*
banner

Women in Brass

Conductors: Maureen Cameron & Phillipa Edwards OAM
Huntingtower Performing Arts Centre
Mount Waverly, Melbourne
Saturday 27th May


There was an expectant atmosphere as ‘Women in Brass’ took to the stage for a concert that combined musical excellence and celebration in abundance. 

Led by Phillipa Edwards in the first half, and Maureen Cameron in the second, the amalgamation band (with performers of all ages from around the Melbourne region and four national States) captivated the audience, balancing virtuosity with crafted musicality.

Excellent soloists

Excellent soloists added variety to the ensemble contributions; Louisa Lawless delivering a tasteful rendition of 'My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose',  the trombones entertaining with an exuberant ‘Sister Act’ inspired ‘I Will Follow Him’.  The synchronized enthusiasm of six members of the cornet section during 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy'  brought smiles to the faces.

During the event, Phillipa Edwards was presented with the inaugural 'Janice Valma Davey OAM Award' in recognition of her outstanding contribution to brass bands in Australia. 

Maja Heath and Julie Woods joined flugel and tuba forces to lead a languid take on the classic Drifters pop song 'Under the Boardwalk’,  whilst the percussion feature, 'Mallets Show'  was a tour-de-force for Madison Dedini, Moana Manu, Val Augustin, and Nat Pollard.

The concert also saw Emma Cleary perform the role of Master of Ceremonies with thoughtful eloquence. Her lead to introduce the inclusion of ‘Lady Stewart's Air’  served as a heartfelt tribute to Dame Lady Adrienne Stewart, highlighting her unwavering support for the Arts. 

Joyous

The fitting finale was a joyous rendition of ‘Riverdance’  – the stage alive with pulsating rhythmic playing that reverberated throughout the hall with exhilarating energy.

During the event, Phillipa Edwards was presented with the inaugural 'Janice Valma Davey OAM Award' in recognition of her outstanding contribution to brass bands in Australia. 

Congratulations were also in order for Marissa Clarke, who brought this initiative together for a second year and served a dual purpose, with the proceeds supporting the Father Bob Maguire Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to ending homelessness and disadvantage. 

Pam King

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd