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.”