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There has been a brass band in Dandenong as far back as 1885
when the Dandenong Brass Band was formed. The Dandenong Railways band was formed seven
years later in 1892, and the two ensembles amalgamated in 1895 but unfortunately disbanded
in 1939.
The current Dandenong Band was formed in 1957 and was known as the Dandenong
Citizens' Band. The first Musical Director was Mr. Edgar Hill. The band became
affiliated with the Victorian Bands League
in 1958 as a D grade band.
In 1962 the band was renamed the Dandenong RSL & Citizens Band. It was again renamed
in 1968 and became the Dandenong Municipal Band. Nowadays, the band is known as the City
of Greater Dandenong Band, and is aligned with the City of Greater Dandenong Council.
For many years the band rehearsed in an "tin shed" - a council works building,
in Dandenong Park, next to the Stan Prior Soundshell. The band moved into its present home
at the Dandenong Firestation Community Arts Centre in October 1997.
The band's most famous member was Mr. Stan Prior who lived to the age of 102. He was still
playing with the band in his 100th year and the Soundshell in Dandenong Park is named
after him in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music in the local area.
A comprehensive history of the band entitled "And The Band Played On" has
recently been compiled by long term band member, Mr Bruce Collard, and can be ordered
through this website or by contacting the band.
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