Brisbane Municipal Concert Band

The Brisbane Municipal Concert Band is a community band of amateur musicians in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is also known as the Brisbane Concert Band. It was founded in 1903 and continues to operate to the present time (2014), making it Brisbane's oldest concert band.[1]

Brisbane Municipal Concert Band marching, 1909

History

In 1903, Joseph Hendry Grice founded Valley Concert Band; it met in a Fortitude Valley drapery store.[2]

In 1921, the band won the Australasian Champion Band (military grade) contest held in Ballarat. In 1925 the Brisbane City Council provided funds for the band to return to Ballarat to defend its title.[3]

On 11 April 1927 the band performed at the garden party at New Farm Park for the Duke and Duchess of York when they visited Brisbane.[4]

In 1928, the band performed at the Anzac Day ceremony at the Windsor War Memorial Park.[5]

In 1932 the band played at the Anzac Day Service at Graceville Memorial Park in Brisbane. The band has maintained a tradition of playing for Anzac Day services, RSL clubs and Service Personnel. During both World Wars the BMCB band played at services welcoming home the troops at South Brisbane railway station.[2]

The BMCB celebrated its centenary in 2003 with a concert at the Old Museum, Bowen Hills, Brisbane.[2]

It is locally known for its "Sunday Concerts-In-The-Park" programme, annual Gala Concerts and appearances in the Brisbane City Hall.[6]

In October 25, 2008, the BMCB accompanied the French Les Philharmonistes des Pays de Vauclose, in St John's Cathedral, Ann Street, Brisbane.[6] A few years later in 2011 at Roma Street Parkland the BMCB joined the Brisbane Symphonic Band conducted by Stefanie Smith for a musical concert Witches, Wizards And Warlocks. A total of 100 musicians performed music about witches, wizards and warlocks for children's entertainment.[7]

Conductors

The first conductor was band founder Joseph Hendry Grice.

In 1908 Ebenezer Jackson took over the BMCB to be the longest-serving conductor. Also known as "Ebby", he continued until just before his death in 1953.[2][8]

Since then the BMCB has had a number of conductors, including H. Bukler (1953–71, 1976–80), E.T Selby (1973–75), S. Fawcett (1980–82, 1983), B.Warden (1982), T. O'Shea (1984), E. Karuas (1985), T. Shacklady (1985–88), M. Roth (1989), K. Stitt (1989–92), P. Burns (1991), J. Black (1992) and David Jones (1992–current),[2]

Current activities

The BMCB is a regular on the Sunday Concerts-In-The-Park' programme. Rehearsals are currently held at Paddington Hall, 10 Moreton Street, Paddington.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Sunday Concert: East Meets West – Brisbane Municipal Concert Band". Queensland University of Technology. February 2014. Archived from the original on 13 December 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  2. "History". Brisbane Municipal Concert Band. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  3. "BALLARAT BAND CONTEST". The Sydney Morning Herald. National Library of Australia. 18 August 1925. p. 10. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  4. Brisbane (Qld.). Council (1927), Royal visit 1927 : Garden party, New Farm Park, given by the Right Worshipful the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Brisbane to entertain Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York, eleventh April, one thousand nine hundred and twenty seven, Brisbane City Council, retrieved 14 December 2014
  5. "SERVICES AND PARADES". The Brisbane Courier. National Library of Australia. 24 April 1928. p. 3. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  6. "The French are Coming!". Quest News. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  7. "Author Cassandra Clare with Susan Hetherington". ABC Radio. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  8. "BANDSMAN DIES AT 83". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 25 July 1953. p. 6. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
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