Brisbane XLCR, the current National Champions of Australia and New Zealand, have welcomed in the New Year with a few changes and a very challenging schedule for 2009.
New players
The band has announced the addition of two new players to its ranks.
Louisa Smith, ex Fodens and a former principal cornet of SWT Woodfalls Band, will be bringing a wealth of experience and is looking forward to some top level Aussie banding.
To further solidify the cornet team, Jaime Brown has accepted taken on the soprano chair and will be adding the X-factor to XLCR's future performances.
A band spokesperson added tongue in cheek: "She's better looking than Kev Crockford but can still part your hair when required!"
2009 holds many challenges, including, hopefully, a trip to the British Open, and we will continue to drive Australian Banding to new levelsMD, Howard Taylor
Departure
A recent departure however was principal cornet Paula Russell. The Brisbane spokesperson added: "The band would like to take this opportunity to thank Paula for her contribution over the last few years, and congratulate her on her joining Leyland. We wish her continued success for the future."
Handing over the reigns
Meanwhile, long standing Band President Rick Casagrande has decided to hand over the reigns and relinquish his position as Band President.
Rick has given his time and motivation to the band for over 37 years and his services are appreciated by everyone involved at the highest level.
The spokesperson added: "XCLR is extremely grateful to Rick for all his hard work and dedication over the years and would like to thank him for sincerely. As a life member of Brisbane XLCR and with his continued involvement and support for the band, Rick will never be far away from the banding scene."
Replacing Rick is tuba star Dean Morley who has vowed to uphold the standards and the legacy that Rick leaves behind in his wake.
Looking forward
Musical Director, Howard Taylor told 4BR: ""I am looking forward to another exciting and successful year in 2009 with Excelsior."
He added: "According to the latest 4BR Rankings, 2008 was a bad year for the band. We consider winning the Australian and New Zealand Nationals, being the top ranked band in Australia and making history to be a very good year indeed! 2009 holds many challenges, including, hopefully, a trip to the British Open, and we will continue to drive Australian Banding to new levels."
Sabbatical
The band has a busy concert series planned, CD recordings and performing on the contest stage as usual. It has made the decision to take a sabbatical from the Australian and New Zealand Nationals for 2009 to concentrate on some of those very big projects.
