*
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    


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd