Edward Martin
In 1979 Edward Martin was appointed the position of conductor with Norm continuing on until 1981 as Musical Director. From 1979 until 1981, Norm Snow and Edward Martin shared the ensemble, Norm with the title of Musical Director and Ed as Conductor.
The Appearance of Eddie Martin on the podium saw the band complete its rise through the ranks of Australian bands. His first contest appearance with the band was in 1979, when the ensemble won the 'A' grade championship - an award it has not relinquished in the period since. Ed installed in the ensemble a sense a great musicianship, pride - and fun. It was under his baton that the ensemble recorded a commercial record in 1981 "Let’s Make the Music Together", and a CD in 2000 "Strike up the Band", and his association with WASO led to a stream of outstanding soloists performing with the band.
A native of Scotland, Eddie was a trumpet player in the WA Symphony Orchestra, and before that a cornet player with the Cowdenbeath Brass Band in Scotland. His period with the band included many tours to contests, several overseas tours, and the general rise in standards of the ensemble through the years. His retirement from the band in 2000 coincided with his retirement from the WASO, and with a planned voyage around Australia.