*
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    


Greig Hall

No relegation for Norwegian non payers

March 2 • There will be no relegation to the Fifth Division for the bands who didn't pay their membership fees on time this year — but it is not a precedent for the future.


Blackpool

Results: 2026 North West Regional Championships

March 1 • Titles go to Foden's, Haydock, Lostock Hall, Allerton Brass and Wardle Community Band in Blackpool.


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

March 2 • Following an exceptionally pleasing 1st result at the recent Area contest (2nd section, 4th place), we invite applications for the position of 2ND BARITONE. We are a friendly, progressive and social band!


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd