Join us for an epic weekend to be entertained by some of SA’s top Brass, Concert and Stage bands.

Friday 7.00 pm (Theme: Back to the 80’s)
Featuring host band, Mitcham City Brass along with SA Schools Concert Band and Woodville Concert Band

Saturday 10.00 am
Featuring Adelaide German Band, Holdfast Bay Concert Band, City of Adelaide Concert Band, Uraidla Concert Band and Unley Concert Band, Hahndorf Town Band, Second Wind Ensemble, Burnside Youth Concert Band and Band of the 10th/27th Battalion Royal SA Regiment

Saturday 7.00 pm
Featuring the Royal Australian Navy Band, West Torrens Concert Band and Onkaparinga Concert Band

Program

See the scheduled performance times for all bands

Tickets

Tickets available at www.trybooking.com/CIMBU or at the door (cash/card payments):
Friday – Adult: $20 | Pensioner/Student Concession: $15 | Child U/13: Free
Saturday – Adult: $15| Pensioner/Student Concession: $15 | Child U/13: Free
Festival Pass – both days
Adult: $25 | Pensioner/Student Concession: $20 | Child U/13: Free
Companion Card holders – Free

Food, Snacks and Refreshments will be available.

The present band was formed in 1901 by Mr. Carl Stanley, Geo Lawson and J. Tyler and has continued to function ever since.

Mr. W.J. Wood was the first secretary, a position he held until 1908, and Mr. C.A. Richards was the first Treasurer but he resigned early in 1902 and his position was taken by Mr. John Wood, a position he also held until 1908. Mr. C. Bushel was the first Bandmaster but he did not stay long after the purchase of the first set of new instruments which were of very poor quality.

Practice at this time was held in St. Michaels Hall and the Band was, known as the Mitcham Brass Band, later this name was to be changed to Mitcham City Brass Band after Mitcham became a City.

To get the Band started, Mr. Lloyd Price loaned the Band forty pounds ($6,500)* which was to be repaid at Ten Pound ($1600) per year. This loan, together with donations collections, fees, etc. allowed the purchase of instruments and Hall Hire etc.

The following list is some of the Band expenses for the first year:-

• Bandmasters Allowance 10/- ($81 per year)
• Mr. Buscombe – Horse Hire 7/6 ($60)
• Hall Hire ￡5 ($800) per year
• Repayment of loan ￡10 ($1600)
• One tin of Kerosine fuel for lamps 3/11 ($32)
• E flat Tenor Horn ￡10/- ($1600)
• E flat Bass ￡17/10/- ($2800)
• Cornet ￡5 ($800)
• Bass Drum ￡4/ 17/6 ($650)

Members fees at this stage were 2/6 ($20) joining fee then sixpence ($4) per week.

The following is a list of subscribers and Vice Presidents of the Band in 1902.
Messrs. R. Barr Smith, A. Wilkinson, G. Wilcox, Dr. A.H. Gault Dr. F. Steele Scott, G. Conquest, F.C. Howard, J. Maslin, Rev. Clampett (later Archdeacon), F. French, W. Bradley, Tom Price M.P. (later Sir Thomas), M. Spiller, Lloyd Price, Dr. T.K. Hamilton, H.G. Price, R. Rymill, F. Grimes, and Hon. J.G. Jenkins. Donations from these men ranged from 5/ to Ten Pound.

In 1902/3 several young members used to go to the workshop of Mr. C.A. Stanley in Rose Lane, Mitcham, and practice with the aid of candles for light, this they did as many as three nights a week besides the regular Practice Night. The Auditors of the Band at this stage were C.W. Stanley, W.C. Vowels and E. Blythman.

In 1903 Mr. C. Allison took over the position of Bandmaster of the Band and held this position until 1911. (He was also conductor of Adelaide Vice Regal at the same time.) The Band made good progress under his tuition and in 1911 had grown to a strength of 26 players.

In 1906 the Band used to congregate in Mr. Gcdden’s Cow shed in Hawthorn and practice by candlelight and hurricane lamps.

In 1908, at its own expense, the Band enlarged the Rotunda on the Mitcham Reserve from which many open air concerts were staged by the Band for the benefit of the community over the coming years. During the year, as an inducement to younger players, the Weekly Subscription was reduced from 1/-  to sixpence.

By 1909 the Band possesed 23 instruments valued at about 125 Pound ($20,000) besides those privately owned by various members and played several times throughout the year at various Vice-Presidents homes. This helped to create a let of good feeling between the Subscribers and the Band Members. The Band was also giving fortnightly concerts on the Mitcham Reserve during the Summer as well as various other locations.

* Pound/Shilling/Pence conversion based on 2021 relative values

In 1911 a set of rules were drawn up as follows:-

1. This Band shall be known as the Mitcham Brass Band.
2. That the ownership of all instruments, stands, music and all other property shall be vested in the Trustees.
3. That no member shall have any ownership, in any of the Band Property, beyond what his vote as a member entitles him to, and, on leaving the Band, must give up all Band Property to the Secretary and pay any monies due.
4. That a Committee of 7 members be appointed to conduct all business. Such Committee not to hold office for more than 12 months without re-election. Should a vacancy occur, such a vacancy is to be filled at once.
5. That the Band’s accounts be audited once a year.
6. That the entrance fee be 2/6 ($0-25) and weekly subscriptions of sixpence ($0-05).
7. That such fines as the Committee may think fit shall be imposed for:-
   1. Playing instruments on the Kings Highway.
   2. Being late or absent from practice.
   3. Using bad language.
   4. Disobeying Bandmaster or his Deputy during practice.
8. That the Band must meet once a week for practice and the Secretary shall call the roll and list all who are present.
9. No member shall play in another Band without the consent of the Committee and the Committee shall expel any member for misconduct or systematic non-attendance or for being in arrears with contributions.
10. Any member leaving the Band shall return all property to the Band and make good any repairs if requested by the Committee.
11. The Bandmaster, or, in his absence, the Deputy Bandmaster shall have charge of the Band.
12. That the Committee refer all decisions to the full Band for confirmation.
13. That this Band cannot be disbanded as long as there are six (6} members opposed to that cause.
14. That every member, on being admitted to the Band, must sign his name to the above rules.

(At this time the Trustees were within the Band, but, some years later, the Trusteeship was entrusted to the Mitcham City Council, for security and posterity.)

In 1912 Mr. Laurie Chenoweth assumed control as Bandmaster, a position he held for 34 years and in 1913 the Band won its first of many contests. This was at the Strathalbyn Championships, gaining first place in the March, Waltz and own choice sections. Also during the year the Band completed 22 engagements.

In 1914 the Band purchased its first set of uniforms from G.J. Plenty and Sons at a total cost of 34 Pound 10/-  and it was at this time that the Band changed its venue to the Mitcham Institute (Now Youth Centre’) for practice, which, at this stage, and for the next 40 years was held on Monday Nights. At this stage the Band played at the pictures on the Price Memorial Oval. This they did until 1915.

During the first few years of Mr. L. Chenoweth’s leadership, the Band would stand in a circle for 2 hours of practice, this was also done during engagements and contests or any time that the Band played as a whole.

When the Band decided to sit, Mr. Chenoweth nearly resigned, he was so upset, he said that if it was good enough for him to stand, it was good enough for the rest of the Band to do likewise, his theory was that it affected the breathing.

During the First World War (1914-1918), the Band gave regular concerts at the Mitcham Army Camp at Colonel light Gardens although its membership had fallen to 12 players due to a great number of members enlisting in the Armed Forces, never the less it always seemed to survive. As well as entertaining the troops, the Band also presented the First Expeditionary Force with an E flat Bass and 36 pieces of music.

During this period, Mr. W.A. (Bill) Walters, who, at the time was Treasurer of the Mitcham Band, a position he held until 1932, became President of the Band Association (now S.A.B.A.) a position he held for a number of years. At this stage the Association meetings were held in the Jeweller’s Shop owned by Mr. H.G. Dali (who was Secretary of the Association), situated in the Central Market Arcade. Mr. W.A. Walters was followed by Mr. Eric Smith (also from Mitcham Band’) as Chairman of the Band Association.

During 1917 when Friday night shopping was in vogue, (this continued until World War Two when, for security reasons, it was discontinued and not re-introduced until the late 1970’s) the Band had a permanent engagement playing on the balcony of Peoplestores until 9-00 p.m.

In 1918 the Band contested in the Australia Day Competitions held on the Jubillee Oval where the University of Adelaide now stands and for three months they practiced 2 nights a week in addition to Sunday Afternoon Drill Practice. All this work was not in vain as the Band and Members returned from the Contest in a very honourable position. Of the six players who entered the Solo and Party section of the competitions one gained a first place, one a second, two thirds and two fifths. In the Band contest, against six other-City and Suburban Bands, Mitcham gained second place in the Quickstep and third place in the selections.

With the signing of the Armistice and on Armistice Day, the Mitcham Band headed the Motor and Allied Trades in the procession that was held in Adelaide, and after the procession was the only Band to remember the sick, and visited firstly the Children’s Hospital, then the Keswick Hospital, and the Home for Incurables, finally playing through the streets of Mitcham.

In these days, Christmas Eves were very busy when the complete band would go carolling. They would hire a pair of horses and a trolley from Mr. Ben Johnson of Brownhill Creek, and leave the Hall at 8-00 p.m. sitting around the outside of the trolley, jumping off at each home, play 3 or 4 carols, partaking of refreshments of every kind, then moving on to the next place. This would continue until about 7-00 or 8-00 a.m. Christmas Morning. In the weeks prior to Christmas, the Secretary, Mr. A.B. Michell would write to each Vice President (13 in all) advising them what time the Band would- arrive, but you can imagine with eating, drinking and talking how difficult it must have been to keep up to time. The lighting was supplied by means of kerosene torches, but by the time the Band was half way through the night, the members had memorised all the carols so that running out of kerosene did not affect the carolling.

As was previously stated, when the war broke out in 1914, many players were lost when they joined the Armed Forces and things looked very blue, but young players kept coming along to keep the old machine operational until after the end of the war in 1918 and the return of the troops.

1919 started with 26 active players and, by the end of the year, this number had increased to 34, this being the greatest number of active members on the roll at any one time in the history of the Band up until this stage.

In 1919 and 1920 the Band again competed at the Jubillee Ova] on Australia Day, but only gained minor placings.

In 1920 the Band played on a balcony in Hindley Street during the visit of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward 8th) as he was driven around the City of Adelaide with a Police escort. As the Prince rode by, the Band struck up “God Bless The Prince Of Wales” at which he looked up, saluted and gave a big smile.

Besides playing for the Prince of Wales visit, the Band took part in 19 other public performances during the year including visits to Charitable Institutions, Church Fetes, the unveiling of the Public School Memorial and concerts on the Mitcham Reserve, Kingswood Oval and Adelaide Rotunda.

To infuse members with some enthusiasm at this point of time, the then Secretary, Mr. A.B. Michell and Bandmaster, Mr. L.O. Chenoweth decided to donate gold medals for Best Attendance and Most Improved Player. (These awards were given for many years) The first recipients of these awards were Mr. G.F. Lawson (Best Attendance) and Mr. G. Hilditch (Most Improved Player)

In 1921 the Band contested at Tanunda in “C” Grade winning the Quickstep and various other sections. After the Tanunda success, Mr. A.B. Michell moved a motion that the Band compete at the Ballarat Competitions so, a Ladies Committee, under the leadership of Mrs. W. Godden was formed and they did a marvellous job in helping the Band to raise the necessary money to enable the Band to attend Ballarat in 1922 free of debt. However, the Band did not meet with much success at these competitions but tied for third place with the I.X.L. Band from Hobart. During this trip they stayed at the Military Arms Hotel off Bridge Street where the main Car Park now stands. A very amusing incident is told of this trip, although it could have been very dangerous. It so happened that a number of Bandsmen were sitting on the balcony of the Hotel with a former member of the Band who happened to have a slingshot with him when a man was passing with a horse and Masher Dray, the ex-member let go with a large shot which hit the horse on the rump where by the horse took off at great speed, upsetting the poor old man into the back of the Dray, luckily no harm came of it but the man was probably bewildered until his dying day as to what happened to his horse.

In 1922 a “Boot Club” was formed to which sixpence ($0-05) was contributed each week by every member and, when there was enough money, boots were purchased wholesale so that all were alike. (Boots were worn in those days) At a later stage a shirt fund was formed and the same action took place so that everyone dressed alike.

During the year the members attended 138 performances which included all practices and engagements some of which were playing at Bedford Park, The Stockade, Hospitals and other local affairs. As this was the Band’s 21st year of continuous operation, seven of the original members were now due for “LIFE MEMBERSHIP”, these “being the first Life Members of the Band, but, it is pleasing to record that there have been many others over the years.

Also during 1922 the clutching hand of the Federal Income Tax Department threatened the Band to such a degree that they felt it was not worth continuing when Mr. A.B. Michell (Honorary Secretary) took a very firm stand and, with the help of the “Mail Newspaper” exposed … the matter publicly, and the result was an order from the Federal Treasurer exempting all Bands from having to pay Income Tax.

From 1922 to 1927 the Band had a weekly Wednesday Night engagement playing at the trots at Thebarton until betting was made legal, and patrons would rather gamble than listen to Band Music or any other kind of music. Interspersed with this they also had another engagement with the Motor Cycle Racing at the Showgrounds once a fortnight on Saturday Nights.

In 1923 the Band once again competed at Tanunda in “C” Grade, again gaining several first places, and earned the distinction of being the best disciplined Band at the competitions. Also during the year the Band was fitted out with new uniforms.

In 1924 the Band once again made the trip to the “Mecca” of Bandsmen, namely Ballarat, without success as far as prizes were’ concerned, but two of the members met a couple of young ladies, who later became their wives, these members being Mr. W.G. Horsell and Mr. H. Kennedy.

Also in 1924 through the efforts of Mr. A.B. Michell, the whole of the Band and the Band’s property was made the property of the local council. At the time that the Town of Mitcham was proclaimed a Municipality, the Band, with the concurrence of the Council, was called the Mitcham District Band, and, later, upon Mitcham becoming a City, the Band followed suit and became the Mitcham City Band.

In this year the Band borrowed 200 pound ($400-00) from the Mitcham Council (which was repaid within 2 years) and purchased the following new instruments:- 3 Basses, 1 Euphonium and 1 Trombone. During the year the Band performed at 84 engagements (32 of which were trotting engagements) besides weekly rehearsals.

In 1925 the first Mitcham Junior Band was formed under the direction of Mr. Bert James and continued until 1932 when it was disbanded as the Senior Band was desperately in need of players.

The Band once again competed at Tanunda in “C” Grade in 1925 and carried off all the honours, Street March, Selections, and Quick Step as well as two other trophies, a unique experience at the time, and were recognised as one of the foremost Bands in the State, and certainly the most consistent.

In 1926 the Band was still in “C” Grade and once again competed at Tanunda, repeating 1925’s record. A week later they competed in the Adelaide Competitions and again won everything, this compelled promotion to “B” Grade, which was the highest Grade at the time. At this period of time the Band dispensed with weekly subscriptions and entrance fees (which were later reintroduced) and reimbursed members their fares and the Bandmaster’s fee was raised to 1 pound ($2-001 per week).

During the year Mr. Bert James who was then Deputy Bandmaster of the Senior Band and leader of the Junior Band was made a Life Member of the Mitcham City Band. He also made the Suggestion that in future the Deputy Bandmaster should conduct the full Band at practice from time to time as he found it very difficult on the occasions that the Bandmaster could not attend engagements to take sole charge of the Band. This was accepted and was done for a few years. During 1926 the Band gave only 120 performances including all rehearsals, 16 less than previous years much to the Bandmaster’s disappointment.

In 1927 the Band engaged Mr. 0. Summerton to be coach and Mr. Laurie Chenoweth (Bandmaster) played Solo Cornet so that they could compete at Tanunda in “B” Grade, again winning everything and beating the renowned W.S. May with his Glenelg Municipal Band, which was very gratifying to everyone. After this, the Band began to decline, as some of the older members felt that they had had enough and so pulled out, which meant that the Band did not compete again until 1932 and 1936 when, with practically a new team of officers and Bandsmen, they could only fill minor places, mainly because the Bandmaster could not get the response that he sought.

Never the less in 1929 Mitcham Band performed at a number of engagements. Among these were fetes at St. Peters College, and the Goodwood Orphanage, All Australian Exhibition and their first engagement on radio, this was a half hour programme on the A.B.C.

Also during the year the Band had much pleasure in filling in for Holden’s Band at the Royal Show and also performed at the dedication and unveiling ceremony of the Mitcham Soldiers Memorial Rotunda by the then Governor of South Australia, Brig. General the Honourable Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven V.C., K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O. This gave the members of the Band a greater incentive than before to work to the advantage of the district and the Band by being able to utilise the Band Rotunda to greater effect than was able under the previous conditions prevailing at the Reserve.

Later this year Mr. A.B. Michell retired as Secretary after having completed 26 years in office, His place was taken by Mr. W.G. Hilditch.

In 1930 Life Membership of the Mitcham City Band was bestowed on W.A. Walter and W.G. Hilditch, this was gained for 21 years continuous service.

During this period and right through the Depression years collections were taken during some engagements and divided among the unemployed members of the Band (5 members) as there was no Social Security at this stage.

For many years between the two World Wars the Band played every year at the Childrens Hospital fetes without payment.

In 1931 the Band purchased a new set of uniforms (navy Blue in colour) from the National Clothing Co. for 112 Pound 1 Shilling ($224-10) and Caps from Cook Son and Co. Ltd. for 17/6 ($1-75) each for which the Band borrowed 50 Pound ($!Q0^Q0) from the Mitcham Council, to be payed back in instalments of 5 Pound ($10-00) per month, but after having paid back 20 Pound ($40-00), it was agreed between the Band and the Council that the Band give 8 concerts divided between Blackwood and Mitcham in lieu of the 30 Pound ($60-00) still owing.

Also in 1931 the Band took part in the Madame Melba’s Memorial Service, and assisted the R.S.L. in their Anzac Day Service and celebration, an engagement that they had been doing since the end of the war and have been doing at the same time of year ever since, and to show their appreciation, the R.S.L. donated a Bass Drum to the Mitcham Junior Band in 1980.

In 1932 the Band once again entered the contest field at both Tanunda and the Norwood Carnival without any success, coming last in “B” Grade at Tanunda and 2nd at Norwood and it was decided that the Band apply to the South Australian Band Association to be reclassified to “C” Grade. Due to financial difficulties and the Bank Balance being 2 Pound ($4-00) and losing a number of permanent playing engagements, the Ladies Committee, which had ceased to exist, was again put into operation under the leadership of Mrs. Geo Curtis to help raise funds.

At the end of 1933 and beginning of 1934 several of the Band members resigned to try to seek employment in other parts of South Australia and Australia. So the Band placed an advertisement in the paper for players, something they have done on numerous occasions since but alas without success.

In November 1933 a Social Club Fund was started by Mr. J. Pascoe, and each member paid 3 pence ($0-03) per week with which a Tatts Ticket was sent for once a month, and a lottery with the prize being 2/6 ($0-25) was also drawn by one of the ladies.

The following agreement was drawn up for allocation of any monies won at Tatts.
1/ If 10 Pound ($20-00) or under was won, all money to go to the Band Fund.
2/ If 50 Pound ($100-00) or under was won, 40 Pound ($80-00) would go to distressed Bandsmen and the balance to the Band Fund.
3/ If 100 Pound ($200-00) or over was won, 10 Pound ($20-00) was to go to the Band Fund, and the balance to be distributed amongst the members.

But alas there is no record of the Band ever winning anything.

1935 was Mr. L.O. Chenoweth’s Silver Jubilee Year as Conductor of the Mitcham City Band (25 Years), the Band started the year with 27 members, of this number 3 resigned during the year, but it is pleasing to record that 9 new members joined, thus making a total of 33 members at the end of the year.

During the year Mr. C.K. Horsell started up another learners Class with 15 boys.

During 1935 the Band performed at 26 engagements:- Asylum 11 times, Mitcham Reserve 5 times, Elder Park twice, Anzac Service at Mitcham, Kalyra, Childrens Hospital, Adelaide Hospital, Anzac Procession, Maughan Church, Adelaide Oval Band Concert. On Good Friday the Band invited the Hindmarsh Band to a picnic/cricket match at Blackwood Oval and it is pleasing to note that besides playing music, the Band could also play cricket, as they were victorious and won the “Ashes”. This year it was decided to present a Gold Medal to the Most Improved Player. It was also during this year that the Committee of the Band decided to hold its meetings on another night other than Band Practice Night (which had always been the case since the formation of the Band) so that more business could be attended to.

In 1935 Mr. W.A. Walter became the first member of the Mitcham City Band to receive the honour of life Membership of the S.A. Band Association.

In 1936 Mr. G.F. Lawson retired after 19 years as Chairman and was replaced by Mr. W.A. Walter. During the year the Band performed at 22 engagements:- Parkside Mental Hospital 12 times, Anzac Service at Mitcham, Anzac March in Adelaide, Wayville Oval on Christmas Night, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Hospital, Home for Incurables and 2 concerts on the Mitcham Reserve.

To arouse the interest of the people of Mitcham, 2 citizen concerts were organised, one in July playing to a full house, but the collection was just fair, and the other good concert in October again with a full house and a much better collection.

In 1937 it was proposed that the Mitcham R.S.l. Anzac March commence from the Mitcham Institute (now Youth Centre) to the Reserve, where, as for the previous 20 years, it had been from the Soldiers Club Rooms (old Council Chambers) to the Mitcham Reserve, which was a very long march, (this has been done ever since.)

In 1937 the Band made a number of appearances on 5CL for the A.B.C. and various massed Band performances and various local contests, a total of 30 engagements. This was the first year that the Band took part in John Martins Christmas Pageant, but alas, they also lost one of their regular engagements, that of Parkside Mental Hospital after 23 years.

After the success of the previous year’s citizen concerts, another was staged to a full house in March, but alas the collection was very poor so the idea was dropped. Also an appeal for Honorary Members (non-playing) at 1/- ($0-10) was launched with a heart breaking result, only 8 enrolled, so this idea was also dropped for the moment and was not reintroduced for many years.

Two more members, namely Messrs. L.O. Chenoweth and W.G-. Horsell received their life Membership of the Mitcham City Band.

During 1938 Mitcham Band performed at a number of engagements to raise money in aid of the Bush Fire Fund besides again playing on 5CL and many other engagements (15 in all). But after all expenses were paid, (Bush Fire Fund and other expenses) the Band had only 10/- (SI-00) left over. During the year membership started to fall off slightly and at the end of the year they had only 27 players after commencing the year with 33 players.

It was very regrettable to see that up until this stage Mitcham was the only Band in the State not receiving a Civil Grant each year, (something that has changed since.) Mr. W.G. Hood received the award for the Most Improved Player for 1938.

During World War 2, the Band again worked very hard for the War Effort in spite of the loss of a number of members who had joined the Armed Forces. But enough of the “Old Brigade” remained to keep the Ship afloat with the assistance of some of the Junior Members and various outside Bandsmen. Also the Band purchased War Saving certificates with money received from engagements. It also helped the newly formed Mitcham Citizens Committee to raise funds for the War Effort, and at Christmas Time sent hampers to members overseas.

In June 1942 the Defence Forces took over the Band Room to store food for the Military Forces, which meant the Band had what room was left, but, on occasions, the Corporal in charge would treat the Band to Hot Coffee on practice nights, which was very welcome.

During these years the Band kept making regular appearances on the A.B.C. Concerts in City Council Parks, Unley, Blackwood and Mitcham Gala Days and many others.

During 1942, if the Mitcham District Council had not assisted the Band with finance to have their uniforms repaired and brightened up, and some uniforms altered to fit the younger members, it would have been in a very unhealthy position, as, at the time, there were not any paid engagements for Bands because if the Band received any donation at any patriotic demonstration, it was handed back to the organisation concerned. Also during this period Mr. M. Hood started another Learners Class which made excellent progress.

By 1943 the membership of the Band had dropped to 25 with 11 members serving in the Armed Forces. These being:- Messrs W. Hood, M. Horsell, H. Turner, N. Richards, G. Bowes, L. Yeomans, R. Chenoweth, R. Merkel, R. Alley, C. Smith and R. Maschmedt.

On October 9th 1943, Mitcham was the only Civilian Band that turned out and paraded the streets of Adelaide for the fourth War Loan Rally organised by United Theatres, and when the Band turned out on October 10th for another War Loan Rally it was accompanied by another Civilian Band.

In 1944, with the raising of the status of the Mitcham District to a Corporation, the name of the Band was changed to the Mitcham Municipal Band. This year the Band completed its 21st appearance for the Australian Broadcasting Commission and the Learners Glass had by this time increased to 19 members thus ensuring a bright future for the Mitcham Band.

During this period the then Secretary Mr. E. Brook approached the then Mayor of Mitcham Mr. W.A. Norman concerning a Band Hall of their own and he stated that in the near future a Town Hall would be built in Mitcham and he suggested that the Band make a note of such a room and when the time comes, write to the Corporation stating what was required and that they were prepared to work for it. This was done but to no avail, because, nearly 40 years later, the Band was still practicing in the Institute (Youth Centre).

In 1945 Mr. L.O. Chenoweth decided that after 34 years service to retire from the position of Bandmaster, his place was taken by- Mr. George Bowes who had been a member of the Band for 20 years and was a veteran of two World Wars and had been in charge of the learners Class for the past twelve months.

With the War over and all the servicemen returning, the Band looked forward to brighter days. At this period of time and after 44 years of continuous operation, the Band’s finance stood at 4 Pound 16/4 ($9-63). The membership increased slightly during the year, ending up with 27 players on the register. The Band played at 17 engagements during this period.

1946 saw the return of some of the Band’s members from active service and membership jumped from 27 to 34 members. After carrying out an inspection of the instruments that had given the Band many years of faithful service, it was decided that the time had arrived that they would have to look around for some new ones, but as these instruments were at a prohibitive price, and hard to get, the Band was compelled to have their old ones repaired and hope that they would still give a few more years service. Consequently the finances suffered and a loss was shown for the year.

Up until this time all the cups and trophies won by the Band had been in the care of the Bandmaster, but on the recommendation of Mr. L.O. Chenoweth (ex Bandmaster) they handed the cups and trophies over to the Mitcham Corporation for safe keeping and to be displayed in the Council Chambers. On accepting charge of the trophies on behalf of the Council, the Mayor, Mr. W.A. Norman assured all members that the Council would take good care of them, and, when the time came for the Band to be able to display them in their own room, they would be handed back. By this time he hoped that they would be double in number. Councillor C.R. Sutton supported these remarks, after which the members of the Band were entertained at supper by members of the Council. This year saw the learners Class that was started in 1942 come to an end. Also this was the year that Mr. Eric Smith from Mitcham Band was appointed the position of Chairman of the S.A. Band Association, and Sgt. R.B. Alley, the Band Euphonium player was promoted to the position of Bandmaster of the South Australian Regular Army Band.

Due to the Band having a new Bandmaster, it took the older members quite some time to get Mr. Chenoweth’s ideas cut of their minds and to get used to Mr. Bowes’ new methods, therefore, it was quite a period of time before the Band had completely settled down, but, by the end of the year, was back at its musical best.

The following engagements were performed during the year:- 105th Military Hospital twice, City Council Concerts three times, Anzac Service at Mitcham, Carols by Candlelight at Mitcham Reserve, Unley Oval on New Years Eve, Welcome Home to Ex-Servicemen of Mitcham at Hawthorn Oval, United Trades and Labor Day Procession, and two A.B.C. (5CL) Concerts.

1946 was another poor year as far as the financial side of the Band was concerned, due to the lack of engagements, (only 11 due to illness of the Bandmaster) and also a high repair bill which was necessary because of the years of service of their instruments, but they hoped to re-coup their losses in the New Year. After many years of absence from the contest field, it was decided to compete at Tanunda Contest on October 25th, and they performed with credit in gaining third place. To assist the Band in this quest, the Mitcham Corporation allowed the Band use of the Red Cross Rooms (free of charge) for extra rehearsals.

1946 saw a slight improvement as far as the financial status of the Band was concerned and the Band ended the year with a small profit in spite of some mere heavy expenses incurred by having to repair more instruments.

After Tanunda the previous year, the attitude and enthusiasm of the members became lax, and the Bandmaster and his Committee became worried. The outcome was that 4 members resigned, 3 members were not seen very often and so the Band decided not to go to Tanunda, thus undoing any good that was done the previous year. However several members entered the Solo and Party Competitions gaining 2 firsts, 3 seconds and 1 third place.

1948 was also the year that Messrs A.R. Michell, W.J. Hood, C.U. Hood and G. Michell completed 21 years continuous service and thus were made Life Members of the Mitcham City Band. The Band also carried out 14 engagements during the year but only 3 were profitable. They were:- Osmond Park, Anzac March and John Martins Pageant.

1949 was a very worrying time for the Committee to know how to keep the instruments in good repair, as new instruments were at a prohibitive price considering the Band’s financial status, although there was a slight improvement on last years balance, also new uniforms were needed badly.

In response to numerous requests, the Band revived an old custom of playing Christmas Carols in the City of Mitcham on Christmas Eve and. Christmas Morning, but, unfortunately, the night was spoilt by heavy rain. In spite of this, the Band was well received and performed very well. But alas, due to some of the members being wet through at about 4-00a.m., it was impossible to continue the programme. The membership at this stage stood at 32 with an average attendance of 22. It had been proposed that the Band compete at Ballarat this year, however, this did not eventuate, but instead decided to enter the 1950 All Australian Band Contest (N.B.C.) to be held in Adelaide.

1950 saw the Band being fitted out with new uniforms, the first since 1931, and it was very gratifying to have had a strong Ladies Committee working in conjunction with the members who. raised 330 Pound ($660-00) and supported generously by the Mitcham City Council so that they were all paid for. During the year the Band purchased a Bass Trombone for 10 Pound ($20-00) and repairs to instruments totalled 15 Pound ($30-00) but the Band still managed to make a small profit.

One disappointing aspect however, was the inability of the Band to compete in the Australian Band Championships (which were held in Adelaide) due to sickness and resignations. However the Social Committee (this committee had been very active for a number of years) organised a day trip to Mannum which turned out to be one of the most successful trips ever held up until this period.

The Band had a very busy year doing 25 engagements made up as follows^- 7 social events, most of these were for the Band Pete effort, John Martins Pageant, R.S.L. Remembrance Service in November, Anzac Service in Mitcham, Mitcham Gala Days, 6 concerts in the Reserve and 1 at Blackwood etc.

1951 was a very special year for the Band as it was the Band’s Golden Jubilee (50 years continuous service) and also coincided with the Jubilee of the Commonwealth, and to celebrate the occasion, a social was held on a Wednesday night in November to which all past and present members were invited. During the year Mr. Bowes started up another Learners Class, having a membership of about 12 boys.

Besides planning for the Jubilee celebrations, the Band performed at other functions the same as they had done for the past 50 years.

Some of the functions performed at this year were:- Mitcham R.S.L. Anzac Service, Womens Service Association, District Bush Nursing Association, St. Michael’s Fete, John Martins Pageant and Brighton Oval in aid of a Polio Case of a Bandsman etc. 2 of these engagements, namely Mitcham R.S.L. and John Martins Pageant, the Band had been doing for years.

In 1952 the Band started the year with a membership of 32 but only had 27 by the end of the year, but it is pleasing to note that the learners Class now had 18 boys in training, so the future of the Band looked very bright. Also it had been many years since the financial position had been so healthy with 56 Pound 6/3 ($112-62). This was chiefly through the hardworking efforts of the members.

This year the members formed an instrument fund and planned to raise 1000 Pound ($2000-00) to replace the instruments which, due to many years of constant use, were wearing out. Also it was the year that Mr. A.B. Michell completed 50 years continuous service (he joined the Band in 1902.

By 1953 the Band was starting to reap the benefits of the Learners Class that had started 3 years previously, when 5 of the learners were promoted to the Senior Band to fill gaps caused by resignations and sickness, however, the Band continued to perform at a number of engagements, 20 in all, including John Martins Pageant, Mitcham R.S.l. and a Coronation Concert etc.

An investigation was carried out during the year and it was decided that the amount required to equip the Band with a full set of new instruments would be in the vicinity of 4000 Pound ($8000-00) and not 1000 Pound ($2000-00) as was the previous year’s estimate and a long range appeal was planned. Already the fund stood at 127 Pound ($254-00).

In 1954 the membership had again grown to 31 with the Learners Class still going strong but was not progressing as well as was hoped due to the learners being at High School and Homework as well as other school activities were taking their toll on required practice times. * A fete was held during the year which brought 150 Pound ($300-00) towards the new instrument fund, thus giving a total of approximately 350 Pound ($700-00). At this period the Band was musically at a very low ebb so the suggestion was made to go to Tanunda the next year to see if it would help to raise the standard, but some of the members stated that they would rather have a good concert Band than a contesting one.

** The Band performed at the following engagements:- John Martins Pageant, Queen’s Progress (for which there were three rehearsals), Mitcham Reserve, Reserve on Victoria Terrace, Anzac and Rememberance services for the Mitcham R.S.L., Belair Carols on Christmas Eve and Ashford Hospital Fete etc.

In 1955 the Band membership stood at 32 registered members, 1 more than the previous year, but, due to various causes i.e. illness leave of absence etc., it had only 23 active, playing members, but the Band still took part in 20 engagements as follows^- Colonel light Methodist Fete, Blackwood Hospital, Plympton School Fireworks, C.T.A. Fireworks at Unley Oval, Mitcham R.S.l. Remembrance and Anzac Services, John Martins Pageant, Edwardstown School Concert, Mitcham Corporation in connection with the laying of the foundation stone at Westbourne Park R.S.l., Christmas Carols at Kingswood Oval, Belair Christmas Carols, Home for Incurables, Bedford Park Hospital and Mitcham Reserve 7 times. Of all these performances, the only paid ones were:- Plympton School Fireworks and C.T.A. Fireworks. The money received from John Martins Pageant was, at this stage, divided among the members taking part, and, as was the law at the time, the Band could not take up a collection at any Sunday engagement, therefore the finance at the end of the year was causing some concern.

In 1956 as in the past few years, the Band found paid engagements few and far between as the Public liked to have a Band at their function but were not prepared to pay for their services. The Band, however, did 10 performances for the year but they were not all paid ones. So to help with the finances, a fete was held in conjunction with the Institute Committee and the Youth Club in March, and the Band’s share of the profits was 87 Pound ($174-00)

Also during the year the Band started its first paper drive to help with the Band funds and this form of revenue has continued for many years.

By this time, the instrument fund which had been running for about 3 years, now stood at 499 Pound ($998-00), this however was still a long way short of their goal.

1957 was a particularly trying year owing to the fact that Brass Bands were generally experiencing difficulty in maintaining interest for their members and Mitcham was no exception, and the Bandmaster of the past 11 years was forced to resign on doctor’s orders due to illness, and Mr. Ken Horsell, the Deputy Bandmaster, took charge until another Bandmaster could be found. After some months, Mr. G. Yanderwerp was persuaded to lead the Band. At this stage the membership stood at 25 members of which there was an – average attendance of 20. The Band participated in U engagements during the year, these being:- Royal Show, Colonel Light Gardens Church Pete, Goodwood Boys Technical High School, Blackwood Fireworks, John Martins Pageant, Mitcham R.S.L. Anzac Service, Belair Community Centre, Davies Co-op Picnic, Blackwood Memorial Hall Opening Ceremony, and 4 concerts in the Memorial Gardens on Unley Road. After 55 years of active playing, Mr. A.B. Michell retired, although not now a playing member, he still maintained his interest by retaining the Position of Treasurer.

* 1958 was a very similar year to 1957 as far as the Band was concerned, with the exception that the Band was included in the Massed Band that appeared at the Royal Music Festival and River Pageant held at Elder Park in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. This was possibly the highlight of the year. This was the second such performance, as on 24th March 1954, at Wayville Oval, in the presence of Queen Elizabeth XL and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Mitcham Band performed at the Royal Music Festival.** During the year the Band also competed at Tanunda and gained 2nd position.

By 1959, with the advent of Television, the Band was experiencing another phase in its existence, but, with the co-operation of its members, it was able to weather out the storm and by the end of the year had actually increased its membership to 32, but alas, the average attendance at rehearsals and engagements stood at 17. In spite of this the Band still managed to do 23 engagements such as:- Concert at Blackwood, Royal Show, Hockey Carnival, 2 Concerts at Belair Community Centre, Ashford Hospital, Mitcham Youth Fete, Brighton Carnival, Christmas Carols Concert, 4 Summer Season Concerts, Glenelg Carnival, Mitcham Red Cross Fete, Netherlands Society etc. “**This year the Band also competed at Tanunda in “C” Grade but only managed 3rd position, however, they did not disgrace themselves. During the year 2 more members were granted Life Membership after completing 21 years continuous service, they were Messrs E.C. Smith and M.H. Michell, also Mr. C.K. Horsell completed 50 years of active service.