The first title of the 2026 Australian National Championships has been claimed by Elijah Baker of Willoughby City.

The talented trombonist from the Premier Grade New South Wales band claimed the Blue Riband 'Champion of Champions' title with an outstanding performance of Ray Steadman-Allen's 'The Eternal Quest'.

The 10 instrumental champions who had earlier come through hard-fought individual championship events showcased their set-work solo choice talents for an appreciative audience as well as the adjudicators, Russell Gray and David Bremner.

Agreed instantly

Before the announcement of the winner, Russell stated that they had enjoyed every performance with some "super, super playing" that left them "highly impressed", although they had "agreed instantly" on the winner.

It rounded off a truly, and potentially unique day in the history of the event, as earlier Elijah won the Junior Tenor Trombone against 17 competitors, and Open Tenor Trombone against 10 senior rivals, before going on to claim the Junior 'Champion of Champions' title and then the senior championship — and all accompanied by his brother Gabe on piano.

Musical maturity

As the final performer of the competition, Elijah's rendition was one of marked musical maturity allied to a fine technique. And where others faltered slightly with "in-offs and scraps" as described by Russell, his stood out for its consistency and accomplishment.

The other finalists were Steven Port (bass trombone); Ross Maloney (baritone); Maja Heath (flugel); George Melitsis (cornet); Jamie Fixter (soprano); Bruce Myers (defending champion — horn); Adam Arnold (EEb tuba — who also won the BBb tuba category) and Raph Harvey (trumpet).