Managing the march cards (and other such material): roles of the amateur band librarian

Figure 1: Digital scan of march card back with Victorian Police Band stamp. (source: Victorian Bands’ League Archive)

Introduction:

His duties as Librarian (self-imposed) were to clean up the room after practices and to arrange the various sets of music so as to have any particular set “right under his thumb,” if required, at a moment’s notice; which was itself no sinecure. No practice or public performance was complete without him to distribute the music, whilst everyone always had a cheery word for Billy Wardle, whose ready smile was always evidence on such occasions.  Old age and ill-health took him and for the last two years he had to relinquish all active connection with Band affairs, but his epitaph might well read thus: “He did his Job.”

(Faulkner in “WILLIAM WARDLE,” 1938)

William (Billy) Wardle, late of the Boorowa Town and District Band was one of those selfless band members who saw fit to undertake some necessary duties to support the band.  That duty being the band librarian, and William Wardle was just one of many band members from bands everywhere who undertook the same role.  Despite being untrained as librarians (in the formal understanding of the profession), and amateur, these band librarians organised large quantities of sheet music that the bands owned.  They did their part to make sure the band master and each band member had their parts when and where required.

Who were these people, and why did they undertake such an arduous and difficult task?  Working largely by themselves, they put their hands up time and time again to do the job, and we can see this in the records of Annual General Meetings that were held by bands.  There, in amongst all the other committee positions such as President, Treasurer and Secretary, will be Librarian with the name of the band member (or members) who were elected to this position.  Interspersed throughout this post will be lists of band members who were elected as band librarians.  The lists are by no means complete as there were so many of them.  Names and bands were chosen at random. 

This author has some understanding of the role of librarians within community bands being a qualified librarian and having undertaken music librarian roles for bands in the past – the duties of this role in bands has barely changed, albeit for changing technology.  This post will try to fit the role of the amateur band librarian within a broader context of music librarianship and librarianship in general.  To start this post, we will see where librarianship as a trained profession has come from in Australia, and the very specialised role of music librarians.  The next part of this post will unpack the job description of a band librarian, brief and undescriptive as they sometimes were.  The third part of this post will highlight the appreciation that was given to band librarians by their bands for undertaking this role.

Figure 2: The Sydney Police Band, 1896. Senior-constable F. J. Knopp (Hon. Librarian) is seated second from the right in the front row. Australian Town and Country Journal, 28/03/1896, p. 20
1896Sen. Const F. J. KnoppHon. LibrarianSydney Police Band (N.S.W.)
1896H. NortheLibrarianBrighton Brass Band (Vic.)
1897Mr. J. LeeLibrarianTemperance Brass Band (W.A.)
1898Mr. F. MortonLibrarianLilydale Brass Band (Vic.)
1899Mr. FranksLibrarianTallangatta Brass Band (Vic.)
1900Mr. M. JohnstonLibrarianLake’s Creek Brass Band (Qld.)
Table 1: (“BRIGHTON BRASS BAND.,” 1896; “LAKE’S CREEK BRASS BAND.,” 1900; “LILYDALE BRASS BAND.,” 1898; “TALLANGATTA BRASS BAND.,” 1899; “TEMPERANCE BRASS BAND.,” 1897; The Crown Studios, 1896)

Librarianship and librarians:

In Australia, the establishment of Universities, Mechanics’ Institutes, schools, and municipal libraries meant that there was a greater need for librarians who understood the rigours of the position.  Since the late 1800s, education for librarians in various areas of librarianship has developed consistent with the needs of the profession.  Nowadays it is common to find full academic courses for librarians in Universities and TAFE’s.  But back in the early days until training began to be more formalised, librarians generally learnt ‘on the job’.  In this respect, we could equate this with the early band librarians in Australia who also learnt what to do within the confines of their organisation.  There are similarities between the roles of a librarian and amateur band librarian as in general, both organise and catalogue resources.  But this is where the similarity ends.  This section will outline a brief history of librarianship in Australia and explore the specialised role of a music librarian.

In the library sector and in the band movement, both had the benefit of associations, but it was not always the case.  In Australia, as we can see in previous posts, the first band association started forming in the late 1800s and State association started working together in the early 1900s (de Korte, 2018b, 2019a, 2019b).  Within the library sector, the first attempts at association began in 1896 with the establishment of a Library Association of Australasia at the conference at The University of Melbourne (Keane, 1982a, 1982b).  The Library associations gradually became more focused on the educational needs of librarians (this process took a few decades) as the associations recognized that the profession was changing, and, these associations proactively encouraged librarians to become qualified to do the job (Keane, 1982b).  In contrast, the band associations, while representing a largely amateur movement of bands and musicians, at times tried to focus on education and training but unfortunately lacked the resources to do so (de Korte, 2022).  Such was the difference between associations that supported professional work, and those that represented amateurs.  This is a difference that will be evident throughout this post.

1901Mr. J. Donelly
Mr. H. Wilkinson
Librarian
Assistant Librarian
Rutherglen Brass Band (Vic.)
1902Mr. F. RaglassSecretary and LibrarianNarandera Town Band (N.S.W.)
1903Mr. W. SymmonsLibrarianHealesville Brass Band (Vic.)
1904Mr. E. SchmidtLibrarianFederal Brass Band (Echuca, Vic.)
1904Mr. O. BrauerLibrarianPetersburg Brass Band (S.A.)
1905Mr. OvertonLibrarianWoodend Brass Band (Vic.)
Table 2: (“Federal Brass Band.,” 1904; “HEALESVILLE BRASS BAND.,” 1903; “Petersburg Brass Band.,” 1904; “Rutherglen Brass Band.,” 1901; “Town Band.,” 1902; “Woodend Brass Band.,” 1905)

Music libraries and librarians:

Music Librarians are those that have worked, or currently work in highly specialised positions.  They are, as the job title suggests, librarians who work with music resources whether that be sheet music, reference material or recorded music.  While special music librarians have been working in this sector in Australia from the early 1900s, professional associations for this sub-sector came much later than regular library associations.  The International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres (IAML) was formed in 1949 with an Australian chapter of IAML being formed in 1970 (“Australian Seminar in Music Librarianship,” 1970; Enquist & Flury, 2023).

Music Libraries were first established in Australia in 1913 with the opening of the ‘New South Wales Government Music Library’ which was a library that catered for “societies, church choirs, and other musical bodies” (“The New South Wales Government Music Library,” 1913).  It was initially housed at the Sydney Girls’ High School before being moved to the N.S.W. Conservatorium.  It is interesting to note that the article published in the Australian Town and Country Journal included a large picture (below) of all the trustees of this library, but no mention of the music librarians.

Figure 3: Trustees of the New South Wales Government Music Library. Australian Town and Country Journal, 30/07/1913, p. 27

Like their band librarian counterparts, some music librarians fulfilled roles attached to orchestras and choirs.  In 1921 we hear about the passing of Mr. William Henry Gresty who was a Cornet player with Her Majesty’s Theatre Orchestra and in a later career was the Music Librarian with the N.S.W. Conservatorium Orchestra (“DEATH OF LIBRARIAN,” 1921).  As it says in his obituary published by The Sun newspaper,

When the Conservatorium was founded he joined the staff as librarian, but kept his position at Her Majesty’s until a couple of years ago when he resigned because of the establishment of the Conservatorium Orchestra as a permanent body.  From that time he devoted himself exclusively to the Conservatorium and orchestra, travelling with the latter, and performing an enormous amount of work in looking after the music and the orchestra generally

(“DEATH OF LIBRARIAN,” 1921)

Some years later, the Australian Broadcasting Commission was formed and being the national broadcaster that it was with radio stations around the country, they had a need for music librarians who organised recorded music.  One of these music librarians was Mr. Gregory Spencer (pictured below) who was based in Sydney and was the “Federal Records Librarian” (“A.B.C. Librarian,” 1941).  No doubt he dealt with music recorded by our brass bands and the A.B.C. Military Band (de Korte, 2018a).

Figure 4: Goulburn Evening Post, 18/07/1941, p. 5

The A.B.C. was also home to several innovations in music librarianship and music copying, including a music copying machine which was invented by their in-house music librarians (“COPYING MACHINE TYPES MUSIC,” 1948).

Figure 5: The Argus, 02/06/1948, p. 5

Just as there were varied roles for librarians, there were also varied roles for music librarians.  While fewer in number, their expertise in managing large music-related resources was very much needed at the time – and still is needed.  Given some music libraries, like the New South Wales Government Music Library, catered for amateur music groups, it is quite possible that knowledge from the professional music librarians was provided to individuals in these groups with tips on how to manage their music collections. But it is difficult to find some evidence of this happening.

1906Mr. L. ElseLibrarianCundletown Brass Band (N.S.W.)
1907Mr. S. LordLibrarianKew Brass Band (Vic.)
1908Mr. L. SmithLibrarianAlma Brass Band (N.S.W.)
1909Mr. JewellLibrarianBorough Brass Band (Clunes, Vic.)
1910Messrs. S. Bryant and
H. Hoffmann
LibrariansAdelaide City Brass Band (S.A.)
Table 3: (“ALMA BRASS BAND.,” 1908; “CITY BRASS BAND.,” 1910; “CLUNES.,” 1909; “Cundletown Brass Band.,” 1906; “Kew Brass Band.,” 1907)

A vague role description and learning ‘on the job’:

There are dozens of minor details.  A library of music has to be formed and maintained.  A set of music for an ordinary selection lasting 10 minutes means an expense of from 10’6 to 15’6, and some libraries possess more than 1000 sets.  A librarian has to be appointed to look after them.

(Fleming, 1939)

For the newly elected or re-elected librarians of brass bands, doing their duties was sometimes a tough ask.  When new music arrived, they had to process and catalogue, stamp, file, and distribute the music to the band members and conductor.  Brass band libraries could get quite extensive depending on the activities of the bands.  However, there was one main problem.  The brass band librarians were often provided with a vague rule on the duty of a librarian, but nothing explaining how to do the job – for some, it was too much.  In amongst the sporadic publishing of rules and by-laws of brass bands are some general rules outlining what a librarian should be doing.  Some rules were more descriptive than others, such as this rule from the Frankston Brass Band in 1913:

8. The Librarian shall have sole charge of all music of the band.  He shall keep a record of name, and shall render to the Secretary annually a statement (or an account) of all music under his charge.

(Plowman et al., 1913)

…which contrasts with the rule provided for the Queanbeyan Town Band librarian in 1915:

40. Librarian’s duties : Charge of music.

 (DeClifton & Mathews, 1915)

Rules governing the duties of librarians did not really improve over the years, yet still they carried out their duties.  Based on this limited information though, it is quite clear where the librarians stood in chain of command with some rules stating that the librarian must report to the secretary.  The Collie Brass Band in Western Australia had a rule that closely matched the rule from the Frankston Brass Band:

22. The Librarian shall take charge of all the music and shall keep correct list of names to tally with Secretary’s.

(“REVISED RULES.,” 1924)

Obviously, some bands provide better job descriptions for librarians in their rules than others.  Perhaps this indicates a general envisioning in the band movement of what a band librarian should be doing, but there is no way of knowing this without some very in-depth research.  The Peterborough Federal Band from South Australia was one band that did provide a very good rule for the librarian which no doubt helped them in their duties:

13. The Librarian shall take charge of, be responsible for, and keep a catalogue of all music the property of the Band; and distribute and collect the music at practices, concerts, and engagements.  He shall furnish a written report of the state of the library at each annual meeting, and must adhere to By-law 21 (b).

(“Peterborough Federal Band,” 1931)

The band member who was elected to be Librarian at the Peterborough Federal Band in 1931 was a Mr. T. Jenkins (“Peterborough Federal Band,” 1931).

Figure 6: Peterborough Federal Band, 1924 (source: State Library South Australia: B+27818)

It must be said that these band members were used to working under all sorts of rules, by-laws and other regulations – we saw as much in a previous post on the deportment of band members (de Korte, 2021).  So having minimal direction on the operating of a large music library was an issue that they dealt with as best they could.  Occasionally there were some from this time who found they did not have enough time to undertake the role.  In an article published by the Dimboola Banner and Wimmera Mallee Advertiser newspaper in January 1914, Mr. Moy of the Dimboola and District Brass Band submitted his resignation to the band from his post as librarian which was read out at the Annual General Meeting.

The secretary read a letter from Mr Moy, in which he tendered his resignation of the post of librarian.

Mr Moy said that it was a farce for him to continue to hold the position, as he could not find enough time to attend to his duties.  He moved that Mr C. Deneys be appointed. After several other members had been nominated and had refused the appointment, Mr Deneys consented to take it, and Mr L. Frazer was elected as his assistant.

(“Dimboola Brass Band.,” 1914)

The position was obviously not for everyone.

Regarding the passing of knowledge from one band librarian to another, we can only assume that there was some kind of handover and there might have been contact between individual band librarians from time to time.  Unfortunately, the newspaper articles of the time and other material did not delve into these small details.  Any word about training for amateurs in this kind of role is non-existent.  This is in contrast with their professional counterparts where there is mentions of the training they required to become fully-fledged librarians (“LIBRARIANSHIP DIPLOMA,” 1939; “Record library school opens,” 1945).

We know what kind of work they did, and it has survived the years.  In band libraries all over Australia are collections of music, some decades, or centuries old. Below is a small sample of band stamps that were diligently stamped on every piece of sheet music.  Some of the stamps are very old examples, yet they lasted, and we know that a band librarian at some stage was involved in processing this music.

Figure 7:  Samples of band stamps found on sheet music (source: Victorian Bands’ League Archive)
1911Mr. C. StewartLibrarianDerby Brass Band (Tas.)
1912Mr. P. CutterLibrarianYea Brass Band (Vic.)
1912Mr. D. T. HobbsLibrarian and property masterRailway Brass Band (W.A.)
1913Mr. E. Woolrich
Mr. C. Hawkes
Librarian
Assistant Librarian
Warburton Brass Band (Vic.)
1914Mr. Deneys
Mr L. Frazer
Librarian
Assistant Librarian
Dimboola and District Brass Band (Vic.)
1915Mr. SmallhornLibrarianWestonia Brass Band (W.A.)
1915Mr. E. UrlwinLibrarianBalaklava Brass Band (S.A.)
Table 4: (“Balaklava Brass Band.,” 1915; “DERBY BRASS BAND,” 1911; “Dimboola Brass Band.,” 1914; Presto, 1913; “Railway Brass Band.,” 1912; “WESTONIA BRASS BAND,” 1915; “Yea Brass Band.,” 1912)

Always appreciated:

It would be fair to say that a band could not function without a librarian, or two librarians as was the case in some years.  As well as their participation as band members, they had these additional tasks to do.  We saw at the head of this post the appreciative comments for the late William Wardle of the Boorowa Town and District Band.  Every so often there would be another article published in the newspapers about other band librarians who received appreciative comments and presentations from their bands.

In September 1910, the Kew Band in Melbourne awarded their band librarian Mr. Les Smith with a gold medal in appreciation of his services to the band (“Kew Band Presentation.,” 1910).  The article published in The Reporter newspaper can be viewed below, and it was obvious that the Kew Band thought very highly of Mr. Smith.

Figure 8: The Reporter, 30/09/1910, p. 7

The Murray Bridge Brass Band thought highly of their (former) librarian in 1912 when they placed on a meeting record the “good work done by Mr. W. Paige as librarian to the band, which position is now occupied by Mr. G. Hoare.” (“BAND MATTERS.,” 1912).  In Queensland, the Maryborough Naval Band presented their band librarian with gifts for his service.  The said person also had other important roles within the band.

During practice at the rooms Lennox street on Thursday night last, the President, Mr. H. A. Reed, sought permission of the Conductor, Mr. W. Ryder, for the Patron, Mr. J. E. Archibald to give a short address to the bandsmen.  At the conclusion of the address, a presentation was made to Mr. Vin Zemek (Deputy Band Master, Senior Band and Librarian) of a gold mounted cigarette holder and good supply of cigarettes, for his past untiring efforts in the interest of the band, and his successful work as librarian.

 (“NAVAL BAND ASSOCIATION.,” 1919)
Figure 9: Photograph of members of the Maryborough Naval Volunteer Band after they had returned from the brass band contests held in Ipswich on 2nd January 1905. Mr J. Zemek was the conductor. (source: State Library of Queensland: 3234)

It was sometimes necessary for band members to move on from their bands, for whatever reason that may be.  At a concert in November 1937, the Mount Gambier Citizens’ Band used the interval to give a presentation and thanks to Euphonium player, committee member, and band librarian Mr. Bern Holman who leaving to take up other activities (“BAND RECITAL.,” 1937). 

Sadly, during the First World War, many Australians gave their service and paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Private W. C. Carlson of Kapunda, South Australia was one of them and an obituary published in the Kapunda Herald newspaper made mention of his extensive involvement in organisations in the town, including service with the Kapunda Brass Band.

He was an active member of the Kapunda Brass Band, also a member of the local lodge of Rechabites.  When the members of the brass band met for practice on Wednesday night Bandmaster Neindorf made feeling references to the death of Private Carlson, who had been an enthusiastic member for a number of years, during which time he acted as librarian.  Members sood to order with bowed heads for a time, and then adjourned as a mark of respect for their late comrade.

(“For King and Country,” 1917)

They did their jobs.

1916Mr. F Rowe
Mr. J. Matthews
LibrariansWandiligong Brass Band (Vic.)
1917Mr. H. LittleLibrarianLandsborough Brass Band (Vic.)
1918Mr. J. OrmondyLibrarianGuyra Brass Band (N.S.W.)
1919Mr. Wilfred WebsterLibrarianPenguin Brass Band (Tas.)
1920Mr. R. FielderLibrarianBayswater Brass Band (Vic.)
Table 5: (“Bayswater Brass Band.,” 1920; “GUYRA BRASS BAND.,” 1918; “LANDSBOROUGH.,” 1917; “PENGUIN BRASS BAND,” 1919; “Wandiligong Brass Band.,” 1916)

Conclusion:

They worked without the professional knowledge or qualification of a librarian, yet they basically did the same jobs, and organised their band libraries as best they could.  In hindsight, would these band librarians have benefited from classes or knowledge from professional librarians?  The band movement was very much amateur and as was evident, the crossover of professional knowledge was sporadic at best, even for musical training.  Given that early librarians in Australia had limited training themselves, one could only imagine the trials and tribulations of band librarians as they sought to make sense of the role they had to do.

It is through the work of band librarians of the past that we have surviving sets of music that has been neatly catalogued and stamped, ready for future librarians to keep organised.  We can see the band stamps in corners of sheet music, the marches that were stuck onto cards, the frail sets of music that were handwritten, and the envelopes and folders to store the music.  And if we dig deeply enough, we have their names and bands.

1921Mr. H. R. HochuliLibrarianMagill Brass Band (S.A.)
1922Mr. J. DonnellyLibrarianSkipton Brass Band (Vic.)
1923Messrs. W. Stavert and
R. Bassman
LibrariansMullumbimby Citizens’ Band (N.S.W.)
1924Mr. Wes StokesLibrarianAssociation Brass Band (Bowral, N.S.W.)
1925Mr. A. ClarkeLibrarianLatrobe Federal Brass Band (Tas.)
1926Mr. J. DonaldsonActing LibrarianKellerberrin Brass Band (W.A.)
1927Mr. A. L. DavidsonSecretary and LibrarianBordertown Brass Band (S.A.)
1928Mr. Alf WorrallLibrarianVictor Harbour Municipal Band (S.A.)
1929Mr. R. AinsworthLibrarianWingham Band (N.S.W.)
1930Mr. P. Bandt
Mr. A. Pedler
Librarian
Assistant Librarian
Freeling Brass Band (S.A.)
Table 6: (“ASSOCIATION BRASS BAND,” 1924; “Bordertown Brass Band,” 1927; “FREELING BRASS BAND.,” 1930; “Kellerberrin Brass Band.,” 1926; “LATROBE BRASS BAND.,” 1925; “MAGILL BRASS BAND.,” 1921; “MUNICIPAL BAND,” 1928; Norris, 1923; “Skipton Brass Band.,” 1922; “WINGHAM BAND.,” 1929)

References:

ALMA BRASS BAND. (1908, 27 June). Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 – 1954), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45035483

[Armidale Brass Band]. (n.d.). In S10.4 – Band Stamps (Digital scan of band stamp on sheet music ed., Vol. S10 – Music (Sheet)): Victorian Bands’ League Archive.

ASSOCIATION BRASS BAND. (1924, 27 May). Southern Mail (Bowral, NSW : 1889 – 1954), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114059676

Australian Seminar in Music Librarianship and Documentation – Adelaide 1970. (1970). [Report]. Australian Journal of Music Education(7), 53-54. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.870190744257826 

A.B.C. Librarian. (1941, 18 July). Goulburn Evening Post (NSW : 1940 – 1954), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103631833

Balaklava Brass Band. (1915, 26 August). Wooroora Producer (Balaklava, SA : 1909 – 1940), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207099757

BAND MATTERS. (1912, 06 December). Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1954), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article147749582

BAND RECITAL : Presentation to Committeeman. (1937, 30 November). Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78003653

Bayswater Brass Band. (1920, 17 December). Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 – 1925), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257155681

Bordertown Brass Band. (1927, 24 June). Border Chronicle (Bordertown, SA : 1908 – 1950), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article212866665

BRIGHTON BRASS BAND. (1896, 28 March). Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader (North Brighton, Vic. : 1888 – 1902), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66852240

CITY BRASS BAND. (1910, 02 May). Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209909713

CLUNES : Brass Band. (1909, 25 February). Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 – 1924), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article217280286

[Coburg Central Brass Band Club]. (n.d.). In S10.4 – Band Stamps (Digital scan of band stamp on sheet music ed., Vol. S10 – Music (Sheet): Victorian Bands’ League Archive.

COPYING MACHINE TYPES MUSIC. (1948, 02 June). Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1957), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22543108

Cundletown Brass Band. (1906, 24 January). Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 – 1954), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172821374

de Korte, J. D. (2018a, 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. (2018b, 15 March). The politics of affiliation: The Victorian Bands’ Association to the Victorian Bands’ League. Band Blasts from the Past : Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2018/03/15/the-politics-of-affiliation-victorian-bands-association-to-the-victorian-bands-league/

de Korte, J. D. (2019a, 07 December). Brass bands of the New South Wales Central West: Part 2: Association and competition. Band Blasts from the Past : Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2019/12/07/brass-bands-of-the-new-south-wales-central-west-part-2-association-and-competition/

de Korte, J. D. (2019b, 05 June). Finding National consensus: how State band associations started working with each other. Band Blasts from the Past : Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2019/06/05/finding-national-consensus-how-state-band-associations-started-working-with-each-other/

de Korte, J. D. (2021, 03 November). Earning points: proper deportment of band member’s. Band Blasts from the Past : Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2021/11/03/earning-points-proper-deportment-of-band-members/

de Korte, J. D. (2022, 04 April). Training Bandmasters in the art of conducting: the problems, the stats quo, and the plans. Band Blasts from the Past : Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2022/04/04/training-bandmasters-in-the-art-of-conducting-the-problems-the-status-quo-and-the-plans/

DEATH OF LIBRARIAN : State Orchestra Official. (1921, 03 June). Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221464087

DeClifton, G., & Mathews, F. W. (1915, 18 May). Queanbeyan Town Band. Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer (NSW : 1915 – 1927), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31665819

DERBY BRASS BAND. (1911, 03 February). Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 – 1954), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50459725

Dimboola Brass Band : GENERAL MEETING : WEEKLY PAYMENTS BY MEMBERS TO CEASE : DEPUTY BANDMASTER TO BE APPOINTED : NEW INSTRUMENTS NEEDED. (1914, 23 January). Dimboola Banner and Wimmera and Mallee Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 – 1918), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article152648753

Enquist, I., & Flury, R. (2023). Chronology, 1949-2018. IAML : International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres. Retrieved 14 September 2023 from https://www.iaml.info/iaml-chronology

Federal Brass Band. (1904, 29 January). Riverine Herald (Echuca, Vic. : Moama, NSW : 1869 – 1954; 1998 – 2002), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115056762

Fleming, A. (1939, 28 May). OUR BANDSMEN PLAY— : To the TUNE of £70,000. Sunday Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1926 – 1954), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article98236539

For King and Country : Late Private W. C. Carlson. (1917, 22 June). Kapunda Herald (SA : 1878 – 1951), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article124989226

Fosbrooke, A. R. (1905). Maryborough Naval Volunteer Band, Queensland, 1905 [Photographic print : black & white]. [3234]. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland. https://hdl.handle.net/10462/deriv/248614

[Frankston Silver Band]. (n.d.). In S10.4 – Band Stamps (Digital scan of band stamp on sheet music ed., Vol. S10 – Music (Sheet)): Victorian Bands’ League Archive.

FREELING BRASS BAND. (1930, 27 June). Bunyip (Gawler, SA : 1863 – 1954), 11. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article96669501

GUYRA BRASS BAND. (1918, 09 May). Guyra Argus (NSW : 1902 – 1954), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article173591348

HEALESVILLE BRASS BAND. (1903, 18 July). Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian (Vic. : 1900 – 1942), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60284026

[Heidelberg District Band]. (n.d.). In S10.4 – Band Stamps (Digital scan of band stamp on sheet music ed., Vol. S10 – Music (Sheet)): Victorian Bands’ League Archive.

Keane, M. V. (1982a). Chronology of Education for Librarianship in Australia, 1896-1976. The Australian Library Journal, 13(3), 16-24. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049670.1982.10755458

Keane, M. V. (1982b). The development of education for librarianship in Australia between 1896 and 1976, with special emphasis on the role of the Library Association of Australia. The Australian Library Journal, 31(2), 12-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049670.1982.10755450

Kellerberrin Brass Band. (1926, 15 January). Eastern Recorder (Kellerberrin, WA : 1909 – 1954), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article256404975

Kew Band Presentation. (1910, 30 September). Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 – 1925), 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89698013

Kew Brass Band. (1907, 06 September). Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 – 1925), 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90312804

LAKE’S CREEK BRASS BAND. (1900, 05 April). Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 – 1954), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52571271

LANDSBOROUGH : BRASS BAND. (1917, 01 August). Ballarat Courier (Vic. : 1869 – 1886; 1914 – 1918), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73321617

LATROBE BRASS BAND. (1925, 17 September). Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas. : 1883 – 1928), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153656236

LIBRARIANSHIP DIPLOMA : Establishment Sought. (1939, 28 January). Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1957), 13. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12091273

LILYDALE BRASS BAND. (1898, 02 December). Lilydale Express and Yarra Glen, Wandin Yallock, Upper Yarra, Healesville and Ringwood Chronicle (Vic. : 1898 – 1914), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article258343462

MAGILL BRASS BAND. (1921, 11 August). Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 – 1929), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63195858

[March Card Backing with Victoria Police Band stamp]. (n.d.). In S10.3 – March Card Backs (Digital scan of march card back and band stamp ed., Vol. S10 – Music (Sheet)): Victorian Bands’ League Archive.

MUNICIPAL BAND. (1928, 01 June). Victor Harbor Times and Encounter Bay and Lower Murray Pilot (SA : 1912 – 1930), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167135026

NAVAL BAND ASSOCIATION : PRESENTATION TO MR. VIN ZEMEK. (1919, 27 May). Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1860 – 1947), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151041581

The New South Wales Government Music Library–Official Opening by the Minister for Education. (1913, 30 July). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 – 1919), 27. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article263942420

Norris, A. (1923, 04 October). Mullumbimby Citizens’ Band : ANNUAL REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET. Mullumbimby Star (NSW : 1906 – 1936), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125397418

PENGUIN BRASS BAND. (1919, 14 June). Advocate (Burnie, Tas. : 1890 – 1954), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66489853

Peterborough Federal Band. (1924). [Photograph]. [B+27818]. State Library South Australia, Peterborough Collection. https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+27818

Peterborough Federal Band : Annual General Meeting. (1931, 17 July). Times and Northern Advertiser, Peterborough, South Australia (SA : 1919 – 1950), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110542695

Petersburg Brass Band. (1904, 19 July). Quorn Mercury (SA : 1895 – 1954), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article213634359

Plowman, S., Hammond, E. C., Gunson, J. L., & Croskell, V. (1913, 04 October). Rules and Regulations of the Frankston Brass Band. Mornington Standard (Frankston, Vic. : 1911 – 1920), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65849798

Presto. (1913, 07 February). WARBURTON BRASS BAND. Lilydale Express and Yarra Glen, Wandin Yallock, Upper Yarra, Healesville and Ringwood Chronicle (Vic. : 1898 – 1914), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article258398095

Railway Brass Band. (1912, 08 June). Northam Advertiser (WA : 1895 – 1955), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article212605209

Record library school opens. (1945, 22 April). Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 – 1954), 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248011012

REVISED RULES. (1924, 01 February). Collie Mail (Perth, WA : 1908 – 1954), 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article256075368

Rutherglen Brass Band. (1901, 19 February). Rutherglen Sun and Chiltern Valley Advertiser (Vic. : 1886 – 1957), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article268482585

Skipton Brass Band. (1922, 27 May). Skipton Standard and Streatham Gazette (Vic. : 1914 – 1928), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article269333879

TALLANGATTA BRASS BAND : [FROM THE UPPER MURRAY HERALD]. (1899, 01 April). Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth, Vic. : 1855 – 1955), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199466692

TEMPERANCE BRASS BAND. (1897, 10 July). Geraldton Murchison Telegraph (WA : 1892 – 1899), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article259398587

The Crown Studios. (1896, 28 March). New South Wales Police Band. Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 – 1919), 20. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71243570

Town Band. (1902, 20 June). Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99243761

Wandiligong Brass Band. (1916, 17 November). Alpine Observer and North-Eastern Herald (Vic. : 1916 – 1918), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129515421

WESTONIA BRASS BAND. (1915, 22 May). Westonian (WA : 1915 – 1920), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article211653459

WILLIAM WARDLE : LATE HONORARY LIBRARIAN OF BOOROWA BAND. (1938, 04 February). Burrowa News (NSW : 1874 – 1951), 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102498287

WINGHAM BAND. (1929, 10 August). Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 – 1954), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article173806266

Woodend Brass Band. (1905, 14 January). Woodend Star (Vic. : 1888 – 1942), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article270719524

Yea Brass Band. (1912, 14 March). Yea Chronicle (Yea, Vic. : 1891 – 1920), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69663903

Legitimate quirks of instrumentation: The inclusion of woodwinds in brass bands

19000000_Malvern-Tradesmen-Military-Band_phot11448
Malvern Town Military Band, approx. 1900. (Source: IBEW)

Introduction:

Cornets, Flugel Horns, Tenor Horns, Baritones, Euphoniums, Trombones, Tubas and Percussion.  This standard of instrumentation for a brass band has been in place for a good number of years.  Yet before this standard was settled upon, there was an amount of time where the range of instruments was less distinguishable, or available.  The brass band as we know it today is the result of years of evolution with the result being a largely homogenous sound across the ranges.  Composers and arrangers also moved with the time, and we can see this in the sheet music.

This post will touch on one of the quirks of instrumentation in earlier brass bands, the use of woodwinds such as Clarinets and Saxophones, and even the odd Piccolo.  For the best part of forty years, some Australian brass bands included woodwind musicians amongst their personnel and allowances were made at some competitions, including the famous South Street.  This did not mean that there was widespread usage or acceptance of woodwinds in the brass bands.  However, there is evidence that some bands used them right up into the 1920s.

Tied into this is the naming of bands.  With the inclusion of woodwinds, some bands were still nominally called brass bands, but others were more inventive with names.  Some bands were sitting on the border of being brass or military in their instrumentation, as we can see with the photo of the Malvern Town Military Band above.

Nowadays the distinction between brass, military, and symphonic bands (concert bands) is much clearer cut.  The earlier times was when the boundaries were pushed.

Names and Instrumentation:

A brass band usually means that it is wholly comprised of brass instruments, and then when it included Clarinets, Saxophones, and Piccolos it was still called a brass band.  Such was the discrepancy in the names of early bands, a discrepancy that would cause confusion in the minds of modern musicians – today, names of bands generally indicate what kind of instrumentation they include.

The inclusion of Clarinets in a brass band was one of those holdovers from English brass bands.  Arnold Myers (2000), writing in a chapter titled Instruments and Instrumentation of British Brass Bands, explains that,

Often clarinets were used in what were otherwise all-brass groups, a usage which continued throughout the nineteenth century and into the twentieth, though not in major contests from the 1870s.  The presence of clarinets did not alter the essential nature of the brass band: they replaced one or more Bb cornets, or were used to provide brightness in the upper register in the role usually played by the soprano cornet.

(p. 156)

In Australia, trends of instrumentation in brass bands tended to start and end much later than in the UK.  We know that brass bands held a prominent part in many towns, communities and industries across Australia.  We also know that various military bands, bands comprised of a more substantial variety of woodwind instruments, brass and percussion, had been a part of musical life since the early days of the colony.  Although, at times, they needed special explanation, as shown in an article published in the Geelong Advertiser in 1911 (Blakiston, 1911).  Mason (2013) in his thesis, tells us that “military bands provided music military and state functions, as well as performing for the general public and servicing as a source of musicians for cities’ orchestras and other ensembles.” (p. 81).  In their own way, the military bands have their own important history.  The early military bands served as a precursor to the many Defence Force Bands, school concert bands, community concert bands and symphonic bands that fill the musical landscape today (Mason, 2013).

Aside from the number of woodwinds, some commentators attempted to call out the brass bands which included clarinets for trying to be something they were not.  One interesting article was published in the Bairnsdale (Vic.) based Every Week newspaper in May 1918.  Titled “Clarinets in the Brass Band”, the writer used the premise that just because some brass bands included Clarinets (or other woodwinds) in their instrumentation, did not automatically make them a military band – and that they should not attempt to play military band music or arrangements.

Bands which have few clarionets or even bands which have a goodly number of clarionets, but no other reed instruments, make a big mistake when they consider themselves “military bands” and aim to play military band arrangements.  They are really brass bands plus clarionets – a thing very far removed from a military band.

(“CLARINETS IN THE BRASS BAND.,” 1918)

Excusing the seemingly blunt language, the writer was correct.  Brass bands that included Clarinets and Saxophones in their line-up were still nominally brass bands, they were not military bands.  Still, the naming of bands is interesting.  Below is a picture of the North Hobart Concert Band taken in 1917.  We can see in the picture that four of the members have Clarinets and one member a Soprano Saxophone.  They also include all of the instruments that comprise a brass band.  If we were to apply the modern name and meaning of a concert band, we would assume it to have a full section of woodwinds.  However, in these early days, this was not the case.  On a side note, we can see that the Bandmaster is one of the members holding a Clarinet.  The Bandmaster in this photo, a Mr. A. W. Caddie, was appointed Bandmaster of the North Hobart Concert Band in 1916 after leading the Zeehan Military Band for a number of years (“NORTH HOBART BAND.,” 1916).  Mr. Caddie was a Clarionetist of some renown and won the Clarionet section at the Royal South Street brass solo competitions in 1912 (Trombone, 1912).

19170000_North-Hobart-Concert-Band_phot3458
North Hobart Concert Band, 1917 (Source: IBEW)

Through this short discussion on instrumentation and naming, it is established that Clarinets and Saxophones existed in brass bands for several years and were accepted as such.  It was up to the music publishers to cater for them as well.

Sheet music:

The other side of including limited woodwinds in brass bands is of course the sheet music.  Brass bands that included limited woodwinds may not have had the instrumentation to play arrangements of military music, but they were able to play brass band music with added Clarinet parts – of which the writer of the article in Every Week pointed out (“CLARINETS IN THE BRASS BAND.,” 1918).  Given that the instruments in brass bands are predominantly keyed in Bb or Eb, it was easy enough to create parts for Clarinets and Saxophones as well.  Piccolos used in bands in those days were mostly keyed in Db or Eb which was different.  Parts were included with some editions of music, but this was not always the case.  It is easier to make a comparison between Clarinet and Cornet parts.

Below are two parts of the 1904 march “South Street” by Hall King (edited by T. E. Bulch).  Here we can see clearly that the Clarinet part neatly doubles the Solo Cornet, in parts up the octave (King, 1904a, 1904b).  The range of the Clarinet obviously makes this easy to do, and musically this would make sense. These Clarinet parts would be taken up by an Eb Soprano Cornet in todays brass bands.

19040000_Suttons_South-Street-CL1
(Source: Victorian Bands’ League Library & Archive)
19040000_Suttons_South-Street-SoloC
(Source: Victorian Bands’ League Library & Archive)

Most of the brass band music that was printed in these times originated from large publishing houses in the form of journals, the parts above being published by Suttons Proprietary Limited.  Here we see that this journal of brass band music included parts for Reeds, so obviously Clarinets, and possibly Saxophones, were catered for.  Suttons was not the only Australian music publishing company that included parts for Clarinets in their journals of music.  The two march cards below of the marches “Artillery” by Alex Lithgow and “Newtown” by T. E. Bulch were published by Allans & Co. (Bulch, 1901; Lithgow, n.d.).

00000000_Allans_Artillery_2CL
(Source: Victorian Bands’ League Library & Archive)
19010000_Allans_Newtown_2CL
(Source: Victorian Bands’ League Library & Archive)

Obviously, the publishing companies found there was a market for Clarinet, Saxophone and Piccolo parts and composers would have been encouraged to include these parts in their compositions – although, given the similarities in keys, maybe this was up to arrangers.  After having some discussion with Dr. Richard Mason on this topic, extra money for publishers and composers to produce Clarinet parts was assumed (Mason, 2020).  Possibly the real reasons cannot be found, however, the production of specific music to cater for extra instruments added some legitimacy to woodwinds being included in brass bands.

Brass bands with woodwinds:

19060000_Wunghnu-Brass-Band_phot14255
Wunghu Brass Band, 1906 (Source: IBEW)

As mentioned in the opening of this post, Clarinets and other woodwinds were part of brass bands in Australia for around forty years.  We can find some evidence of this from early newspaper articles.  It is claimed that Saxophones were added to brass bands in Australia as early as 1890, although, as mentioned in the linked article, this was a matter of conjecture (“The Saxophone,” 1934).  Other bands were more forthcoming over what they had in their band.  In August 1893, an article regarding the early history of the Dandenong Brass Band was published in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal. It seems that when the Dandenong Brass Band was formed in 1885, it comprised of ten members; three Cornets, two Piccolos, two Tenors, one Baritone and one Clarionet (using this unique spelling) (“DANDENONG BRASS BAND.,” 1893).  Likewise, in 1899, a public meeting was held in Tallangatta with the aim of (re)forming a brass band.  Several participants in the meeting spoke in support, one of them was a Mr A. J. Fortescue,

…speaking as a member, observed that the old band had died through want of proper management and lack of public interest.  If formed on proper lines, with a good committee, he thought a band would prosper there.  There were sufficient of the old brass instruments on hand for a start, but there would be some repairs needed.  There would be wanted a piccolo and two drums.  In reply to a question from the chairman, he stated that with a sum of £20 they could make a fairly good start.

(“BRASS BAND FOR TALLANGATTA.,” 1899)

In January 1904 the Linton Brass Band held their annual general meeting, and they were another brass band that boasted a piccolo in their instrumentation.

The band has a stock consisting of one big drum, one side drum, three B flat cornets, two B flat Euphoniums, one E flat bass, one E flat piccolo.

(“LINTON BRASS BAND,” 1904)

These were brass bands in their early years.  Yet twenty years later, as can be seen in the list of musicians in the Wagga Wagga Concert Band (below), a Clarinet was part of the ensemble (“WAGGA CONCERT BAND.,” 1921).  And in 1926 the Gnowangerup District Brass Band from Western Australia was proud to announce that they had added a new Clarionet to the band (“Gnowangerup District Brass Band.,” 1926).

19210303_Young-Witness_Wagga-CB_Clarionet
Young Witness, 03/03/1921, p. 2

There are of course numerous other examples of woodwind instruments appearing in early brass bands of which the above mentioned are a small number of instances.

Competitions:

When in competition, the woodwinds of brass bands were mostly treated the same as any other brass instrument, and they also received the same criticism as well.  There are some examples of woodwinds being mentioned in competition, although this was mainly related to Clarinets and Saxophones.  Even the famous Royal South Street competitions had sections for Clarinets and at times Saxophones over the course of a decade.

The year is 1899 and in September, Northcott’s Bendigo City Brass Band, conducted by Mr. O. Flight, had travelled to Echuca to take part in a small regional competition adjudicated by the famous Mr. E. Code.  The article here details the adjudication of their program and at one point both the Clarinet and Piccolo were mentioned:

Largo – Clarionet and cornets not in tune ; cornet has good taste ; accompaniments too loud ; cornet not clean at bar 17 ; piccolo a little out of tune at bars 18 and 19 ; bass too loud at bar 20.

(“NORTHCOTT’S BENDIGO CITY BRASS BAND.,” 1899)

Regarding South Street, they added another layer of legitimacy by having sections specifically for woodwinds included in the brass solo competitions.  As can be seen in the lists of entries (which can be acccessed from the links), the Clarinet & Saxophone sections attracted musicians from all over Australia.  Below is a list of competitions held over ten years (with some gaps), with the woodwind instruments that were included each year:

(Royal South Street Society, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1910, 1911, 1914, 1915, 1916)

Unfortunately, there are some gaps in the list due to lack of data however, it is known that a brass solo competition was held in 1912 which included a Clarionet section (Trombone, 1912).

As well as the records from Royal South Street, we also have articles in newspapers that provide the adjudication of Clarinettists.  This article published in the Ballarat Star (below) in October 1915 is a prime example of an adjudication.  The adjudicator of this section was the famous Albert Wade (“SOUTH STREET COMPETITIONS.,” 1915).

19151022_Ballarat-Star_Wade-Clarionet
Ballarat Star, 22/10/1915, p. 6

What of the Saxophonists?  It is seen in the Royal South Street lists that Saxophones were only able to compete in sections for four years.  However, other opportunities for them to integrate with bands were limited to military bands.  That does not mean they were completely forgotten.  In a forward thinking move, Saxophones were provided their own section in a “novelty” event at the Interstate Band Contest in Perth, February 1931 (“SAXOPHONE COMPETITION,” 1931).  The reasoning was understandable at the time.

Hitherto the saxophone has not been considered to be a true brass band instrument, and therefore ineligible for registration under the W.A. Band Association contest rules.  The contest committee, however, obtained permission from the association to include the competition in its program, and fourteen entries have been received.  There are a number of capable executants among the entrants, and as the choice of the solo is left to the competitor, a varied range of saxophone music may be reasonably anticipated.

(“SAXOPHONE COMPETITION,” 1931)

The recognition by competition societies that woodwinds had a place in their own sections was well-meaning and forward thinking.  While they were brass band centric, all instruments of the brass band were included, even if they were not strictly brass.

Conclusion:

19100000_Brisbane-Concert-Band_phot8024
Brisbane Concert Band, 1910 (Source: IBEW)

The thought of woodwinds in brass bands would probably raise the eyebrows of many brass band purists. Yet, like many other stories of the brass band world, it is one that is worth exploring, if only for the novelty.  One wonders how these early brass bands would have sounded with limited woodwinds playing similar parts.  The history and sheet music tell us that woodwinds existed in brass bands.  As do some of the pictures, like the Brisbane Concert Band above.

References:

Blakiston, C. (1911, 22 April). A MILITARY BAND : How it is made up. Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1859 – 1929), 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article149205289

BRASS BAND FOR TALLANGATTA. (1899, 18 February). Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth, Vic. : 1855 – 1918), 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199465362

Bulch, T. E. (1901). “Newtown” (2nd Clarionet Bb) : (Dedicated to Thos. Mellor Esq. Bandmaster). [March Card]. Allans & Co. 

CLARINETS IN THE BRASS BAND. (1918, 09 May). Every Week (Bairnsdale, Vic. : 1914 – 1918), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153439388

Colouhoun, J. (1900). Malvern Town Military Band [Photograph]. [phot11448]. The Internet Bandsman Everything Within, Vintage Brass Band Pictures : Australia. http://www.ibew.org.uk/vbbp-oz.html

DANDENONG BRASS BAND. (1893, 02 August). South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic. : 1877 – 1920; 1926 – 1927), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70015776

Gnowangerup District Brass Band. (1926, 10 July). Gnowangerup Star and Tambellup-Ongerup Gazette (WA : 1915 – 1944), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158909246

King, H. (1904a). “South Street” (1st Clarionet). [March Card]. Suttons Proprietary Limited. 

King, H. (1904b). “South Street” (Solo Cornet). [March Card]. Suttons Proprietary Limited. 

LINTON BRASS BAND. (1904, 13 January). Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 – 1924), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210140838

Lithgow, A. F. (n.d.). “Artillery” (2nd Clarionet). [March Card]. Allans & Co. 

Mason, R. W. (2013). The clarinet and its protagonists in the Australian New Music milieu from 1972 to 2007 (Publication Number 38294) [PhD, The University of Melbourne, Faculty of VCA & MCM, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music]. Minerva Access. Melbourne, Victoria. http://hdl.handle.net/11343/38294

Mason, R. W. (2020, 14 June). Phone call with Dr Richard Mason regarding the use of Clarinets in brass bands [Interview]. 

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. 

NORTH HOBART BAND : New Bandmaster Welcomed. (1916, 05 September). Daily Post (Hobart, Tas. : 1908 – 1918), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191143234

NORTH HOBART BAND : New Bandmaster Welcomed. (1916, 05 September). Daily Post (Hobart, Tas. : 1908 – 1918), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191143234

NORTHCOTT’S BENDIGO CITY BRASS BAND : Conductor – Mr O. Flight. (1899, 22 September). Riverine Herald (Echuca, Vic. : Moama, NSW : 1869 – 1954; 1998 – 2002),2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115017023

Royal South Street Society. (1906, 30 October). 1906-10-30 Brass Solo Contests. Royal South Street Society. Retrieved 26 August 2019 from https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1906-10-30-brass-solo-contests

Royal South Street Society. (1907, 22 October). 1907-10-22 Brass Section. Royal South Street Society. Retrieved 11 June 2020 from https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1907-10-22-brass-section

Royal South Street Society. (1908, 20 October). 1908-10-20 Brass Solo Contests. Royal South Street Society. Retrieved 11 June 2020 from https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1908-10-20-brass-solo-contests

Royal South Street Society. (1910, 18 October). 1910-10-18 Brass Solo Contests. Royal South Street Society. Retrieved 20 July 2019 from https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1910-10-18-brass-band-contests

Royal South Street Society. (1911, 24 October). 1911-10-24 Brass Band Solos. Royal South Street Society. Retrieved 11 June 2020 from https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1911-10-24-brass-band-solos

Royal South Street Society. (1914, 20 October). 1914-10-20 Brass Solo Contests. Royal South Street Society. Retrieved 11 June 2020 from https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1914-10-20-brass-solo-contests

Royal South Street Society. (1915, 21 October). 1915-10-21 Brass Solo Contests. Royal South Street Society. Retrieved 11 June 2020 from https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1915-10-21-brass-solo-contests

Royal South Street Society. (1916, 30 October). 1916-10-30 Brass Solo Contests. Royal South Street Society. Retrieved 11 June 2020 from https://results.royalsouthstreet.com.au/results/1916-10-30-brass-solo-contests

The Saxophone : Who Brought it to Australia. (1934, 06 January). Voice (Hobart, Tas. : 1931 – 1953), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218832762

SAXOPHONE COMPETITION : Interstate Band Contest. (1931, 02 January). Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1950), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article83492508

SOUTH STREET COMPETITIONS : Brass Section Continued : Mr A. Wade, Adjudicator : Clarionet Solo. (1915, 22 October). Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 – 1924), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154562484

Trombone. (1912, 29 October). BANDS AND BANDSMEN. Daily Post (Hobart, Tas. : 1908 – 1918), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article189103747

WAGGA CONCERT BAND. (1921, 03 March). Young Witness (NSW : 1915 – 1923), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113606153

Wunghnu Brass Band. (1906). [Photograph]. [phot14255]. The Internet Bandsman Everything Within, Vintage Brass Band Pictures : Australia. http://www.ibew.org.uk/vbbp-oz.html