ballarat.

“Melbourne has the finest all-round bands. There are also some very find bands in New South Wales and Western Australia,…Again, in my opinion, there are several much better bands than the Newcastle Steel Works Band (which won important contest in England), and the only thing required by all Australian bands in better and more finished tuition.”
(Ord Hume in “AUSTRALIAN BANDS,” 1925

James Ord Hume was not the only eminent band personage to have added his thoughts about the MTB, there were lots of others. What set these comments, and others apart, was the thoughts that the MTB was an infinitely better band than Newcastle Steel Works (“MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND.,” 1926a). A flurry of articles was published in newspapers throughout April and May 1926 that reported on another planned trip by Malvern to compete in the U.K. in 1927. Much was made of the fact that the MTB was made up of working men and that the band needed more support from the public, as Mr. R. T. Patterson, President of the Management Committee explained in an interview.

We play all day on Sunday, practicing in the morning, performing at the Wattletree road park in the afternoon, and at the Central Gardens in Malvern, in the evening. The Tramways Board gives us a small subsidy for the afternoon performance, and the Malvern Council this year gave us £100 for playing at Central Gardens. But, although we often have 2000 people at these performances, collections yield very little.
(Patterson in “APPEAL FOR BAND,” 1926)

However, a headline in an article published in April 1926 by The Sun News-Pictorial newspaper might as well have been the most realistic about this latest effort, as can be viewed in the article below.

*The Sun News-Pictorial*, 07/04/1926, p. 5

At a special performance by the MTB and assisted by the Geelong Municipal Band at Central Park, Malvern, the Mayor of Malvern officially launched the campaign to send the MTB abroad (“MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND.,” 1926b). One of the dignitaries was a Mr. J. Venn of London who was representing the brass bands of the U.K.

Mr. Venn, speaking on behalf of the bands of Great Britain, said the British bandsmen would welcome the Malvern Tramways Band with open arms. They preferred a regular band much before a composite band drawn from all parts of a State.
(“MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND.,” 1926b)

But as could be predicted, this second attempt by the MTB to get to the U.K. also came to nought, and the reasons why would probably be financial. Although, unlike the first tour when the abandonment was widely reported on, there was almost nothing in the papers in this instance. The last we hear of this tour is an article from April 1927 published in the Geelong Advertiser newspaper where, according to sources, the bandsmen of New Zealand give their best wishes to Malvern on their tour.” (“The Malvern Band,” 1927).

A tour which did not happen.

Conclusion:

The Malvern Tramways Band tried their best to answer the hype and expectations thrust upon them by an eager community who wanted the MTB to take their playing to the U.K., and win. There was no doubting that the MTB deserved all the accolades during these years as they were that good. There was probably no doubt that they would do very well in the U.K., as the commentators and adjudicators suggested. However, the pervasive reality around finances and funding was always going to surround their two attempts. As for an overseas trip, New Zealand would have to do.

The rhetorical what if question as to how well the MTB would do in the U.K. will probably be debated for as long as the history lasts. The MTB are legends in the Australian band movement, but in this year, a full century after they should have gone to the U.K., the debate still comes up. Band historians can continue this discussion when time allows.

Hype versus reality. An age-old tussle that never goes away.

References:

Anderson, J. S. (1920, 06 November). AUSTRALIA’S CHAMPION BAND : Malvern Tramways Band. Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 – 1930), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165153504

APPEAL FOR BAND : Champions Want to Tour Britain. (1926, 06 April). Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243591118

Auckland Weekly News. (1925). Australian band’s sweeping success : Malvern Tramways (Melbourne), Winners of all the A Grade Shields and the McLeod Cup. In Auckland Weekly News (AWNS-19250305-46-01 ed., pp. 46). Auckland, N.Z. https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/244635/rec/1: Ngā Pātaka Kōrero o Tâmaki Makaurau / Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections.

AUSTRALIAN BANDS : Mr Ord Hume Likes Malvern Tramways. (1925, 11 June). Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 25. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244047022

A BAND ABROAD : Malvern Players Tour : Manager Appointed. (1922, 01 December). Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246675723

BAND OF WORKERS : Music Strong, Finance Weak. (1926, 07 April). Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 – 1954; 1956), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article274798889

BAND OFF TO ENGLAND. (1921, 14 February). Northern Star (Lismore, NSW : 1876 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93115301

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de Korte, J. D. (2018a, 14 October). International band tours of the early 1900’s: bringing music to Australia. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2018/10/14/_international-band-tours-of-the-early-1900s-bringing-music-to-australia/

de Korte, J. D. (2018b, 02 March). William Ryder: The first conductor of the Prahran & Malvern Tramways Employees Band. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2018/03/02/william-ryder-the-first-conductor-of-the-prahran-malvern-tramways-employees-band/

de Korte, J. D. (2019a, 24 March). Names and status: the rare National and State bands. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2019/03/24/names-and-status-the-rare-national-and-state-bands/

de Korte, J. D. (2019b, 03 August). Trans-Tasman connections: the lure of competition and performance. Part Two – Australian Bands in New Zealand. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2019/08/03/trans-tasman-connections-the-lure-of-competition-and-performance-part-two-australian-bands-in-new-zealand/

de Korte, J. D. (2021, 16 February). Influences from Britain: James Ord Hume and “The Besses Effect”. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2021/02/16/influences-from-britain-james-ord-hume-and-the-besses-effect/

de Korte, J. D. (2022, 31 July). A band, council, correspondence, and financial records: a case study of the Malvern City Band. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2022/07/31/a-band-a-council-correspondence-and-financial-records-a-case-study-of-the-malvern-city-band/

de Korte, J. D. (2023, 23 April). A pastime with a purpose: band music in our institutions and the fourth prison band in the world. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2023/04/23/a-pastime-with-a-purpose-band-music-in-our-institutions-and-the-fourth-prison-band-in-the-world/

AN ENGLISH TOUR : MALVERN TRAMWAY BAND. (1923, 17 May). World (Hobart, Tas. : 1918 – 1924), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article190297002

GAOL MUSIC. (1923, 22 September). Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77760324

Garson, F. (1924, 04 April). MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND : TO THE EDITOR. Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 – 1930), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165094667

GIBSON YOUNG : Pioneer of Community Singing : Returns After Absence of 13 Years. (1936, 28 April). Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 – 1947), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article183389164

Greaves, J. (1996). The Great Bands of Australia [booklet] [2 sound discs (CD) : digital ; 4 3/4 in. + 1 booklet]. Sydney, N.S.W., Sound Heritage Association Ltd. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/2372005

Greaves, J. (2005). A musical mission of Empire : the story of the Australian Newcastle Steelworks Band. Peters 4 Printing. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/3640204

Greaves, J., & Earl, C. (2001). Albert Baile : August 10 1882 – March 14 1961. In Legends in brass : Australian brass band achievers of the 20th century (pp. 11-12). Muso’s Media. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/1522216

Lawson-Black, P. (2010). Bold as brass : the story of Stonnington City Brass then and now. Pat Lawson Black, Stonnington City Brass. https://find.slv.vic.gov.au/permalink/61SLV_INST/1sev8ar/alma9921636883607636

The Malvern Band. (1927, 04 April). Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1859 – 1929), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232380492

MALVERN BAND : ENGLISH CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. (1923, 16 June). Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1859 – 1929), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166013099

MALVERN BAND : Proposed World Tour : May be Abandoned. (1923, 28 September). Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 – 1954; 1956), 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article274210227

MALVERN BAND CARNIVAL. (1924, 15 November). Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1957), 22. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2069105

MALVERN BAND CONCERTS : Community Singing on Sunday Nights. (1923, 06 January). Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246670527

MALVERN BAND WORLD TOUR. (1923, 05 October). Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 – 1930), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165100079

MALVERN TRAMWAY BAND : Acclaimed at Ballarat : The Champion Band. (1922, 03 November). Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 – 1930), 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165129241

MALVERN TRAMWAY BAND : PROPOSED WORLD TOUR : ASSISTANCE FROM LAUNCESTON. (1923, 05 April). Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas. : 1883 – 1928), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153414987

MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND. (1924, 06 August). Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243887504

MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND. (1925a, 20 January). Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 16. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243874312

Malvern Tramways Band. (1923). Community singing : St. Kilda Esplanade every Wednesday evening : words of songs & program. Malvern Tramways Band. http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-52777212

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MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND : Projected Tour Abroad. (1926b, 24 November). Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 – 1954), 12. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202212517

MALVERN WIN A GRADE TEST : PORT NICHOLSON SECURE FIFTH PLACE. (1925, 27 February). Evening Post. https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19250227.2.83.1

MASSED BANDS PLAYED : 15,000 Listened : FUNDS FOR MALVERN. (1924, 03 November). Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 – 1954; 1956), 11. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article274432031

Minton Witts Studios. (1924). Australian Imperial Band in Sydney (Conducted by: Mr W. M. Partington) [Postcard]. Minton Witts Studios, Sydney, N.S.W.

Mitchell, E. L. (1924, 09 August). “WE WANT SOME MONEY-GIVE US SOME, DO!”. Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76437154

Mr. ERNEST GIBSON YOUNG. (1936, 02 November). Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 – 1954), 12. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205944529

Muntz, D. L. (1924). Malvern Tramways Band World Tour 1924 [Postcard]. Muntz Studio Pty. Ltd., Malvern, Victoria.

Muntz Studio. (1922, 28 September). TO SEEK FRESH FAME IN ENGLAND : Malvern Tramways Band and its Young Conductor. Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 15. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243779263

Newcastle Steel Works Band. (1922). [Photograph]. [phot20975]. The Internet Bandsman Everything Within, Vintage Brass Band Pictures – Australia. http://www.ibew.org.uk/vbbp-oz.html

Newcomb, S. P. (1980). Challenging brass : 100 years of brass band contests in New Zealand, 1880-1980. Powerbrass Music for the Brass Band Association of New Zealand. https://natlib-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/1s57t7d/NLNZ_ALMA21242590750002836

Quickstep. (1920a, 23 October). Bandsmen’s Gossip : Celebrated Conductor. Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242245731

Quickstep. (1920b, 24 July). Bandsmen’s Gossip : Leader of Two Famous Bands. Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 11. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242308343

Royal South Street Society. (1915). 1915-10-23 Brass Band Contests : Held at City Oval [Eisteddfod Results]. Royal South Street Society Results Database. https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1915-10-23-brass-band-contests

Royal South Street Society. (1920). 1920-10-23 Brass Band Contests [Eisteddfod Results]. Royal South Street Society Results Database. https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1920-10-23-brass-band-contests

Royal South Street Society. (1921). 1921-10-22 Brass Band Contests : Held at City Oval [Eisteddfod Results]. Royal South Street Society Results Database. https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1921-10-22-brass-band-contests

Royal South Street Society. (1922). 1922-10-26 Brass Band Contests [Eisteddfod Results]. Royal South Street Society Results Database. https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1922-10-26-brass-band-contests

TOUR-SCHEME LAUNCHED : £2000 Already Raised for Band. (1923, 15 June). Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244032124

TWELVE YEARS OF HARMONY. (1923, 15 June). Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 – 1954; 1956), 13. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article274146118

VICTORIAN BAND : TO PLAY AT WEMBLEY. (1924, 07 January). Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1903; 1916 – 1926), 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article217628364

Warren, W. H. (1924). The Famous St. Hilda Colliery Band : World Champions : 1912 – 1920 – 1921 – 1924 [Postcard]. [Formal]. W. H. Warren, South Shields, U.K.

WORLD TOUR DROPPED : Malvern Band Disappointed : LACK OF FUNDS. (1923, 28 September). Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1859 – 1929), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166022301

Young, G. (1922, 04 December). MUSICAL DYNAMOS : Malvern Band at Practice : Preparing for World Tour. Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246671641

Young, G. (1923a, 06 June). BAND OF BANDMASTERS : TO THE EDITOR. Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244030215

Young, G. (1923b). The Malvern Tramways Band : An Appreciation. In Community singing : St. Kilda Esplanade every Wednesday evening : words of songs & program (pp. 24). Malvern Tramways Band. http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-52777212

Young, G. (1923c, 23 April). MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND TOUR : To The Editor of the Argus. Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1957), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1892296

Young, G. (1923d, 27 April). MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND WORLD TOUR : (To the Editor). Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 – 1930), 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165130459

Young, G. (1923e, 25 April). MALVERN TRAMWAYS BAND WORLD TOUR : TO THE EDITOR OF THE AGE. Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 – 1954), 12. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204072904

Young, G. (1923f, 10 February). MUSICAL RIVALRY : Malvern Band Superior to Sydney Players. Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243800219

Young, G. (1923g, 22 May). PEOPLE SAY—- : “Tristan’s” Triteness. Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244031836

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Zealley, A. E., & Ord Hume, J. (1926). Famous Bands of the British Empire : Brief Historical Records of the recognized leading Military Bands and Brass Bands in the Empire. J. P. Hull. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4808576

Providing historical context: “thirty” in the life of a band

December 28, 2020September 18, 2021 Jeremy de Korte1 Comment

Introduction:

My favourite period of band life in Australia is between 1900-1950 and the posts on this blog reflect this. It is a time of rapid development of bands in this country and tied in with major historical events (Wars, a pandemic and the Great Depression), the life of bands was certainly eventful. It was also a time of great musical achievement in the band scene with many fine bands coming to the fore, competitions gaining national prominence, and individual band members becoming household names.

It would be fair to say that bands create their own history, and we can see early bands come to life again through articles and newspaper reports. Such is the passage of time; the early bands inform the life of their contemporary iterations. Modern-day bands can and do look back and wonder. Yet the modern-day bands celebrate achievement and mark their own yearly history the same way their forebears did. Each annual general meeting is a testament to this!

The theme of this blog post is around the number thirty. Forgive the slight indulgence, this also marks the thirtieth blog post of “Band Blasts from the Past”. The early bands were probably very pleased they had reached a thirty. It is not just a number, it is the number of members, age of a band, and even a part of local history.

Thirty members:

What is a band without members? Not much. So, it is no surprise that the bands of old made mention of the numbers of members who had signed up to bands, attended annual general meetings, or played in concerts. It is worthwhile to read of such numbers as they tell us how the band was travelling over time. Of course, bands at this time consisted of all manner of numbers from the very small to the very big, but generally based on the ideal of twenty-eight brass musicians and a couple of percussionists – thirty members (not including the band master) (Myers, 2000).

“New Caulfield Brass Band” was the headline of a tiny article that was published in the Herald newspaper on the 22^nd of August 1913. Whoever was starting this new band was proud to say that “Thirty men gave in their names as willing to join” (“New Caulfield Brass Band.,” 1913). Whether that same thirty continued on this path is another matter.

Forming boys and school bands was sometimes more successful and the young band members were very enthusiastic. The East State School in Toowoomba, Queensland was one such school that formed a band, an idea which grew to fruition thanks to a committee of teachers, parents and the conductor of the local Toowoomba Musical Union, a Mr. T. Slatyer (“EAST STATE SCHOOL,” 1933). Thirty boys were part of the initial brass band. Likewise, a boy’s brass band was proposed in the town of Mooroopna near Shepparton, Victoria. At the initial meeting, thirty applications were received and those proposing this new band were encouraging but urged some caution.

Mr. N. L. McKean told the boys who attended that patience and hard practice would be needed for success. His remarks were supported by Mr. P. Harrington, and the bandmaster (Mr. McCaskill) urged the boys to consider the matter very carefully
(“MOOROOPNA NEWS,” 1936)

Postcard showing the Australian Imperial Band in Sydney, 1924 (Source: Jeremy de Korte Collection)

Backtracking slightly in time, the Australian Imperial Band was formed in 1924 with the grand intention of travelling around Australia, and then to England to compete against the best of British brass bands. We know from a previous post what happened to the tour as the band never made it to England due to lack of funds (de Korte, 2019). However, newspaper articles, such as this one published in the Sunraysia Daily newspaper in January 1924, proudly proclaimed that thirty of Australia’s leading bandsmen were “To be Chosen from All States for Wembley” and that there were “Engagements Assured” (“AUSTRALIAN BRASS BAND,” 1924).

In October 1924, thirty performers of the Wagga Wagga Brass Band provided a varied recital to an enthusiastic crowd in one of the town parks (“WAGGA BRASS BAND.,” 1924). The local Daily Advertiser newspaper duly published an account of the evening and even listed all the pieces that were played (as can be seen in the article above).

Ulverstone Municipal Band, 1948 (Source: IBEW)

Down south in Tasmania, a letter writer with the band-like pseudonym of “Tenor Horn” wrote to the Northern Standard newspaper to proudly proclaim that the thirty members of the Ulverstone Brass Band were “progressing well” under a new bandmaster (Tenor Horn, 1922). Further north, in 1929 the Windsor Municipal Band of Queensland was also the subject of an article reporting on their progress.

Since the appointment of Mr. P. E. Lindsay as conductor of the Windsor Municipal Band six months ago, the band has made rapid strides. What was once an ordinary brass band of 11 players has now risen to the number of 30. A notable aspect is the new silver-plated instruments that have taken the place of the old brass ones, something like £250 having been spent on equipment.
(“Rapid Progress.,” 1929)

Sometimes, it was not all about how many members signed up to a band, attended a meeting or played at a concert although these are useful numbers. At times it was also about providing for a band and in 1948 we can see that the Echuca Brass Band did exactly that when they ordered 30 new uniforms costing £400 (“New Uniforms for Echuca Brass Band,” 1948).

First Intermission: Thirty shillings:

There is no doubt that some people were passionate about their local band. Not just passionate but parochial and sometimes felt that they were well-qualified to express their opinions (no matter if it was welcomed or not). And so, a very long letter by a contributor under the pseudonym of “Interested Citizen” was published in the Wellington Times newspaper in June 1922. The subject of his letter was a special meeting held by the local Wellington Municipal Band, a band located in the New South Wales Central West, regarding the current state of the band (Interested Citizen, 1922). In this letter of which a part will be quoted, he levels an amount of criticism however one aspect is the amount of pay given to the conductor.

However, I was indeed pleased to see that an attempt has been made to rally the band and send it along on a properly managed basis. It is an undeniable fact that of late the band has been going from bad to worse and in all probability would soon have dwindled into oblivion. But as I have stated an attempt has been made to stem the tide of destruction though in my opinion that attempt is doomed and will fall far short of its mark unless the committee acts promptly and in a business-like manner. First of all, I noticed that the bandmaster’s salary has been reduced from £2 to £1/10 per week. This is undoubtedly a step in the wrong direction, as it is ridiculous to expect any man who is not a resident of the town to apply for the position at thirty shillings per week and no guarantee of employment.
(Interested Citizen, 1922)

One can see the train of thought in this letter and also see that it is well-meaning. Why wouldn’t a local citizen write a seemingly logical letter like this? The thinking is sound; to build a better band you need the best person to do the job of bandmaster and the band will not attract this person to the town on a lower pay. After expressing opinions about which conductor in the town might be best qualified, “Interested Citizen” then writes:

I contend that the citizens of Wellington have had quite enough of low grade music and the time is now opportune for something practical to be done. If Wellington could pay its bandmaster £2 per week in the past, why not pay it in the future. If we cannot afford £2 for a capable man much less can we afford £1/10 for an incapable man. Wellington wants good music and we all realise that a first class man cannot be procured for a low grade pay. Therefore, I say. Keep up the standard, offer a salary that will induce talented musicians to apply and by doing so you will have taken the first step toward making a band that Wellington may well feel proud of.
(Interested Citizen, 1922)

Definitely opinionated, and he does have a valid point over the thirty-shilling difference in pay.

Thirty Years:

Armidale City Band, date unknown (Source: IBEW)

There are some curious aspects to reporting on a bands annual general meeting in various early newspapers. Some of them report everything verbatim. Others report what is needed and leave out parts. One of these was an article published in March 1927 by The Armidale Chronicle newspaper on the annual general meeting of the Armidale City Band. “Thirty Years Old” proclaims the headline, yet that is the only mention of age in the entire article (“Thirty Years Old.,” 1927). There is no doubt the band has done well for themselves in the preceding year. Membership has been solid, the band has appeared in numerous engagements, they are financially stable and possess a good set of instruments (“Thirty Years Old.,” 1927). Surely the paper would have made more mention of the bands age, but apparently not. At least though we have an indication in 1927 of how old the band actually is!

More meaningful is the various biographical entries on the famous bandsman, conductor and composer, Alexander Frame Lithgow. Originally from Scotland, Alex Lithgow spent much of his early life in New Zealand before moving to Tasmania where he conducted various bands in the Launceston area (Firth & Glover, 1986; Rimon, 2006). Lithgow “dominated Tasmanian band life for thirty years” (Rimon, 2006). Although, given his fame through his playing and compositions (especially the quick march “Invercargill), it could be argued that he dominated parts of Australian band life, if not parts of global band life as well (Firth & Glover, 1986; Glover, 2006; Rimon, 2006).

In October 1953 the Glen Innes Examiner newspaper published a worthwhile history of the Glen Innes Municipal Band with much of the information provided at the time by band member Mr. Andy Morton (“Municipal Band Has Outstanding Record,” 1953). This band, which by 1953 had reached an “unbroken sequence of 75 years”, boasted of many fine band members and conductors over time (“Municipal Band Has Outstanding Record,” 1953). One aspect of this history that stood out was how dedicated conductors were to this band.

Numerous others, also, were got their original training through the local band went on to do big things in music in Australia and elsewhere.
“For the last thirty years the band has been carried on by a bandmaster without pay.” Mr. Morton said.
“The present conductor, Mr. Eric Keating, is doing a wonderful job.”
“He is giving up one night a week for teaching beginners and general practices also take up a lot of his time.”
“Also, the band gives programmes in the park and at the hospital, and is always ready to perform at any function where a brass band is needed in the ceremony.”
(“Municipal Band Has Outstanding Record,” 1953)

Thirty years of commitment, of playing and dedication to community and band is a special milestone that needs to be celebrated.

Second Intermission: Thirty minutes:

Postcard: A.B.C. Military Band – Conductor: Harry Shugg, 1930 (Source: Victorian Collections: Victorian Bands’ League)

As we saw in a previous post, the advent of gramophones and broadcasting led to a profound change in how Australians listened to and consumed music (de Korte, 2020). And with this new found listening came the inevitable letters to newspapers regarding how much or how little band music was being played over the wireless (de Korte, 2020). The Australian Broadcasting Commission (A.B.C.) bore the brunt of the letters as they were the major broadcasters of band music at the time– the organisation even had their own A.B.C. Military Band (de Korte, 2018).

With this in mind, in February 1940 a Mr. J. Grills sent a letter to The ABC Weekly newspaper.

I would like to hear more brass and military band music, and less of the tin-can jazz tripe. Thirty minutes is not long enough for band programmes. I would like to hear at least an hour’s session. Wouldn’t it be possible for The ABC Weekly to publish voting coupons for, say, three months with the features divided up into Classical Music, Talks, Jazz and so on. The programme compilers would then get an idea of what the listeners really prefer.
(Grills, 1940)

There is no doubting that band music was popular at the time, and certainly the A.B.C. Military Band was played at very regular times over the wireless (“NATIONAL MILITARY BAND SESSIONS,” 1941). Nevertheless, this letter from Mr. Grills was probably one of many sent to the A.B.C. on the same subject. It is but one of many opinions expressed during this time regarding bands and the wireless and certainly people had their musical tastes. Given the time Mr. Grills wrote this letter, it was in the early years of the Second World War and music from bands was inspiring to many (“NATIONAL MILITARY BAND SESSIONS,” 1941).

Thirty Years Ago:

We are all familiar with local newspapers of today publishing articles from many years ago to highlight local history as it is a fascination that has not dwindled over time. Unsurprisingly, we can find the same kinds of articles in early newspapers where they republished articles from previous editions that are decades old. Perhaps there was also a nostalgic interest in times past during these early years. Luckily, we can also find snippets of news regarding the local brass bands in these local history articles.

The year is 1932 and The Shoalhaven Telegraph newspaper was one that reprinted (rewrote) an article from February 1902. In this article we find all manner of news from 1902 including this small snippet:

Fancy Nowra having to secure a band from Kiama! Why don’t Shoalhaven people take steps to revive the town band?
(“Thirty Years Ago.,” 1933)

In the early 1900s, town bands came and went depending on circumstance, so it is no wonder that the town of Shoalhaven resented the fact that a band from Kiama was booked for an engagement instead.

In a similar style The Wooroora Producer newspaper from South Australia republished an article from a previous iteration of their newspaper, The Central Advocate. Their article was from 1903 where a plan was put in place to resurrect a band called the Balaklava Brass Band with instruments be sourced from the previous Federal Band (“Thirty Years Ago.,” 1933). The article from 1903 had a charming headline of “The Dead to be Raised” (“Thirty Years Ago.,” 1933).

A year later in 1934 we can find an interesting article published in The Catholic Press newspaper regarding events held thirty years earlier. In this reminiscing from 1904, the article makes mention of the Queanbeyan Brass Band playing at the local railway station to farewell a Priest who was about to take up duties at a Church in Sydney (“Do You Remember?,” 1934). Apparently the band played “Auld Lang Syne” with “heartfelt sympathy” (“Do You Remember?,” 1934).

A bit further north and in 1939, the Kyogle Examiner newspaper published articles from the same newspaper in 1909. Within this article (from 1909), we can see that the Kyogle Brass Band had held one of their regular meetings where correspondence was discussed and a vacancy on the committee was filled (“KYOGLE THIRTY YEARS AGO,” 1939). And in 1945, the Nurmurkah Leader newspaper published extracts from their “Leader File” where we find that in 1915, “an effort is being made to resuscitate the Nathalia Brass Band” (“What Hapened Thirty Years Ago,” 1945).

*Newcastle Morning Herald and Miner’s Advocate*, 8/6/1946, p. 5

In another nod to local history, an excellent article was penned in the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miner’s Advocate by a Mr Leo Butler in June 1946. This article is a bit different to those mentioned above as it is not a republished extract from thirty years earlier. However, Mr Butler gives us a bit of history on the Mereweather Brass Band which was started in 1916 – and the article included cartoons of band events (Butler, 1946). It is a very entertaining and well-written read.

Conclusion:

Thirty members, thirty years, thirty years ago and some other thirties for good measure! The bands of the time may not have realised the history they were making when they made mention of these numbers in various iterations. And we cannot forget that the contribution of local newspapers when they republished articles from times past. All of this provides a historical context which is centred around a certain number.

References:

Armidale City Band. (n.d.). [Photograph]. [phot12333]. The Internet Bandsman Everything Within, Vintage Brass Band Pictures : Australia. http://www.ibew.org.uk/vbbp-oz.html

AUSTRALIAN BRASS BAND : To be Chosen from All States for Wembley : ENGAGEMENTS ASSURED. (1924, 10 January). Sunraysia Daily (Mildura, Vic. : 1920 – 1926), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article258428082

A.B.C. Military Band – Conductor: Harry Shugg. (1930). [Postcard : L13.8cm – W8.8cm]. [0016]. Victorian Collections, Victorian Bands’ League. https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/5b39988221ea6d0008c461a6

Butler, L. (1946, 08 June). Band Began With “Grasp Of An English Hand”. Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140620196

de Korte, J. D. (2018, 12 July). The A.B.C. Military Band: an ensemble of the times. Band Blasts from the Past : Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2018/07/12/the-a-b-c-military-band-an-ensemble-of-the-times/

de Korte, J. D. (2019, 24 March). Names and status: the rare National and State bands. Band Blasts from the Past : Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2019/03/24/names-and-status-the-rare-national-and-state-bands/

de Korte, J. D. (2020, 03 August). Australian bands, gramophones and wireless: adapting to new technology. Band Blasts from the Past : Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2020/08/03/australian-bands-gramophones-and-wireless-adapting-to-new-technology/

Do You Remember? : Thirty Years Ago. (1934, 10 May). Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 – 1942), 21. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104379129

EAST STATE SCHOOL : BRASS BAND FORMED : Thirty Boys to be Trained : INSTRUMENTS PURCHASED. (1933, 06 October). Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs Gazette (Qld. : 1922 – 1933), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254347346

Firth, J. F., & Glover, M. (1986). Lithgow, Alexander Frame (1870-1929). In Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved 22 March 2019, from http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/lithgow-alexander-frame-7206

Glover, M. (2006). Alexander Lithgow. In the companion to Tasmanian History. Retrieved 23 October 2020, from https://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_t o _tasmanian_history/L/Lithgow%20A.htm

Grills, J. (1940). More brass bands [Letter]. The ABC Weekly, 2(7), 6. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1267490986/view?partId=nla.obj-1267582001

Interested Citizen. (1922, 26 June). THE MUNICIPAL BAND : (To the Editor). Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 – 1954), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137405659

KYOGLE THIRTY YEARS AGO : From the “Kyogle Examiner,” March 20m 1909. (1939, 21 March). Kyogle Examiner (NSW : 1912; 1914 – 1915; 1917 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235563996

Minton Witts Studios. (1924). Australian Imperial Band in Sydney (Conducted by: Mr W. M. Partington) [Postcard]. Minton Witts Studios, Sydney, N.S.W.

MOOROOPNA NEWS : BOYS’ BAND FOR MOOROOPNA : Thirty Applications. (1936, 12 October). Shepparton Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 – 1953), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168153212

Municipal Band Has Outstanding Record. (1953, 21 October 1953). Glen Innes Examiner (NSW : 1908 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article184214126

Myers, A. (2000). Instruments and Instrumentation of British Brass Bands. In T. Herbert (Ed.), The British brass band : a musical and social history (pp. 155-186). Clarendon Press ; New York : Oxford University Press.

NATIONAL MILITARY BAND SESSIONS. (1941, 27 January). Shepparton Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 – 1953), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175188421

New Caulfield Brass Band. (1913, 22 August 1913). Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article241545000

New Uniforms for Echuca Brass Band. (1948, 28 October). Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205671119

Rapid Progress : WINDSOR MUNICIPAL BAND : THIRTY PLAYERS : SILVER-PLATED INSTRUMENTS. (1929, 03 May). Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser (Qld. : 1922 – 1954), 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76875405

Rimon, W. (2006). Bands. In the companion to Tasmanian History. Retrieved 23 October 2020, from https://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/B/Bands.htm

Tenor Horn. (1922, 19 July). ULVERSTONE BRASS BAND : (To the Editor). Northern Standard (Ulverstone, Tas. : 1921 – 1923), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232742518

Thirty Years Ago : (Rewritten from “Shoalhaven Telegraph,” February 12th, 1902). (1932, 17 February). Shoalhaven Telegraph (NSW : 1881 – 1937), 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135240081

Thirty Years Ago : The Dead to be Raised. (1933, 23 March). Wooroora Producer (Balaklava, SA : 1909 – 1940), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207142017

Thirty Years Old : ARMIDALE CITY BAND : HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING. (1927, 26 March). Armidale Chronicle (NSW : 1894 – 1929), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188070309

Ulverstone Municipal Band. (1948). [Photograph]. [phot12550]. The Internet Bandsman Everything Within, Vintage Brass Band Pictures : Australia. http://www.ibew.org.uk/vinbbp/phot12550.jpg

WAGGA BRASS BAND. (1924, 27 October). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 – 1954), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article143343712

What Hapened Thirty Years Ago : Extracts from “Leader” File – May 7, 1915. (1945, 07 May). Numurkah Leader (Vic. : 1895 – 1948), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article186468909

Names and status: the rare National and State bands

March 24, 2019September 7, 2021 Jeremy de Korte3 Comments

Postcard: Australian Silver Band, 1925. (source: Jeremy de Korte Personal Collection)

Introduction:

For the most part, the naming of bands is logical based on location, type, or business association. It stands to reason that if a band was associated with a town, then that would be the town band, however, there were a number of exceptions – the naming of some of the early private bands comes to mind. Likewise, if a band was in a locality and associated with an industry, a similar naming convention would follow, such as Newcastle Steelworks or South Australian Railways. This gave the bands identity and a purpose. Where two bands existed in the same area, there was undoubtedly some disagreements, although not generally over naming but over status and prestige…and performances! If a band was given an Australian or State name, that lifted their reputations almost immediately, yes? Possibly, but there were other factors involved.

The focus of this post is to explore a level up from the local bands where we delve into the rare State and National bands. Granted, there were not many of them. In fact, in the time period that is being focused on in this post, these types of bands were thin on the ground. In a previous post, the life of the ABC Military Band was explored, a unique ensemble in its own right and one that included bandsmen from all over Australia. This was a representative band but different from the more common brass bands in that it included woodwind and percussion. In this post, we will highlight brass bands.

Admittedly, there was some difficulty finding material on these rare bands due to their short periods of existence. That being said, there were other bands in Australia aside from the more notable ones and mention will be made of them. We will also see how a certain State band raised the ire of the governing body of its home State.

There is no doubt that being part of a National or State band was one that bandsmen aspired, and for the National bands, the best bandsmen were picked for a proposed or grand world tour. The one State band that was set up did so in unusual circumstances and the naming of them as a State band brought them much recognition and pride. With this in mind, National and State bands did exist and although they were sporadic and formed mainly for tours, they developed reputations in their own right and gave more bandsmen another musical outlet.

Early attempts:

State and National bands were mainly set up by organizations that had the resources to undertake such ventures. Remembering that this was an older Australia where the distances between places were sometimes very vast, and it was not easy to move people anywhere. Yet in the first instance, we can see that the Salvation Army pulled this off in 1898 with the formation of a Federal Band. An article which was published in the South Australian Register on the 14th of February 1898 is very informative and details the formation of the band and the tour it had undertaken thus far:

There is now in Adelaide an interesting band of clever musicians picked from the ranks of the Salvation Army. It is styled “the Salvation Army Federal Band” and has twenty-five playing members, exclusive of Major Taylor (Victoria), who is their director. The bandmaster is Ensign Cater (New Zealand), who takes up an instrument. Counting in Major Taylor, the seven colonies of Australia are represented in the following order: – Victoria, eight; South Australia, five; Western Australia; four; New South Wales, three; New Zealand, three; Queensland, two; Tasmania, one; total, twenty-six.
(“SALVATION ARMY FEDERATION.,” 1898)

The Salvation Army had begun planning for this band twelve months in advance, with the aim of the band being “the kind of which should tour the colonies and encourage the members of the Army, and by producing music of a high order raise funds for the work in the different parts of Australasia” (“SALVATION ARMY FEDERATION.,” 1898). By the time the band had reached Adelaide it had already toured from Melbourne to Western Australia, back to South Australia and from there had been to the Yorke Peninsula and Broken Hill (“SALVATION ARMY FEDERATION.,” 1898). According to another article published in The Advertiser, the Federal Band was a very fine combination of musicians and presented a wonderful concert (“SALVATION ARMY.,” 1898). As it is ever thus with Salvation Army bands.

*The Sydney Morning Herald*, 1/04/1908, p. 8

In 1908 a tiny article was published in The Sydney Morning Herald in which the title is misleading. As you can see in the article (pictured), there is no “Commonwealth Brass Band” that has been formed. Rather, it is a proposal to secure the services of the Newtown Brass Band to perform at the Anglo-French Exhibition (“COMMONWEALTH BRASS BAND.,” 1908). By all accounts, the Newtown Brass Band was very famous having won numerous competitions by this time and could have probably served as the Australian band at the exhibition (Greaves & Earl, 2001). However, the Prime Minister apparently rejected this proposal for reasons unknown.

The Australian Imperial Band:

Postcard: Australian Imperial Band, 1924 (source: Jeremy de Korte personal collection)

In terms of true Australian brass bands, the main one that is spoken about is the ‘Australian Commonwealth Band’ which was conducted by the great Albert H. Baile on two world tours – but more will be talked about this band in the next section (Sharp, 1993). However, preceding the ‘Australian Commonwealth Band’ was another ensemble which was known as the ‘Australian Imperial Band’ (AIB), formed by Mr. W. M. Partington in 1924 (“AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL BAND.,” 1924). Mr. Partington is mentioned in some references – he did conduct the Ballarat City Band from 1909-1910 and numerous other bands (Pattie, 2010). That did not stop certain newspapers like the Ballarat Star waxing lyrical about his musical and organisational abilities (“AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL BAND COMING.,” 1924). Nevertheless, it is evident that in much later years he managed to form a true National band and while it seems he never took the band to England, he did take it on tour throughout Australia.

1924 was an interesting year for Australian bands. Perhaps the most notable event was the tour of the Newcastle Steelworks Band to England where it achieved astounding success in competition under the baton of Albert H. Baile (Greaves & Earl, 2001). The AIB had wanted to go to England to compete but were unable to make the trip due to a lack of funds. The Newcastle Steelworks Band then went in their place (Cameron, 2020). We see in an article from the Daily Telegraph in June 1924 that there was an amount of work going on to try and secure more funds:

In Sydney, the Lord Mayor (Ald. Gilpin) now is issuing an appeal for funds, which should meet with a good response, as it is necessary for each State to provide a proportionate amount of expenses to send the band to Wembley and to compete in the Crystal Palace contests.
(“AUSTRALIAN-IMPERIAL BAND,” 1924)

However, as discussed in a previous post on bands that went on tour, it is a very expensive undertaking and the picture of the AIB (below) published by the Mirror newspaper in Perth is telling. One could assume that by the time the AIB reached Perth, their general touring money had run out. Which is probably a reason why there is no mention of the band traveling to England.

19240809_Mirror_Aust-Imp-Band-Money — *Mirror*, 9/08/1924, p. 1

The length of time this band was in existence was short however they managed to get themselves together and go on a grand tour of Australia, to some very favorable reviews. There is not much mention of the personnel of the band but given there were many quality bandsmen in the country at the time, finding gifted musicians was probably not a problem.

The Australian Commonwealth Band:

Postcard: Australian National Band – Concert Position, 1926 (source: Jeremy de Korte personal collection)

Postcard: Albert H. Baile, 1926 (source: Jeremy de Korte personal collection)

Albert H. Baile was one of the most famous band directors of this time and he had a masterful way of conducting his bands (Greaves & Earl, 2001). No sooner had Baile returned to Australia in 1925 with his Newcastle Steelworks Band, he made moves to reform the band in Sydney as the Australian Silver Band and apparently included some Queensland bandsmen in the new ensemble (“AUSTRALIAN SILVER BAND.,” 1925). Including some bandsmen from another State could probably justify the name change an Australian band. However, given the huge reputation of the Newcastle Steelworks Band after their competition wins, the name change stuck and the band proceeded on their first international tour to wide acclaim (“AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH SILVER BAND,” 1926).

The band name seems to have begun evolving into the Australian Commonwealth Band in various media with the dropping of the world ‘Silver’ from it, hence the more recognizable name is etched in history. We see in the various photos and ephemera included in this post that they were a very smart looking ensemble and that they had a distinctly Australian look with slouch hats.

Aside from the way the name of the band continually evolving in the newspapers, this did not discount the fact that it was an extremely fine ensemble made up of the best brass soloists and led by Baile himself. Certainly, reviews from Australian newspapers as well as those from overseas, gave high praise to the sound of this band likening it to an “organ” or an “orchestra” (“Australian Silver Band,” 1925; “VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN BAND,” 1926). The newspaper article published by the Todmorden & District News (UK) in 1926 was very informative as to the concert it gave in their area, attended by 5,000 people, and the quality of the soloists, in particular, the Solo Cornet player, Mr Arthur Stender (“VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN BAND,” 1926). Below is a list of the band members as published in the book, “Legends in Brass : Australian Brass Band Achievers of the 20^thCentury”:

Postcard: Australian National Band, 1926 (source: Jeremy de Korte personal collection)

Front row: Len Ryan, Norm Forbes, Alf Cornish, Fred Myers, Vern Beacroft, Albert Baile, Clarrie Collins, Jack Stokes, Tom Bennett, Ossie Forbes
Middle row: Bob Gibson, Joe Clay, Len Atkinson, George Robertson, Stan Ryan, Albert Ovenden, Bill Murphy, Jack Murphy, Harold Hewson
Back row: Archie Moore, Harold Collins, James “Scott” Armour, Arthur Stender, Alfred Paxton, Joe Hardy

(Greaves & Earl, 2001, p. 51)

The Australian Commonwealth Band undertook two Australian/World tours, the first from 1925-1926 and the next from 1926-1928. As in their first tour, they received rave reviews during their second tour, of which an article in New Zealand’s Evening Post from February 1927 provides a brief summary (“COMMONWEALTH SILVER BAND,” 1927). This second tour was not all plain sailing. While the band was traveling around Australia, the Australian Musicians’ Union was up in arms about a boycott of the Commonwealth Band while it was touring America (“COMMONWEALTH BAND,” 1927). The Union started lobbying for retaliatory action against musicians visiting from overseas. It is unclear how this action was resolved however it is interesting that despite the reputation of the Commonwealth Band, there was this hiccup while on tour.

19271203_Figaro_Aust-Comm-Band-Farewell — *Queensland Figaro*, 3/12/1927, p. 1

The Australian Commonwealth Band was disbanded in Sydney in early 1928 after they had finished their last tour of Australia (Greaves & Earl, 2001). There is no doubt that this was a truly remarkable ensemble, started from the players of the Newcastle Steelworks Band to become a unique band in its own right. And it certainly boosted the reputation of Australian bands in general. The legacy of this fine ensemble was felt for years to come.

The Queensland State Band:

In the early 1930s, we see the formation of the one and only State band, the Queensland State Band. This was formed in unusual, but possibly well-meaning circumstances as the musicians were notionally “unemployed” (“QUEENSLAND STATE BAND.,” 1933b). The other aim of the band was to try to emulate the success of previous tours by the Newcastle Steelworks Band and the Australian Commonwealth Band by touring overseas and competing in England. Nevertheless, the band formed in September 1933 and included previous members of the Australian Commonwealth Band (“QUEENSLAND STATE BAND TOUR.,” 1933).

Almost immediately this band raised the ire of the Queensland Band Association (QBA) of which sent an annoyed letter to the Courier Mail published on October 9^th, 1933. In the letter, the QBA Secretary of the time, Mr J. R. Foster made some forceful points about the State band not being “tested for proficiency” under QBA rules, and the fact that the State band was professional yet had excluded some Queenslanders by bringing in bandsmen from Southern States (Foster, 1933). In addition, apparently, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane had allowed the State band to perform in a park while excluding other Brisbane metropolitan bands (Foster, 1933). It is fair to say that this letter (and the QBA) failed to have much impact on the operations of this band.

After being brought together, the Queensland State Band commenced a tour of Queensland where they visited many towns and rural centers north of Brisbane. The receptions they received were enthusiastic and many a town newspaper gave them favorable reviews of their playing (“QUEENSLAND STATE BAND.,” 1933a). Indeed, they also inspired many local town bands and schools, and it is noted that they played for a combined total of 20,000 people over the course of the tour (“STATE BAND DOGGED BY RAIN,” 1933). After this part of the tour ended, they were supposed to tour through Northern NSW and also raise finances for a trip to England, of which either activity does not appear to have happened.

As mentioned, this is one of the only instances during this time where a State band was formed. It is unclear why other States did not form their own representative bands. However, it does indicate that where there is a drive, things will happen even if all the aims are not met.

One more band:

There was only one more band to carry an Australian name during this time period, a band that was very short lived – the ‘Australian Girls’ Brass Band’ which was formed in 1934. We know how rare female bands were through a previous post, so perhaps this was a tokenistic ensemble. However, they were formed and presented one concert in Sydney where they were not exactly complimented for playing, but apparently looked very smart in green & gold uniforms (“Australian Girls’ Brass Band,” 1934; “FIRST CONCERT,” 1934). There is no more record of this band doing anything else beyond this one concert.

Conclusion:

If there is anything showing from the stories of these ensembles it is a distinct similarity between them. They were all formed basically for the one activity, which was touring. Except that this aim was obviously dependent on having enough money. That being said, the Australian Commonwealth Band took things a few steps further by acting on their aims to compete in England and tour around the world, and it was a band that was in existence for the longest time. Certainly, the fact that the Commonwealth Band undertook two world tours in quick succession is a testament to the organization and prowess of its manager and conductor, no doubt both well-honed from the previous Newcastle tour.

In any case, once again we see that these bands added to the reputation and life of Australian banding and through them, we have seen some interesting histories. Perhaps there are lessons to be learned and no doubt there are further stories to be unearthed. We do have a unique history of bands in this country and having bands that carried the Australian name or a State name gained for themselves a distinct historical legacy.

Postcard: Australian National Band – Soloists, 1926 (source: Jeremy de Korte personal collection)

References:

THE AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH BAND. (1927, 03 December). Queensland Figaro (Brisbane, Qld. : 1901 – 1936), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article84901454

AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH SILVER BAND. (1926, 02 February). Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1859 – 1929), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232244596

Australian Girls’ Brass Band. (1934, 24 January). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 – 1938), 19. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166103727

AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL BAND. (1924, 09 January). Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 – 1954), 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54107997

AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL BAND COMING. (1924, 03 June). Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 – 1924), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214257314

AUSTRALIAN SILVER BAND. (1925, 29 September). Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1903 – 1926), 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218269176

Australian Silver Band. (1925, 27 November). Te Aroha News. https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TAN19251127.2.15.1

AUSTRALIAN-IMPERIAL BAND. (1924, 24 June). Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 – 1930), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245712884

Cameron, K. (2020, 12 August). Actually the steelworks band benefited from this group’s misfortune. The Newcastle band filled the Wembley exhibition dates that had been… [Comment]. Facebook. Retrieved 12 August 2020 from https://www.facebook.com/groups/1404925869759642/?post_id=2612055202380030&comment_id=2612128729039344&notif_id=1597219322511437&notif_t=group_comment&ref=notif

COMMONWEALTH BAND : Retaliatory Proposals. (1927, 01 November). Western Argus (Kalgoorlie, WA : 1916 – 1938), 13. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article34420586

COMMONWEALTH SILVER BAND : What others think. (1927, 09 February). Evening Star. https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19270209.2.93

FIRST CONCERT : Girls’ Band in Gold and Green. (1934, 18 January). Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 – 1954), 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248959700

Foster, J. R. (1933, 09 October). QUEENSLAND STATE BAND : To the Editor. Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1128247

Greaves, J., & Earl, C. (2001). Legends in brass : Australian brass band achievers of the 20th century. Muso’s Media.

Minton Witts Studios. (1924). Australian Imperial Band in Sydney (Conducted by: Mr W. M. Partington) [Postcard]. Minton Witts Studios, Sydney, N.S.W.

Pattie, R. (2010). The history of the City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band 1900-2010 : one hundred and ten years of music to the citizens of Ballarat (Rev. ed.). City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band.

Photogelatine Engraving Company Co. Ltd. (1926a). Albert H. Baile (Musical Director) : Australian National Band (World Tour) [Postcard]. Photogelatine Engraving Company Co. Ltd., Ottawa, Canada.

Photogelatine Engraving Company Co. Ltd. (1926b). Australian National Band (World Tour) [Postcard]. Photogelatine Engraving Company Co. Ltd., Ottawa, Canada.

Photogelatine Engraving Company Co. Ltd. (1926c). Australian National Band (World Tour) Concert Position : Albert H. Baile, Musical Director [Postcard]. Photogelatine Engraving Company Co. Ltd., Ottawa, Canada.

Photogelatine Engraving Company Co. Ltd. (1926d). Australian National Band (World Tour) Soloists [Postcard]. Photogelatine Engraving Company Co. Ltd., Ottawa, Canada.

QUEENSLAND STATE BAND : Brilliant Conductor. (1933, 28 October). Cairns Post (Qld. : 1909 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article41230080

QUEENSLAND STATE BAND : Six Months Tour : Trade Propaganda. (1933, 09 September). Northern Herald (Cairns, Qld. : 1913 – 1939), 19. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article150003898

QUEENSLAND STATE BAND TOUR. (1933, 29 September). Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 – 1954), 20. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1124687

SALVATION ARMY : The Federal Band. (1898, 14 February). Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article35105401

SALVATION ARMY FEDERATION : A Capital Band. (1898, 14 February). South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54519628

Sharp, A. M. (1993). Baile, Albert Henry (Bert) (1882-1961). In Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved 22 March 2019, from https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/baile-albert-henry-bert-9402

STATE BAND DOGGED BY RAIN : Northern Tour Ends : Successful Results. (1933, 30 November). Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 – 1947), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article181171770

VISIT OF THE AUSTRALIAN BAND : Magnificent playing to big crowds. (1926, 20 August). Todmorden & District News,2. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001940/19260820/182/0002

“WE WANT SOME MONEY-GIVE US SOME, DO!”. (1924, 09 August). Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76437154