*
banner

Report & Results: 2017 Queensland State Championships

A world class series of performances from a world class band leads the way in Queensland as Brisbane Excelsior triumphs in style.

bRISBANE eXCELSIOR
  Brisbane Excelsior added yet another title to their CV

Brisbane Excelsior Band reinforced its domestic dominance at the recent Queensland State Band Championships sponsored by Yamaha Musical Instruments, held at the Redcliffe Cultural Centre.

World class band

Their victory in the A Grade event was described as coming from 'a world class band' according to adjudicator Maureen Cameron — an opinion rather reinforced by the margin of victory — a whopping 17 points over rivals South Brisbane Federal, with Brisbane Brass a further three points behind in third.

Brisbane combined a quartet of superbly crafted performances under MD Howard Taylor of the set-work, 'The Raid' by Oliver Waespi and their own-choice work, 'Partita' by Philip Sparke, alongside their march and sacred item pieces to add the Baxter Shield honours to go with the New Zealand National title they won earlier in the year. It was the first time the band had won the event since 2011.

Defending champion South Brisbane Federal produced solid accounts of the set-work and their own-choice item, 'The Year of the Dragon' to come runner-up, with Brisbane Brass playing 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'.

Section victories

In the B Grade there was a victory for Brisbane Brass 2, whilst the C Grade title went to Sunshine Brass. Sunnybank No 2 Band was the sole competitor in the D Grade.

Their victory in the A Grade event was described as coming from 'a world class band' according to adjudicator Maureen Cameron — an opinion rather reinforced by the margin of victory4BR

Results:

A Grade:


Adjudicator: Maureen Cameron
Test Piece/Own Choice/Sacred Item/Stage March = Total

1. Brisbane Excelsior (Howard Taylor): 196/195/95/92 = 558
2. South Brisbane Federal (Owen Clarke): 189/193/89/90 = 561
3. Brisbane Brass (Joshua McKechie): 190/190/90/88 = 558

B Grade:


Adjudicator: Maureen Cameron
Test Piece/Own Choice/Sacred Item/Stage March = Total

1. Brisbane Brass No 2 (Greg Aitken): 541
2. Surfers Paradise Brass (Scott King): 536
3. Windsor Brass (Stuart Lang): 527

C Grade:


Adjudicator: Maureen Cameron
Test Piece/Own Choice/Sacred Item/Stage March = Total

1. Sunshine Brass (Nelson Oakley): 534
2. Capricornia Silver Band (Rod Haynes): 530
3. Yellow Cabs Bayside Brass (Jennifer Owens): 522

D Grade:


Adjudicator: Maureen Cameron
Test Piece/Own Choice/Sacred Item/Stage March = Total

1. Sunnybank Brass No 2 (Matthew White): 539

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    


Trivergence

Trivergence set for Albert Hall appearance

August 8 • Trombone stars Peter Moore, Mark Nightingale and Andy Wood plus friends will provide the pre-results entertainment at the Royal Albert Hall National Final in October.


IBBSS

Barringer delight at IBBSS success

August 8 • A week of hard work, great music making and friendship in Swansea was a fitting celebration of the leading course's ethos.


Mark Vause

Vause takes baton at Pilling Silver

August 8 • Mark Vause is the new MD of Pilling Silver Band as he returns to the North West.


Smith

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

August 8 • The duo discuss the benefits of an infusion of classical music in the banding veins in rehearsals and concerts.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

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


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd