History
The Goldfields Brass Band has ties (rather tenuous) to the old brass bands of the district, particularly Boulder Mines Band. In its present form, however, it was founded by the late Mr Fred Asher in 1963, starting out as the Boulder Primary School Brass Band.
Two forces then caused the formation of the Boulder Council Youth Band. These were:
- When the children had graduated from year 7 they could no longer be part of the Primary School Band; and
- Mayor Gillespie asked Mr Fred Asher to take control of the Boulder Mines Band instruments and music, which were deteriorating in storage.
The Boulder Council Youth Band continued as a largely junior band for many years. Gradually the average age of members rose and with the inception of the combined schools music program (a PCAP project) junior recruitment fell off considerably. The band then changed its name to the Boulder Council Brass Band.
Following the amalgamation of the Boulder Shire and the Town of Kalgoorlie, the band again changed its name, this time to the Goldfields Brass Band. At about this time the band also became incorporated.
Awards/Recognition
- State Championships 1999 - Winners, D Grade
- State Championships 2000 - Winners, D Grade
- State Championships 2005 - Winners, D Grade
- Goldfields Volunteer Awards 2008 - Arts, Recreation and Sport - Group
- State Championships 2009 - Winners, D Grade
- State Championships 2010 - Runners-up, D Grade; Runners-up, Open Entertainment Section
Notable past performances
- Opening standard gauge railway - 1968
- Birthday of Indian Pacific
- St Barbara's Festival massed bands event - 2003 (Fred Rooke's Final Concert)
- New Prospector - 2004
- St Barbara's Festival massed bands event - 2004
- Anzac Day marches 2007
- Boulder Town Hall Centenary - Grand Finale Concert - 2008 (ABC report)
Major engagements for the band each year include Anzac Day, the Kalgoorlie Race Round, the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Fair and the St Barbara's Festival, with monthly play outs at the Boulder Market Days.
