Greater Bendigo Brass

History of Greater Bendigo Brass Band

The Band now known as Greater Bendigo Brass is the result of a musical marriage between Strathfieldsaye Municipal Band and Marong (Hopetoun) Municipal Band.

Marong (Hopetoun) Municipal Band

Marong (Hopetoun) Municipal Band can trace its origins back to the Long Gully Miners' Band, which was in existence in 1864. After a merger with the Hallas City Brass Band, the band's name was changed in 1889 to the Hopetoun Brass Band in honour, and Hopetoun Band with permission, of the then Governor of Victoria, Lord Hopetoun. The band continued on successfully under this name for the coming years and it was during this period that the band achieved “A” grade status.

After a short recess, the first females were introduced into the band in 1974. The band was adopted by the Marong Shire and its name changed to the Marong Municipal (Hopetoun) Band. In 1985 and 1986 the band enjoyed considerable success becoming the Australian “C” Grade Champions as well as winning the marching section of the Australian Championships in 1985.

Strathfieldsaye Municipal Band

The second band in this partnership was Strathfieldsaye Municipal Band, which originally had its origins in the late 1930s as a training band for the Bendigo Municipal Band. Its purpose was to train young male musicians to a standard where they could take an effective role in the senior band.

The band became known as the Bendigo Citizens and Boys Band before changing their name to the Bendigo Central Band in the early 1970s. In 1978 the band became the Strathfieldsaye Municipal Band after being adopted by the then Shire of Strathfieldsaye. This heralded the commencement of a very successful era for the band in which they won one “C” grade and two “B” grade National Titles under the baton of Mr Wayne Bowden, and in 1990 they were again winners under the baton of Mr Mark Ford.

Council Amalgamation

In 1998 the five Bendigo councils amalgamated to form the City of Greater Bendigo. After amalgamation both bands merged to become Greater Bendigo Concert Brass. Ten years later the name was simplified to Greater Bendigo Brass.

Community Spirit

As well as its competitive success, the band has maintained a high profile in the community playing at many concerts, council and public performances including ANZAC Day, Australia Day, Christmas Carols and School Concerts to name only a few. The bands community involvement also includes the organising and performing at fundraising events. These causes have included Bush Fire Relief and for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

The tradition of the production of quality music and the training and education of not only players but the greater public in the area of brass bands and music as a whole, will continue to be the aims to which Greater Bendigo Brass will aspire to into the future.

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