*
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    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET 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,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd