Box Hill City Band History,

as researched and presented by the Box Hill Historical Society.

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Box Hill City Band would like to sincerely thank Box Hill Historical Society for collating this information and presenting at the band's 130th Anniversary concert in 2019.
To find out about your history, visit Box Hill Historical Society.

Founding - 1889.

The Box Hill Temperance Brass Band was formed in 1889, and performed at the laying of the foundation stone of the new Shire Hall in Station Street later that year, but had disbanded by 1890.

The instruments were given to the United Methodist Brass Band.

c.1890.
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United Methodist Brass Band.

1903.
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The Band in 1903.

1909.
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The Reporter District Brass Band was formed in 1909.

1910.
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In February 1910 the Band performed on board the Hygeia on a trip to Queenscliffe, organised by the Box Hill & Doncaster Horticultural Show Committee.

1911.
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At the suggestion of Mr H.G. Heath LLB at a branch meeting of the A.N.A., and with the agreement of the Shire Council, the Progress Association and the Band, it was agreed that a Band Rotunda be installed in the central oval in Whitehorse Road. - Reporter, May 1911.

The Band Rotunda in the median strip was erected in June 1911 by volunteer labour, and officially opened on 30 June.

1923.
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First Brass Band to broadcast a full concert on air, 1923.
Undated.
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The Age, 28 June 1928.

A complaint has been made by Box Hill Band that collectors representing that they are acting in the interests of Malvern City Band have been canvassing Box Hill residents. This is resented by local bandsmen, who consider that their territory should be respected, as they supply all the band performances in the Box Hill district.

Healesville Guardian, 25 October 1930.

The Box Hill City band spent last week-end at Healesville. On Saturday afternoon and evening they rendered selections in the street, the afternoon performance outside the Grand Hotel being further enlivened by members of the Geelong Second Football Team, who were also holidaying at Healesville, and who formed themselves into an impromptu ballet and danced to the inspiring music.

1953.
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Performance at Box Hill Town Hall.

Observer, 9 August 1961.

Box Hill City Band has sought permission to play marching drill next to the Box Hill cemetery on Sunday mornings at the Box Hill reserve. The cemetery is closed on Sunday mornings. Council granted permission.

c.1960.
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The marching band practising (undated, possibly taken in the 1960s).

Undated.
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Taken on the lawn in front of the Town Hall.
31st August, 1956.
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Box Hill Town Hall.

December, 1959.
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Concert in Box Hill Gardens

Reporter - 23 February, 1966.

Box Hill had its opportunity to welcome the Prime Minister on Sunday afternoon … the City Band was in fine form and greeted the distinguished visitors with an original fanfare composed by Bandmaster Calhoun the previous evening, rehearsed on Sunday morning and rendered most successfully in the afternoon.

Reporter - 10 October, 1966.

With only four days notice Box Hill City Band took part in 3LO’s band contest on Sunday afternoon, winning their heat and an award of $40. They will receive a further $40 for their next appearance.

Cr Ron Gleghorn was delighted with this success and made a tape recording of the performance.

Whitehorse Standard - 1972.

For the first time in 50 years, Box Hill City Band has a new set of instruments, thanks to a $5,000 donation from Box Hill Council. At a formal handing over ceremony at the town hall, four basses, one euphonium, two trombones and four cornets marked the completion of a re-equipment program started four years ago.

20 November, 1974.
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Eastern Standard - 12 December, 1979.
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November, 1982.
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Eastern Standard - 15 November, 1983.
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Post 1984.
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Surrey Dive, March 1998.
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