*
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    


wobplay

New ownership announced for World of Brass, Wobplay and World of Sound

July 1 • The trio of leading brass band music brands have been bought as an independent business by Adam Goldsmith and Nicki Tonge.


Spring Festival

Venues and dates for 2027 & 2028 Spring Festival announced

July 1 • Town Hall Birmingham and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will host the 2027 and 2028 British Open Spring Festival contests as long term plans are put in place following feedback.


Cory

Cory set for Tibetan title challenge in Kerkrade

June 30 • The Welsh champion will head to the World Music Contest armed with a third adventure of Tintin courtesy of the pseudonym inspired Paul Raphael.


Score

Kapitol looking for York judges...

June 30 • Kapitol Promotions and the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators are looking for people to start their judging journey in York in September.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Air Force Squadronaires

Friday 3 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Darron Cleary-McHarg

MISM
Composer, Arranger & Music Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd