*
banner

Brisbane add strength ahead of Sydney defence

Brisbane Excelsior has added new players to their ranks ahead of their National title defence in Sydney at Easter.

Brisbane
 

Australian National Champion, Brisbane Excelsior, has announced a number of new signings as they look towards the defence of their title (above in 2014) in Sydney at Easter.

Tubb horn

Following the departure of Steve Ridler back to the UK, the band welcomes Benjamin Tubb, who will take on the solo horn role with immediate effect.

The ex- Brighouse & Rastrick player and well known composer recently moved to Australia after working in the United States.

Key signing

Commenting on the appointment, Band President Gareth Lawless told 4BR: “Benjamin is a key signing, and we have been fortunate to be able to fill a pivotal seat with such a talented individual.

We are all excited about what he can bring to us both as a player and as a composer, and we are delighted to welcome him to Brisbane.”

Cornets, euph and trom

XLCR has also strengthened their cornet section through the signings of Stuart Lang, Chris Baldwin and Craig Millar, whilst former Kew Band Melbourne euphonium star, Patrick Mudge, will join section principal Nigel John for the National Championship, having agreed to temporarily replace Bari Thomas who is taking some family leave

Finally, Marc Nethercot joins from Dalewool Auckland Brass, signing on second trombone. Marc will begin with the band immediately after his relocation from New Zealand in February.

I’ve been impressed with the quality of our new signings and feel we are well placed for what will be a very busy and exciting year aheadMD Howard Taylor

CD recordings

Following the National Championship, Brisbane will head to the recording studio to produce two new CD's, as well as perform in a series of high profile local engagements including a tribute concert in honour of Salvation Army composer, Ray Steadman Allen.

Thrilled

MD Howard Taylor told 4BR: “After such a successful 2014, I’m thrilled to see the band engaged for so many performance commitments in 2015.

I’ve been impressed with the quality of our new signings and feel we are well placed for what will be a very busy and exciting year ahead.”

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    


Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Coverage: North West Regionals Championships

February 23 • Victories for Tyldesley, Middleton and Darwen Brass at Blackpool with just the Championship and Third Section titles remaining to be claimed in Blackpool.


Test Pieces

4BR Area coverage

February 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox has confirmed a different approach to coverage of the Regional Championship events.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups

February 21 • The bands will put their final preparations in place ahead of their performances in Blackpool on Sunday.


John Wallace

Wallace presented with SBBA Outstanding Achievement Award

February 21 • John Wallace CBE has been presented with the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' by the Scottish Brass Band Association.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 20 • Reading Band still needs LOWER BRASS for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd