History
Originally known as the Shire of Eltham Concert Band, the Band was formed in 1975 from an amalgamation of the Eltham Brass Band and woodwind group the Darebin Players. The late Ern Shade was the founding Music Director and under his leadership the Band progressed from a B Grade to an A Grade band. Ern and Beattie Shade invested enormous energy in supporting the Band for over 15 years. This included managing the Band library.
Ern retired as Music Director in 1990, to be followed by Major Malcolm Bell of the Australian Army Band Melbourne. On Malcolm’s retirement from the Army in 1993 he moved to Brisbane to be replaced by Colin Harris who continued as Music Director until 1996. Captain Peter Grant also, of the Australian Army Band Melbourne, was Music Director from early 1997 to mid 1998. Barry McKimm, joined us later in 1998, and devoted seven years to bringing new music and musical styles to the band. Barry was not just the band's Musical Director: he also provided many original compositions and arrangements for the band to play.
Mike FitzPatrick took over as Music Director in 2006, but commitments with the Army have meant that he could not continue as full time Music Director. Eric Klay stepped into the breach at the end of August 2006, ensuring that the band could continue with its upcoming concerts. Currently Eric is our main Music Director, but with Mike still stepping in when the demands of the MSO mean that Eric cannot be there.
In 2007 the band gained two patrons. The patrons emphasise two important links for the band: the shire of Nillumbik, and the Shade family. We were therefore enormously pleased when the mayor and Fred Shade (son of Ern) agreed to take on the role.
