Band History
The Melbourne Tramways Band has been synonymous with Melbourne’s marvellous tramway network since the introduction of cable trams in the late 1880’s.
Originally known as the ‘Melbourne Tramways Employees Band’, the band was formed in 1888 by the Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company. The bandsmen were all serving employees and appear to have been paid for their services. Prior to World War I, the band was well known for its regular concerts at the South Melbourne beach but with the development of the individual tramway trusts, formed to implement the suburban electric tram networks, the band’s role was lost to the various bands formed by the new trusts.
Following the amalgamation of the Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company and the various electric tramway trusts to form the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board, a core tramways band was once again established in the late 1930’s, involving serving employees from across the network. The band was called the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Band and became well known throughout the community for its public performances, particularly its monthly recitals at Wattle Park.
In 1986 the band’s name was changed to the Melbourne Transit Band, to reflect the reorganisation of Melbourne’s public transport infrastructure. In March 2001, the band acknowledged its history and returned to the name by which it is best recognised - the Melbourne Tramways Band.
Although the band retains its strong links with Melbourne’s public transport services it has long been community based, comprising musicians who give freely of their time to ensure valued traditions are maintained and to promote the benefits of public transport.
Thailand Tour
In April 1998, the Melbourne Tramways Band travelled to Thailand to take part in ANZAC commemoration services relating to the infamous Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway’ and in particular the opening of the Hellfire Pass Memorial, funded by the Commonwealth Government.
The band paid its own way to get there and was privileged to represent Australia and do its best to acknowledge the suffering and sacrifice of so many allied servicemen in the construction of the rail link to Burma during World War 11.
Both the brass and stage bands undertook the trip with the initial performances involving the entertainment of the ‘pilgrimage’ groups from Australia, including many former Prisoners of War (POW) and their families.
The band had the honour of playing for the opening of the new memorial at Hellfire Pass on 24 April 1998, the Dawn Service in Hellfire Pass on ANZAC Day and the major ANZAC Commemorative Service at the Commonwealth War Graves at Kanchanaburi, later in the morning. Preceding these services, the band played at the official reception for the then Prime Minister, John Howard.
The Melbourne Tramways Band now presents two major ensembles: the original brass band and its stage band Transition. Due mainly to its regular concert commitments, the band’s emphasis is on entertaining rather than contesting and it is able to present a wide range of music from classical to swing and traditional marches.
Proudly sponsored by:
