*
banner

XLCR create history

Brisbane Excelsior and its Musical Director, Howard Taylor, has been the first band in the history of brass banding to win the Australian A Grade Championship, four years in a row.

Brisbane XLCR
 

Brisbane XLCR, although it didn't win either major test piece, won the overall Australian National A Grade Championship for the fourth time in a row.

The band won the stage march playing Knight Templar, and came second in both the Own Choice (Montage by Peter Graham), and the test (Dances and Alleluia's by Philip Sparke). Its hymn tune, His Provision (Bosanko), was placed well down in the field of thirteen bands — with the adjudicator not too happy about some balance issues.


Howard Taylor told 4BRDU, "I am ectastic with the win and very proud to be leading such a fantastic group of committed musicians."

I am ectastic with the win and very proud to be leading such a fantastic group of committed musicians.Howard Taylor, Musical Director, Brisbane Excelsior

Band President, Rick Casagrande said, "The achievement of four national wins in a row is a direct result of Brisbane Excelsior's decision back in the late 1980's to contest at a National level, and to seek players who all had the common goal of producing the best music possible."

Having also won the 2007 New Zealand National A Grade title, the band has achieved five National titles in the space of 4 years.

Individuals who have played with XLCR for each of the four Australian titles include:
Paula Russell, cornet
Warren Brewer, cornet
Amanda Casagrande, flugel
Steve Ridler, horn
Ashley Gittins, euphonium
Stuart Bent, trombone
Michael Purtle, trombone
Trevor Stanley, trombone
Rick Casagrande, bass
Julie Woods, bass
Adrian Dadds, percussion
Bill McIntyre, percussion

This year, guest players included Brenden Wheeler, a registered member of the band who is currently Principal Euphonium with Leyland in the UK. Brenden was asked to play as the bands regular first baritone player, Brad Hosking, was unavailable for the contest.

Kevin McMorran, cornet player from New Zealand and Steve Stewart, soprano player from the Kirkintilloch band in Scotland were the bands two permit players.

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    


Gareth Brindle

Brindle replaces Baker for Elland Area challenge

December 18 • The experienced Gareth Brindle will take Elland Silver Band at the Yorkshire Regional Championships following teh departure of Brett Baker.


Yamaha Clinic

Yamaha stars inspire European youth

December 18 • The latest weekend of Yamaha Young Band Clinics saw stars Arfon Owen, Margie Antrobus, Russell Gray and Armin Bachmann inspire players in Heerenveen and Utrecht.


French

Celebration and competition for bands at French National

December 18 • 17 bands will compete at the 20th anniversary French National Championships in Metz in February.


Eagley

Eagley bring festive spirit to Bolton

December 18 • There was literally no room in the hall for Eagley Band's 'Bing to Buble' recent Christmas Concert.


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Enderby Band - Broughton Astley Rock Choir

Friday 13 December • Thomas Estley Community College. 2 Station Road. Broughton Astley. Leicestershire LE9 6PT


Bedford Town Band - Bedford Town Band Brass Academy

Saturday 14 December • Putnoe Heights Church MK418EB


Newstead Brass - Christmas Showcase 2024

Saturday 14 December • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby in Ashfield NG17 8LA


Dobcross Silver Band

December 14 • Looking for a new challenge in the New Year? . Dobcross Silver Band is a progressive and Successful 3rd section band on the lookout for a competent SOLO BARITONE PLAYER. If you are a team player you fit perfectly! Really enjoyable rehearsals here!


Boarshurst Silver Band

December 14 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a talented BBb Bass Player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday


Besses o'th' Barn Band

December 12 • Due to a change of circumstances. The band now require one front row cornet and two back row cornets to complete our line up for the North West Area Contest in Blackpool..


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd