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Besides watching theatre and music, the students of Princes Hill have also enjoyed fame as performers and creators on their own account. The School Band gained immense acclaim during its brief history. Better known during Headmaster Mylrea’s period, the band was established by Head Teacher Sebire. Wishing to copy the school orchestras that had been successfully instituted among NSW schools, Sebire purchased drums, bugles, violins and instruction books, and arranged for tuition for band members. Classes were held after hours.45 Mylrea, however‘, provided the impetus. Slick uniforms - navy blue with green and gold trimming - sparkling brass instruments (paid for by the Mothers’ Club), an experienced bandmaster and long hours of practice, all brought results. The Brass Band won many Metropolitan and School Competitions, including the State Quick-Step Championship. During the football season, the band entertained Carlton football spectators at halftime. It performed to great applause for one week at the Old State Theatre (the Forum).46 In October 1930, the Band performed in Ballarat; at Easter 1936 it travelled to Adelaide, where it played for schools and hospitals. Its two-hour public recital of marches, overtures and waltzes won the praise of old bandsmen.47 Interest in the band saw its numbers grow to 71 members by 1933, and more were waiting to join.48 Among its many members, Ron Davies played the solo Cornet, Maurice Jacques the solo tenor horn, Fred Freer the bass drum, and Charlie Goodwin, the bandmaster’s son, the double bass.49 The school band was resurrected in the 1980s. As well as playing in annual competitions, it performed at the First Open Day at Government House in 1986.
The Princes Hill Brass Band, c.1929. Ernest Mylrea, Head Teacher 1925-36, is sitting in the front row, and Mr Goodwin, the bandmaster, is standing.
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