*
banner

No more Taylor in Excelsior

The outstanding two decade long musical partnership between Howard Taylor and Brisbane Excelsior Band in Australia has come to an end.

Brisbane
  Brisbane claimed eight Australian National titles under his direction

The 20-year musical partnership between Brisbane Excelsior Band and Musical Director Howard Taylor has come to an end.

It marks the final chord of a remarkable era of success under the baton of the Englishman who led the band to pinnacle of Australasian banding.

He made his contesting debut with the band in winning the 2002 Queensland State Championship title and made his last contest bow at the 2019 Australian Championships.

Titles

During this tenure the combination won eight Australian and three New Zealand National Championship titles, as well as eight State Championships and the inaugural FABB (Federation of Australian Brass Bands) Australian championship.

They also gained a renowned reputation for its progressive musical outlook and professionalism on the concert stage.

UK visits

Under his leadership the band also travelled to compete in the UK, where they claimed a top-10 finish at the All England International Masters in 2006 and a tenth place finish at the 2009 British Open.

Under his guidance he also spearheaded the creation of Windsor Brass in 2003, as part of the Brisbane organisation. The band is now thriving at B Grade level with a reputation for their hugely enjoyable entertainment outlook.

It marks the end of a quite extraordinary musical partnership, one that has projected Brisbane Excelsior Band across the brass banding globeBrisbane Exclesior Band

Gratitude

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "The Brisbane Excelsior organisation looks back on an extraordinary journey with Howard Taylor with pride and gratitude and looks forward to maintaining a lifelong friendship both personal and professional.

Howard is thanked for his incredible energy, enthusiasm and inspiration that lifted players to perform beyond their expectations. It marks the end of a quite extraordinary musical partnership, one that has projected Brisbane Excelsior Band across the brass banding globe."

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    


Brass BANSD nOERTHERN iRELAND

New National Youth Band to be formed in Northern Ireland

June 27 • Brass Bands Northern Ireland announce intention to form a National Youth Brass Band.


NYBBGB

Next generation to provide last chord to Radio 3 series

June 27 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will be featured as part of the final episode of Radio 3's 'Brass Banding with Hannah Peel'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies: Summer Deals

June 27 • There are plenty of great Summer deals to bag from Band Supplies...


Churcher

Churcher music heralds start of Glastonbury Festival

June 27 • Camborne Band MD Gareth Churcher has provided the music to kick start the iconic Glastonbury Festival.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd