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Two flutes by Drouyn & Drouyn

Object No. 2004/97/1

There have been few woodwind instrument makers in Australia specialising in instruments for use in orchestras and marching bands. The Silvertone fife appears to have been made in Brisbane by the Drouyn drum company although it is uncertain when production actually began. Although these instruments are of simple construction they have the advantage of being very solid compared to wooden and keyed instruments diminishing the risk of serious damage occurring to them. They are also without any moving parts that might require maintenance so were ideally suited for school students as they were easy to keep in playing condition. According to Michael Atherton in his book Australian Made...Australian Played (UNSW Press, 1990) Drouyn and Drouyn was established in 1927 by brother and sister Douglas and Dorothy Drouyn of Brisbane. In 1932 they opened a retail shop and by 1942 had established a factory. Although the manufacture of drums was their main interest they are estimated to have made around 40,000 fifes. The examples in the museum suggest that a number of models may have been produced including the fife in C and the fife in D. Michael Lea Curator, music & musical instruments 2004

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Summary

Object Statement

Fifes (2), Silvertone, metal, made by Drouyn & Drouyn, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 1940-1985

Physical Description

Fifes (2), Silvertone, metal, made by Drouyn & Drouyn, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 1940-1985 Two Silvertone fifes. Metal fife pitched in C consisting of long metal tube with [chrome] finish. Embouchure hole for blowing at one end set into broader section of tubing. Six finger holes along lower length of tube. No keys. There is an end cap at the blowing end. Metal fife in D. Long metal tube with embouchure hole for blowing at one end set into broader section of tubing. Slightly longer than C instrument with larger mouthpiece section and dull finish. Six finger holes along lower length of tube. No keys. The end cap is missing.

PRODUCTION

Notes

These instruments are thought to have been designed and manufactured by the Drouyn drum company of Brisbane, Australia. It has been estimated that 40,000 were produced but production ceased in about 1993. Similar design concept to flutes, fifes and piccolos produced by Stanley Baines of Victoria during the 1930s.

HISTORY

Notes

Instrument in C was used by the donor when a member of the Toowoomba East State School Marching Band from 1983-1986. It was bought new in 1983 from Palings music store in Toowoomba. The band marched in the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers annually. The instrument in D was given to the donor by a friend who bought it in a second hand market.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Julia Robertson, 2004

Acquisition Date

31 May 2004

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