Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society: Bands

Star of Doncaster Brass Band. 1906

The annual meeting of the above was held at the shire hall, Doncaster, on Friday evening, Cr W. Sell (president of the shire and also of the band) occupying the chair. Nearly all the members were present. The report submitted by the hon. secretary (Mr A. Tully) showed that the year just passed had been a very successful one. The band had had several important engagements both in and outside the district, and these had been fulfilled, it was thought, very satisfactorily to all concerned. As usual performances were given in aid of the Melbourne charities, and the amount raised was well up to the average. During the year a number of instruments had been purchased, and also two large acetylene gas lamps, whilst a good supply of music was kept up. The annual concert held in September, 1905, was a marked success, and it was intended to hold a similar entertainment this year, which, it was hoped, would be as successful as the last. There were at present 14 financial members on the books, and the funds of the band were in a sound condition, the year as regards finances being very good. Mr H. Foster deserved the best thanks of the members for the way he had carried out his duties as bandmaster.

In conclusion the officers trusted that members would still continue to take a warm interest in the affairs of the band, and that the ensuing year would be even more progressive than the past. The report was received and adopted on the motion of Messrs W. Cronan and E. Thiele. The balance sheet, which had been duly audited, showed the receipts to be £47, and expenditure, £44 17/3, leaving a credit balance of £2 2/9. On the motion of Messrs Cronan and J. Broussard, the auditors' report and financial statement were adopted, and the secretary authorised to procure a new minute book and account book. New rules, as drawn up by a sub-committee, were carefully gone into, and after a few slight alterations and additions had been made, they were adopted. Oflicers were elected for the ensuing president, Mr E. Lawford; treasurer, Mr F. Tolley; secretary, Mr Albert Tully; committee, Messrs W. Wilson, E. Thiele and J. Hewish; librarian, Mr F. Tolley; stewards, Messrs J. Hewish and W. Cronan; trustees, Messrs E. Lawford, L. H. Smith and Henry Thiele. Mr H. Graham moved that a vote of thanks be recorded to past officers for the good work performed by them, which was seconded by Mr Cronan and carried. It was decided to hold the annual concert in September next, and the committee were empowered to make all necessary arrangements for same. It was also agreed that another instrument be purchased at a cost of 35/. On the motion of Messrs Foster and Cronan, the best thanks of the members were ordered to be sent to the Doncaster shire council for granting the band the free use of the shire hall for practice. A hearty vote of thanks to the president, Cr W. Sell, for his able assistance was carried by acclama tion, and the meeting closed.

Source: 1906 'Star of Doncaster Brass Band.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 20 July, p. 4. , viewed 13 Aug 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92817510

Star of Doncaster Brass Band. Date Unknown

DP1029 | Star of Doncaster Brass Band | Photograph of the "Star of Doncaster" Brass Band. Mrs E P Whitten claimed it was Doncaster's first band, and identifies some of the band members, viz., Edwin Lawford, Laurie Smith [the painting and drawing master], Mr Oberdorf [Band Master], Fred Pickering, Bert schramm, and Fred Winter. The house in the background has not been identified. | Doncaster Bands|Star of Doncaster Brass Band|Lawford, Edwin|Smith, Laurence Hislop|Oberdorf, Mr (Band Master)|Pickering, Frederick|Schramm, Bert|Winter, Frederick|Scanned images |

Doncaster Brass Band. 1907

It is announced elsewhere that the annual concert under the auspices of the Doncaster brass band takes place in Ihe Athenaeum, Doncaster, on Tuesday evening next, when the Misses Samuell's musical and dramatic company will supply the whole programme. After the concert a dance is to. be held. The splendid entertainments given on previous occasions by the Misses Samuell should certainly ensure a bumper house on Tuesday next.

Source: 1907 'Doncaster Brass Band.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 7 June, p. 4. , viewed 13 Aug 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92817245

Doncaster Mission Band. 1912

A very pleasant evening was spent in connection with the Doncaster Church of Christ mission band on Wed-nesday evening, August 14. The school room had been very prettily decorated by the ladies, and a splendid programme of songs, recitations competitions and games was given, followed by an excel-lent supper. The secretary is to be congratulated upon the manner in which everything was carried out.

Source: 1912 'Doncaster Mission Band.', Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), 23 August, p. 4. , viewed 13 Aug 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90369137

Doncaster District Band. 1920

The person third from the right in front row is my Uncle Roy Tully. The older Man in the dark suit could be my Grandfather John Tully in second row. Marj Rogerson Facebook

Bloke with the trombone, front row, to the left of the drum, is Grandpa, Bert Miller. Trevor Sell Facebook.

My Grandfather John Tully is in the middle row, he has a white shirt on and a grey beard, I think his son Roy may be in the front row third from the left with trumpet. Marj Rogerson facebook

Doncaster District Brass Band 1920. Presented to E Bienvenu [Noel Bienvenu's grandfather "as a token of esteem". Source: Noel Bienvenu

Same picture as: DP0313 | Title: Doncaster District Brass Band 1920 | Brief Description: Doncaster District Brass Band. This is a duplicate of the framed photograph that hangs above the fireplace in the schoolroom at Schramm's Cottage. Note: Thomas Henry Manns stands at the extreme left of the photograph and holds the drum hammer. Also, the name "A. Petty" is written on the back of the photograph hanging above the fireplace in the schoolroom of Schramms Cottage. (Photograph mounted with caption)

The people in this photograph were named by Arch Morrison on 19 January 1999 and Ken Smith wrote down their names:
Manns, Thomas Henry|Zerbe, August|Tully, John|Plunkett, J. W. [Band Master]|Tolly, Phil|Smith, Harold|Tolly, Fred junior|Neal, Fred|Aumann, Ernie|Tolly, Fred P. senior|Smith, Lawrence Hislop|Clay, Herb|Hewish, Jack|Carr, Tom|Smith, J.|Corbett, Horrie|McKinley, Jim|Tully, Roy|Bienvenu, Ted|Aumann, Albert|Aumann, Johann Otto Albert|Corbett, Ralph Spencer|Petty, Alf|Morrison, Arch

Albert Aumann played the tuba. He is seated at the extreme right of the front row of this photo. His full name was Johann Otto Albert Aumann but was commonly known as Bertie. [see Aumann family history book by Eric Uebergang, pg 357]

DP0976 | Band |1958 | One of the photographs taken by the late Fred Drakeford of the centenary of the Lutheran Church at Doncaster. This photo shows the brass band in action on stage. Unfortunately, two members are not identified. | Doncaster Trinity Lutheran Church|Fisch,Bob|Beavis, Geoff|Aumann, Bruce|Aumann, Harold|Soderlund, Ralph|Jensz, Ron|Scanned images | Drakeford, Fred |

Doncaster District Brass Band 1920

Brass Band Meeting Minutes. 1921

Minutes of Band Meeting 1921 (1976 08 DTHS Newsletter)

Doncaster District Brass Band c1930

Doncaster District Brass Band, taken circa 1930.

"My grandfather, Bert Aumann, is in the bottom row, extreme right, on tuba. He lived in Olivers Rd, Templestowe. His brother Ern is in the second row, extreme left, on euphonium. He lived in George St, Doncaster. Can anyone out there hazard a guess at other band members?"
Source: David Aumann Facebook Aug2018

Doncaster and Templestowe Municipal Band 1970s

At about this time the Music Department, under the direction of Mike Hughes, developed an outstanding reputation and an instrumental section of renown. Discussions with local Council led

to the formation of the Doncaster and Templestowe Municipal Band. Because Mike was held in such high esteem by the Staff, many of us joined him to establish the Band. Until we met at Templestowe Tech.

I did not know Mike; however, I did know his family as the Hughes family were old “Pointies”. Also interesting to note, is that Mike also had Chinese heritage, yet another Chinese descendant from Golden Point who made a great contribution to Aussie community and culture.

Dot also knew some of his sisters and a brother. Coincidently our current postman, Peter Hughes, is a nephew of Mike. Mike and Dawn (Doreen) moved to Queensland when they retired. Mike passed away some years ago, Dawn and I kept in touch at Christmas time for many years.

I was Treasurer of the band for a couple of years, which was another learning experience, during which time we received grants from the Council Doncaster and Templestowe, later renamed Manningham Council. The delivery of our telephone books recently reminded me that one year, to enable the purchase of new Band Uniforms, we successfully tendered to win the contract to deliver Phone Books throughout the Municipality. I cannot remember the number of books involved but it was a worthwhile exercise and boosted our bank balance.

The Band performed at many civic functions and helped to further the reputation of Templestowe Technical School. It was unfortunate that when Mike retired as Bandmaster, and the Registrar of Templestowe Tech., Elaine Carter, Band Secretary, also resigned to accept an administrative position at Latrobe University. At about this time I also resigned as Treasurer, as I had gained a place in the recently established “Graduate Diploma in Careers” Education Course at R.M.I.T.

Other staff members who also gave support to Mike and the Band were: from the Music Department, Julia Hayes, Frank Robertson – Smith and Derrick Link. Derrick was a Former British Army Music Apprentice (Bugle / Trumpet) short of stature with Military bearing. Also about this time Julia left to get married and Derrick transferred to another school which required an instrumental teacher.

Another staff member very much involved was Kathryn Reiter, Head of Business Studies. Kathy took on the role of Band Publicity Officer and between us all we developed valuable contacts in the Media. Those days there were two Community Newspapers plus a Community Newsletter. They all gave the Band and the School generally, great coverage. All were more than happy to cover the Careers / Work Experience Program and regularly published stories, photos and statistics.

All publications, Doncaster Mirror, Doncaster News and Templestowe Newsletter no longer exist. This is a great pity as they were all a valuable part of the close – knit community that existed in those days.

At about this time, Kathy also left Templestowe Tech. to work in the Computer Industry on a School / Industry exchange scheme. She later returned to teaching at a new College in the South Eastern suburbs. So, with all these "defections" there was little incentive for the band to remain at the school.

The band moved from the school and the structure changed, which was most unfortunate for both the school and the community, as potential Student recruits were lost to the band, and probably to music as well.

The band continued to be an asset to the community for many years several members formed individual groups that performed and recorded one Jazz Band "The All Stars" was very successful. I don't know if the Municipal Band is still a viable concern, but I do hope so, not only as an asset to the City of Manningham, but also as a Legacy to the memory of Lawrence Michael Hughes, a Good man, a Great Musician and a Good Friend.

Article regarding the formation of the band with Ron and Michael Hughes both pictured.

..........

Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society celebrated “Hundred Years of Music” in the mid 1970’s. The Doncaster and Templestowe Municipal Band played at the concert. Mike Hughes was Musical Director; Convenor was Cr. Muriel Green. I think Muriel was later Mayor. Bruce Mansfield, of Radio and T.V. fame, was Compere. Tickets, which I still have, featured the Tram which ran from Box Hill to Doncaster from 1888 to 1896. The terminus was the corner of Tram Road and Doncaster Road known as White’s Corner. This now the site of Doncaster shopping Town.

Source: Excerpt from: The Life and Times of Ron Douglas: Reminiscences of a Raconteur or The Ravings of a Ratbag

The Manningham Concert Band 1974-Present

The Manningham Concert Band is one of Victoria's oldest concert bands. A concert band was created from a public meeting in July 1974 and the first rehearsal was held at Templestowe Technical School in September of that year. This band officially became "The Doncaster and Templestowe Municipal Band" in 1976.Print out the Band Brochure In 1978 the ensemble ran as a brass band and then returned to the concert band format in 1983, and has remained as such until this present day. Incorporated as the "Manningham Musicians Association" in 1985 the band also ran both a stage band and a training band for a number of years. In January 2008

we moved to our current home at The Pines Learning and Activity Centre - officially opened by the then Mayor, Cr Ron Kitchingman.

In 2014 we celebrated our 40th year. Our Gala Concert was entitled "The Music of War & the Centenary of WWI" and we were happy to donate $250 to "Soldier On" from our Gala Raffle. The concert also included a 52-page commemorative program recording the band's 40-year history:

2014 Commemorative Program

"Across the parklands and suburbs of Templestowe, woodwind and brass instruments sounded as a counterpoint to the calls of magpies and rosellas. Yes! The first notes of the new band blended in satisfying harmony, but could this small group of dedicated amateur musicians commit to regular practice and rehearsals, and could they become a performing band? Back in September 1974, who could predict the band’s future?..."

In 2024 we celebrated our 50th year. Our Gala Concert was entitled "A Musical Journey". The concert also included a 28-page commemorative program recording the band's 50-year history:

2024 Commemorative Program

"A long form history of the first 40 years was included in the 40th Anniversary Year commemorative program, written by Denise Deerson and Cathy Latto, based on historical records complied by Andrew van Gemert, newspaper clippings, committee records, AGM reports and oral history interviews from Ted Clarke and Andrew van Gemert. A shortened version is reproduced here, followed by the next 10 years, 2015 to 2014."

Musical Directors

Michael Hughes July 1974-Feb 1977

Ken Evans May 1977-Feb 1978

Keith Anderson June 1978-Dec 1986

Robert Wagner Jan 1987-June 1994

Andrew van Gemert (Acting MD) July 1994-Nov 1994

Kevin Morgan Nov 1994-Oct 1996

Andrew van Gemert Nov 1996-present

Michael Harvey July/Aug 2024 (Andrew on holiday)

Andrew van GemertAndrew has been associated with the Manningham Concert Band for 41 years, initially as a player of various instruments, then for several years as Assistant Conductor. For the last 29 years, Andrew has been MCB's Musical Director.

Andrew received the Menzies Australia Day Community award and the Victorian Bands League's Merit award for service to community music.

In August 2019, Andrew was awarded Life Membership of the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors' Association (ABODA-VIC). This award celebrates Andrew's contribution over many decades to "outstanding work as an ensemble director" in the school and wider community and his mentoring throughout the state of Victoria, especially in the field of conducting ensembles and rehearsal techniques.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Education degree from The University of Melbourne Institute of Education and is a member of the Association of Music Educators and a Friend of the Percy Grainger Museum. Through the Australian Band and Orchestra Association, Andrew has been involved with teacher education, for which he has organised and presented workshops on conducting technique and band literature. For many years, Andrew has worked closely with many overseas conductors visiting Australia such as Dr. Craig Kirchhoff, University of Minnesota, and Dr. David Waybright, University of Florida.

Andrew is also in demand as a conducting teacher and guest conductor of camps and workshops, and has been one of the adjudicators for the Royal South Street Society Concert Band Eisteddfod and a conducting mentor for the Victorian Schools Music Festival in the past few years.

Andrew was a teacher with the Department of Education for 34 years, in which time he taught music performance, music technology and general classroom music and directed several ensembles. Andrew has been Producer and/or Musical Director for school and community theatre productions for 41 years.

Andrew has now, just this year, officially retired from full-time employment, but continues to be very busy with various music groups, and he just loves undertaking DIY for his family. His biggest plans are for many trips around Australia in the coming years with his wife, Helen.

Radio Interview - Andrew 2010

Andrew was interviewed on "Sounding Brass" on 3MBS 103.5FM where he spoke about the band and his approach to music (6 November 2010 - 6 min excerpt).

Radio Interview - Frances 2013

Frances Hatcher (Band President) was interviewed on "Sounding Brass" on 3MBS 103.5FM and spoke about the band and our upcoming concert (12 October 2013 - 7.5 min excerpt).

Radio Interview - Andrew 2014

Andrew was interviewed on "Sounding Brass" on 3MBS 103.5FM where he spoke about our upcoming Gala Concert "The Music of War & the Centenary of WWI", including celebrating the band's 40th birthday (2 August 2014 - 8.5 min excerpt).

Radio Interview - Andrew 2017

Andrew was interviewed on "Sounding Brass" on 3MBS 103.5FM where he spoke about our upcoming Gala Concert "Music of the Big Screen" (29 July 2017 - 3MBS recording)

Radio Interview - Andrew 2019

Andrew was interviewed on "Sounding Brass" on 3MBS 103.5FM where he spoke about our upcoming Gala Concert "Westend to Broadway: The Next 50 Years on Stage" (17 August 2019)

"Family duo keep in tune with the band" Leader 20/8/01