*
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    


York

Result: 2026 Third Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 20 • Let it snow... Allerton claims the Third Section honours in York.


York

Result: 2026 Fourth Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 20 • Wardle Community are the ultimate Heroes of the North as they claim the National title in York.


York Barbican

Result: 2026 First Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Marsden discover the source of a thunderous success in York.


York Barbican

Result: 2026 Second Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Harborough and Ben Smith have the courage of their musical convictions to claim the honours in York.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

September 20 • We are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.. . We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and have a varied calendar of concerts, contests and ten-piece engagements.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites percussion players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites BBb Bass players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd