The history of Mitcham City Brass

The first Mitcham Band was formed in 1878 and rehearsed in the Mitcham Institute, The band functioned until the Tee Tulpa Gold Diggings were found in 1887, when it disbanded and all the members took their instruments and other property with them and disposed of them.

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

120 Year Anniversary

In 2021, Mitcham City Brass was to have celebrated 12o years of continuous brass banding. The Covid 19 pandemic unfortunately put a hold on our celebrations but a belated event to mark the 120 (+ one) year anniversary is planned for October 2022.

We invite all former Players, Musical Directors, Life Members and their families to reconnect with the band. If you have ever been part of Mitcham City Brass or know of anyone who was, please send your/their contact details to secretary@mitchamcitybrass.org.

A significant trove of historical band documents, photographs and other items has been recently rediscovered thanks to Peter and Ruth McIntyre. Many of these will be displayed at our 121 Year event. A decade by decade history of the band is also being added to our website. The original document was written by Peter Harvie in the early 1980s. Peter was a member of the band from the late 1970s through to the early 1990s.

See the pages below.

MCB1907

MBB 1910s

Junior Band 1930s

MCB 1963 Norwood

Mitcham City Brass – Through the Decades

1900s

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…

1910s

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.

1920s

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”…

1930s

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.

1940s

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.

1950s

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

1960s

By 1960, mainly due to having contested at Tanunda the previous 2 years, the Band had reached quite a respectable standard in music playing, but unfortunately, this was not maintained.

1970s

In 1970 the Band had to limit its engagements to 17 due to the illness of the Bandmaster Mr. W. Hood, followed by the serious illness of his wife, and to sickness among the small membership, (21 members).

1980s

1980 was Mr. W.G. Horsell’s year as it was the year that he was honoured by being awarded Life Membership of the South Aust. Band Association.

More Mitcham City Brass history to come soon.

If you have any stories, photos or other memorabilia of Mitcham City Brass that you would like to share, please contact the Band Secretary by email – secretary@mitchamcitybrass.org or post a comment below. (All comments are moderated before publishing)