History
The City of Frankston Band was formed in 1949 and was then known as Frankston Silver Band.
Its purpose was to play music for pleasure and for the community. Its aim was also to attract young people to join the band to train them and teach them music.
The band has achieved this with many people over the years. Our early success in this regard can be attributed to our early band masters, Fred Pascoe and later, Fred Yeadon.
The name of the band was proudly changed to “The City of Frankston Band” when Frankston became a city in 1966. We have survived financially over the years by charging a fee for some performances, donations and assistance from members by way of annual fees. We attend some civic functions, charity days and fetes in the district free of charge.
We appreciate the support of the Frankston City Council and everyone who has supported our band with donations and items of equipment. We thank Mr Pat Stafford a past band member for doing all our signwriting when needed.
We own our premises in Balwyn St, Frankston and have band practise every Monday night at 7-30pm. Players range in age from nine to 80 plus and new members are always welcome to attend.
We still have one foundation member playing with us Mr Garnett Williams he recalls the days when Frankston’s population was 9000 and rehearsals were in the preschool at Frankston Oval.
Our Conductor, now in his 16th year is Kevin Morgan, our Assistant Conductor is Jim Gardiner and our Drum Major is Grant Rimon. Our band is 28 in number and the Frankston community should be very proud to have The City of Frankston Band serving our City.
Garnet Williams – Foundation Member Since 1949
Garnet Williams and brass bands have never been far apart. Garnet has been a member of Frankston’s brass band since 1949 when it was known as the Frankston Silver Band. However, his introduction to music began three years earlier when his mother sent him to sign on with the Hyde Street Band in Footscray.
In his sixty years playing euphonium with the Frankston band he has seen many band masters and players pass through the ranks. Garnet recalls the recalls the Silver bands earlier days when Frankston’s population was just 9,000 and the band practiced in the preschool at Frankston Oval “until it burned down”.
Garnet remembers having trouble reading music and writing in the fingering movements under the printed lines. All four of Garnet’s children have played with the band throughout the years.
Garnet is a fine musician and a modest man who the band is very proud of.