top of page

Historic Images

A young Fifer posing for camera, Ballarat, Victoria, pre-1891

Much of my inspiration comes from the colonial era in Australia, and I hope to connect with our rich history through compositions and arrangements for drums, fifes and brass.

​

Music in Australian communities during colonial times featured many town and volunteer bands with a strong military influence. They included brass bands, drum & fife and drum & bugle bands.

 

Band and solo competitions were already part of the annual calendar as they are today, with champions being the pride of the local community.

 

Drummers were often part of early local volunteer rifle companies to assist with drill practice.

Fifer, Ballarat VIC pre-1891

Members of the Bendigo Carters and Drivers Drum & Fife Band posing for the camera, VIC 1918

Bendigo Carters and Drivers Drum & Fife Band, VIC 1918

Members of the Charters Towers Cadet Band posing for the camera, Queensland ca. 1890

Charters Towers Cadet Band, QLD ca. 1890

The Pentridge Hotel facade with Champion Drummer William Henry Turnham (far right), Victoria 1860s

Champion Drummer William Henry Turnham (far right), VIC 1860s

The Longford School Fife Band formed up and playing their instruments, Tasmania 1914

Longford School Fife Band, TAS 1914

Members of the Port Arthur Band pose for camera, Tasmania, 1875

Port Arthur Band, TAS 1875

Military band members resting in front of tent, Sunbury Encampment, Victoria 1866

Band at rest, Sunbury Encampment, VIC 1866

Drummer D. Pike (left) with Milang Volunteers during the presentation fo Colours by Mrs. Pavy, South Australia, 1860

Drummer D. Pike (left) with Milang Volunteers, SA 1860

Members fo the Geelong rifles (with snare drum inside tent), Victoria 1861

Geelong rifles (drum inside tent), VIC 1861

ANZAC Troops pose for camera with Drummer (far left), Melbourne, Victoria, 1914

Troops with Drummer (far left), Melbourne VIC 1914

Troops lined up on a pier while waiting to depart for war at Port Melbourne, Victoria, 22 December 1916. Two drummers and a drum-major are featured in the photo.

Troops departing Port Melbourne, VIC 22 December 1916

bottom of page