HISTORY

BAND HISTORY

Stonnington City Brass Incorporated came into existence in November 1911, under the guidance of Bandmaster Robert McAnally,
 
At the time it was known as the Prahran and Malvern Tramways Employees Band. It was not much later that the name was changed, and the famous Malvern Tramways Band was born.
 
In addition to his leadership, Robert McAnally had spent many hours in the bandroom meticulously writing dozens of scores of well-known classical compositions by the world's leading composers. Bands still regularly play his arrangement of Waltzing Matilda today.


​By 1947, when most of its original members, who were tram drivers, conductors and engineers, had retired or moved to other districts, the Band was renamed the Malvern Municipal Band and contested successfully in Australia and New Zealand for many years. 

In 1996, Mr Kevin Hillier, ex Royal Australian Navy Band Music Director took over the baton.  His music career started in the Stawell Brass Band, and was followed by his decision to join the Navy as a Junior Musician at the age of 15. He has performed on euphonium and trombone, taught at the Defence Force School of Music, and studied in England with the Royal Marines Band. He is currently the second longest serving Music director of the Band.
 
With the full agreement of Stonnington City Council, and the unanimous approval of band members, in 2000, the Band's name was changed to Stonnington City Brass in line with the amalgamation of the local Council areas.
 
Although currently not involved in the competition scene, the Band devotes its efforts to community banding and is extremely busy fulfilling approximately 20 engagements annually, including Citizenship Ceremonies and Christmas events for the City of Stonnington, Anzac Parades and services, concerts, and other local functions.

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