*
banner

Brisbane XLCR set for Shanghai days and nights...

Australian National champion set for seven day visit to the global Shanghai Music Festival.

Brisbane Excelsior
 

Australian National Champion, Brisbane Excelsior is to fly to China for seven days after being invited to represent their nation at the prestigious Shanghai Music Festival.

The global event attracts star performers, groups and ensembles from all over the world and is watched by some 500 million television viewers in China alone.

Performances

The band will perform a ‘diagram marching display’ at the opening parade, which includes performances by representatives from the UK and USA to India and Brunei, as well as three high profile concerts under MD Howard Taylor.

Fantastic opportunity

Band President Gareth Lawless told 4BR: "This is a fantastic opportunity to take the band overseas for the first time since 2009.

It’s also important for Brisbane to continue to search for new and exciting projects and to be invited by the Chinese to represent Australia is a huge honour."

On their return, the travelling continues with a weekend of workshops and a gala concert in Bundaberg, 400km north of their home city, whilst in November, Excelsior joins other local performers in a concert featuring trumpet legend, James Morrison.

Exciting time

Gareth added: "This is a very exciting as well as busy time for the band — from performances in Shanghai and Bundaberg to a great concert with James Morrison.

It gives the band huge exposure and prepares us nicely for what I’m sure is to be an even busier 2015 under Howard’s baton.”

Sydney hat trick

Part of those 2015 plans will no doubt be their attempt to complete a second hat-trick and add a ninth Australian title in eleven years at the Australian National Championships, which will be held in Sydney in April.

It’s also important for Brisbane to continue to search for new and exciting projects and to be invited by the Chinese to represent Australia is a huge honourBand President Gareth Lawless

Stepping down

Finally, commenting on a recent management change at XLCR, Gareth concluded: "This year Rick Casagrande stepped down as President to focus on other projects, and we must give our thanks to his hard work over the years.

Rick has been instrumental in changing the direction and profile of the band, which has gone on to earn so much success domestically and internationally. We are delighted though that he will stay with the band, continuing to play in the bass section."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brass BANSD nOERTHERN iRELAND

New National Youth Band to be formed in Northern Ireland

June 27 • Brass Bands Northern Ireland announce intention to form a National Youth Brass Band.


NYBBGB

Next generation to provide last chord to Radio 3 series

June 27 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will be featured as part of the final episode of Radio 3's 'Brass Banding with Hannah Peel'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies: Summer Deals

June 27 • There are plenty of great Summer deals to bag from Band Supplies...


Churcher

Churcher music heralds start of Glastonbury Festival

June 27 • Camborne Band MD Gareth Churcher has provided the music to kick start the iconic Glastonbury Festival.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd