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XLCR juggernaut continues

Brisbane Excelsior has claimed its sixth National title in a row.

XLCR
 

Brisbane Excelsior continues to re-write the record books after winning the 2008 New Zealand National Championship last night in Christchurch.

XLCR and its Musical Director Howard Taylor convincingly won the Championship, successfully defending the title, and adding another National win to its tally.

The band has won four Australian National titles in a row, and now two consecutive NZ titles, a feat achieved by no other band in Australasian history.

I've been blessed by being surrounded by so many self-motivated musicians. Being a part of this historical journey has been incredible in so many ways, and will be firmly etched in my memory forever.Howard Taylor, Musical Director Brisbane Excelsior

Howard Taylor has been responsible for the musical shaping of the ensemble. When speaking to 4BRDU, Howard said, "I've been blessed by being surrounded by so many self-motivated musicians. Being a part of this historical journey has been incredible in so many ways, and will be firmly etched in my memory forever."

Band President Rick Casagrande said, "We have been fortunate to have had such a strong nucleus of players who have stayed together for so long. The band is made up of such vibrant, colourful and talented people. This has made the task of creating a cohesive group a pleasure."

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udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • There are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We currently have vacancies for 2 tenor trombones. As a 4th section contesting Band, we have a diary filling up with various engagements to keep us busy, and therefore keen to fill the positions.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a cornet player, position negotiable. Our diary is filling up with various engagements, so we are keen to fill the position.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

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