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History of the City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band A brief history, with pictures, of this Australian brass band. Click the pictures for larger versions BRIEF HISTORY The beautiful, historic city of Ballarat, is nestled in the picturesque Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia. Ballarat was founded in the heady days during the 1850's when large deposits of gold were discovered. Many of these gold-rush towns no longer exist but Ballarat steadily grew into a well-established leafy, garden city situated on the banks of beautiful, placid Lake Wendouree (1956 Olympic Games rowing site). Due to its close proximity to Melbourne (one hours drive by freeway) Ballarat's population is rapidly increasing and now currently numbers approximately 90,000. In the 19th century, the lure of riches attracted a steady stream of people from all over the world and so in 1885 Thomas Bulch a 22 years old Englishman, left the UK seeking a new life in far-away Ballarat, Australia. Thomas was very musical and had already held the position of Bandmaster of an English band. Bulch's first march 'The Typhoon' was composed when he was 17, the first of many band and other compositions. By 1886, Thomas had formed a band in Ballarat from musician friends which was called Bulch's Model Brass Band. Bulch quickly became a leading light in the local band scene and was partly responsible for initiating the South Street Band Contest, which was the first brass band competition in Australia. Late in 1900, as the move away from private bands intensified, Bulch's Model Brass Band became known as the City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band. This is still the band's name in 2006 and, while the band has experienced fluctuating fortunes, unlike many bands over the years, the City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band is proud it has never amalgamated with any other band in order to survive. The band has, at times, been ranked amongst the best in Australia particularly in the first half of the 1950's. At one stage the band was considered by some astute observers to possess one of the finest cornet benches in Australia. Players such as Percy Code, Frank Wright, Jack Allan and Alf Rowell were just some of extremely gifted players who graced the ranks of the band. It is worth noting the extraordinary achievement of three players; Percy Code, Jack Allan and Jack Zilles (champion soprano cornet player) who were awarded a perfect score (100) in solo competitions from adjudicators, one being the famous J Orde Hume. The City of Ballarat Municipal Band is no longer numbered among the top echelon of Australian bands however, it still maintains excellent numbers and is very active within the local community and a regular participator in regional and state level band contests. With members spanning all age groups, the band looks toward the future with great confidence.
From the photographs it can be seen the band did not use music over many years when competing in marching competitions. Difficult marches such as Scindian, The Arabian, The Cossack etc. were some of the marches the band played. During the first half of the 1950's, the band was considered to be the level of any marching band in Australia. Also note the size of the crowds who used to assemble to view these prestigious events. For any further information please contact Brian Milkins, on bmilkins@westnet.com.au.
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