History

The Military Band at Scotch College was established in 1959 by LT G Logie-Smith, the school’s Director of Music at the time. It was formed to provide music for Cadet Unit parades and for public events.

Scotch College boasts the oldest Cadet Unit in Australia and the Unit still plays a large role in the life of the school. There are almost 400 boys currently enlisted in the Unit and they enjoy many varied activities. 64 of these boys are in the Military Band.

The bandsmen are fully involved in all cadet activities, including participation in boating, climbing and abseiling. They also attend the Unit Bivouac at Wombat State Forest, Daylesford and the 6-day Annual Camp normally based in the Grampians. A high proportion of MilBand members also undertake the annual Junior and Senior Promotion courses, in order to gain rank as they move up through the years.

The band’s major performances every year include the Anzac Day Parade in the Melbourne city centre, the Scotch College Foundation Day Concert and, of course, the Scotch College Tattoo, an impressive ceremony on the main oval with the Military Band playing a central role. In the past the Band has also performed at the opening of an exhibition at Melbourne Museum, the school’s 150th celebration concert at the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Storm rugby league matches, and for various primary schools in the local area. The band has received many accolades including the award of Best Junior Band by the RSL in 1999 and 2003.

Awards presented annually to select members of the Band include:

E.J. (Ted) Hellier Award for Best Platoon
The Andrew Mott Award for Bandsmen of the Year
The Logie-Smith Award for Recruit of the Year
Unit Bugler
Drum Major

Positions of Responsibility for 2007: