1904 Foundation
Formed in November 1904 (1) as the Western Australian Bands Association, the association was formed for the promotion of knowledge and love of music, of good-fellowship among bandsmen, of band contests and the welfare of bands generally.
The first patron is recorded as His Excellency the Governor
The first president is recorded as the Mayor of Perth, Mr. Harry Brown M.LA (1)
1905
First WA State Band Championships
The 1906 Albany Band Contest and Eisteddfod, held between February 12 to 17 1906, was a locally organised contest, conducted under the rules and recognition of the West Australian Band Association, and designated to decide the Western Australian band championship. (2) Prior to 1906 the contest was run regularly, however WABA wasn't involved.
It is a contentious issue as Bunbury also wanted to hold an Eisteddfod and Band Contest the same year and claimed that Albany stole their idea, (3)
It was later decided to hold a "second" contest, in Bunbury, in December 1905 - technically before the Albany contest making it the first WABA championships. (4, 5, & 6). As with the Albany contest, the Bunbury contest was also held prior to WABA's involvement in 1906.
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