The Brisbane Excelsior Band told 4BR that they have been inundated with congratulations following their recent victory at the Australian National Championships.
It saw the band reclaim the famous Fireman's Helmet National Trophy now given to the band that wins the Premier Grade contest, after last winning it in 2024. It also saw conductor Howard Taylor lift the trophy for 10th time — a decade after he last did it with the band.
Pinnacle
Band President Ross Moloney told 4BR: "The win not only reaffirms Brisbane as the premier brass band in Australia but also brings Howard Taylor back to the pinnacle of the contesting movement here as well.
We asked Howard to come back in 2025 to help rebuild the band in our collective ethos of 'onwards and upwards' and he has done just that. The response from supporters across the world has been incredible and we have been inundated with congratulations."
Falcon
Victory came a series of high class performances of the set-work, 'A Road Less Travelled By', as well as their sacred item, 'In this Quiet Moment' and the march 'ORB', although it was their stunning rendition of Paul Saggers' 'The Falcon in the Snow' that gained 199 points from the trio of adjudicators that sealed the success.
"It's only the second time we have ever achieved the feat," Ross added. "It was a very special performance, and it was wonderful that Paul had tralleved from the UK to hear it. The celebrations went on for a very long time!"
The response from supporters across the world has been incredible and we have been inundated with congratulationsBrisbane Excelsior Band
Individual honours and wider strength
In addition to the collective honours the band also enjoyed individual success too on the weekend with Jaime Fixter winning the National Soprano title and Ross himself gaining the Baritone accolade.
The organisation's broader strength was equally evident with their sibling Windsor Excelsior Band achieving a commendable fifth place in B Grade, while the newly formed Lutwyche Excelsior made their debut appearance in the D Grade.
Ross told 4BR that the organization now hopes to launch of an academy junior band in April 2026, further strengthening grassroots development, while an international tour to the Beijing International Music Festival is planned for October.
