*
banner

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."

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    


Albert

New National Final proposal rejected by Regional Forum

December 10 • A proposal that would have seen a radical change in the qualification process for the Royal Albert Hall National Final has been rejected by regional representatives.


Purcell

Purcell students shine in BBC Composing Competition

December 9 • Young compositional talent from The Purcell School has made its mark in the BBC Young Composer Competition.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

December 9 • The second part of the duo's chat with Derek Broadbent.


Knapton

Knapton takes Towcester lead

December 9 • The experienced Ian Knapton is to become the new Musical Director at Towcester Studio Band.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.


Flookburgh band

December 9 • Flookburgh Band Vacancy ........ Musical Director . . We are newly promoted to the Second Section and looking for an inspirational Musical Director to lead us forward!. Concerts: 5 main concerts per year + summer engagements . .


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd