In my early years I have found memories of listening to my mother play the piano and my father playing drums in the local brass band. I recall with pride my father leading many bands as the drum major in parades. His mace is one of my family treasures, along with old sheets of music that my mother used to play and I still enjoy playing today. My father, a talented percussionist, had ten siblings but he was the only one who played an instrument. He would have been introduced to music through his family’s involvement in the Salvation Army. My mother was an only child whose grandfather, Andrew James Nankervis, was a very talented musician. I found an article from 1921 that records his achievements: An exceptional record of musical service with leading Australian bands can be claimed by Mr A. J. ("Andy") Nankervis, of the Richmond City and Victorian Railways Military Bands. During the past twenty years he has participated in many important contests, and the bands with which he has been associated have been remarkably successful. Mr. Nankervis has not specialised as a competitive soloist, preferring to devote his energies to mastering his band part. He is regarded as a most reliable instrumentalist, and much credit is due to Mr Hugh McMahon and Mr Harry Shugg for their practical tuition. A native of Daylesford, where he was born in 1880, Andrew James Nankervis began his musical career in 1897 as a tenor horn player in the Daylesford Brass Band. Mr J. Thorpe was then the conductor, and he imparted much valuable information to his pupil. In 1898 Mr Nankervis had his first contesting experience, being one of the instrumentalists selected from the two Daylesford bands to represent Daylesford at the Eaglehawk contest. The combined forces were led by the late Mr H. W. Stoneham. The following year Mr Nankervis removed to West Australia and joined the Boulder City Mines Band, conducted by the late Mr Albert Prout, of Ballarat. He then transferred to the Boulder City Band, under Mr Hugh McMahon, the celebrated- cornetist. In 1902 this combination competed at Ballarat, and secured the position of runners-up in the selections, and first award in the brass septette. Competing again the following year, the band once more secured second award, and visiting Bathurst tied for first prize with Newcastle City Band. In 1905 the band succeeded in winning the "A" grade Australasian championship, with a total of 394 points. Mr Nankervis then returned to Daylesford and rejoined the local band, conducted by Mr C. McLeod. As solo horn player he was a leading factor in several contest successes secured by the band. Re-moving to Melbourne he joined the Richmond City Band, under Mr T. L. Hellings in 1907. The same year he competed at South Street, and secured third prize in the horn solo. His services were then secured by West's Pictures Orchestra, conducted by Mr E. Jackson, and for the next three years he was associated with such famous soloists as Percy Code, Charles Smith, Stan. Code, and J. Best, who were members of the orchestra. For several years he was a member of the Prahran City Band, under the conductorship of the late Mr E. T. Code, and at the end of 1912 he transferred to the Malvern Tramway Band, of which he was a member for some years. About a year ago he renewed his association with the Richmond City Band, under the leadership of Mr John Bowden. Mr Nankervis has participated in numerous successes achieved by the following bands:—Miners' (Boulder, W.A.), Boulder City, Daylesford, Prahran City, and Malvern Tramway. For many years past Mr Nankervis has filled the position of principal tenor been soloist to the Victorian Railways Military Band, under the conductorship of Mr A. Wallace. As a committeeman his services are valued, and as chief librarian for some years he was markedly successful. (The band's repertoire of music is the largest in the Commonwealth.) In 1904 he was presented with a medal by the Boulder City Band for consistent attendance at rehearsals. A brother, William, was formerly a trombone player in the Daylesford Band, and another brother, Richard, was a tenor horn player at Daylesford and Geelong. As the result of a burglary at his residence some-time ago. Mr Nankervis lost several valuable medals— mementoes of hard-won contests. Another of my family treasures is a remaining medal won by my great grandfather Andrew James Nankervis. Being immersed in music from an early age has been a gift I treasure. Watching that love of music evolve through our children and grandchildren brings me much joy.
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