Brisbane Municipal Concert Band

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[edit] The Brisbane Municipal Concert Band

In 1903 a group of Brisbane musicians, founded and conducted by J. Hendry-Grice, met in a Fortitude Valley drapery store and formed the Valley Concert Band. The band underwent a name change to the Albert Street Church Band, but shortly afterwards became the Brisbane Municipal Concert Band.

In 1908 Ebenezer Jackson took over the BMCB and became its longest-serving conductor. "Ebby", as he was affectionately known, continued to conduct until just before his death in 1953. Since then the BMCB has had a number of conductors, including H. Bukler (1953-71, 76-80), E.T Selby (173-75), S. Fawcett (1980-82, 1983), B.Warden (1982), T. O'Shea (1984), E. Karuas (1985), T. Shacklady (1985-88), M. Roth (1989), K. Stitt (1989-92), P. Burns (1991), J. Black (1992) and D. Jones (1992 - current).

The BMCB has always had a close affinity with the Armed Forces. In 1932 the Band played at its first Anzac Day Service at Graceville Memorial Park. Since the ensemble have had the honour of continuing this tradition with the Sherwood Indooroopilly RSL sub-branch. The BMCB also welcomed the troops home during both World Wars, greeting soldiers at South Brisbane Station. On at least a couple of occasions it was well after midnight when the train pulled in, but the Band was always there.

The BMCB celebrated its centenary in 2003 with a concert at the Old Museum, Bowen Hills, Brisbane. The ensemble has played a significant roll in providing performance opportunities for amateur Brisbane musicians.

The BMCB performs regularly as part of the Brisbane City Council Entertainment program.