*
banner

Garasi leaves Florida

One of the leading conductors in America calls it a day as Michael J Garasi leaves Central Florida.

Garasi
 

4BR has been informed that after nine years at the helm Michael J Garasi has announced his resignation as Musical Director of Brass Band of Central Florida.

Charismatic

During his tenure, the band became the leading domestic contesting band in America, winning both the US National and US Open titles. In addition the band gained critical acclaim for their CD releases and their innovative concert performances under one of the most charismatic conductors in the banding world..

Michael has been an integral part of the band and has a mutual love and respect for the membersPresident, Bob Tucker

Delighted

Florida gained world wide banding prominence when they made their debut at the British Open in 2005, coming 15th, whilst a year later they delighted the audiences at Brass in Concert, where their highly polished programming and high class playing saw them steal the show at the Gala Concert and come 4th at the contest itself.

Enhanced

Garasi's reputation was further enhanced when Grimethorpe Colliery asked him to direct their Brass in Concert programme in 2008, coming 3rd in difficult circumstances.

Brilliant

Band President, Bob Tucker told 4BR: "After nine years of brilliant success in conducting the Brass Band of Central Florida, Michael J. Garasi announced his resignation this month."

Bob added: "Michael has been an integral part of the band and has a mutual love and respect for the members. As Michael’s position with University of Central Florida demands more of him and with the band evolving to a higher level organization, they will greatly miss each other."

4BR understands that Michael plans on staying in close contact and will guest conduct as his schedule allows. A search of a new conductor will begin at a local level and expand nationally or internationally as needed.

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    


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival — Senior Cup

May 2 • Kirkintilloch claims the Senior Cup honours as Rainford, Tongwynlais Temperance and East London Brass join them in the Grand Shield in 2027.


2026 Spring Festival

Result: 2026 Spring Festival — Senior Trophy

May 2 • Sandhurst Silver claims the Senior Trophy honours as Sovereign Brass, Unite Scotland Kinneil and Yorkshire Imperial are also promoted to the Senior Cup.


Fleetwood

Fleetwood back on demand

May 1 • You can enjoy all 32 performances from the recent Fleetwood Contest on demand


British Open

Live stream broadcast from Spring Festival

May 1 • All the action from the 104th British Open Spring Festival is to be live-stream broadcast this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Wellington Silver Band (Somerset)

May 2 • Bb Basses. With Colin Dance now appointed as our MD and our other Bb Bass leaving due to work commitments, we have openings for two Bb basses. We are a friendly community (4th section?) band with a variety of gigs including our own Proms in the Park.


Wellington Silver Band (Somerset)

May 2 • Tuned Percussionist. We are looking for a tuned percussionist to join our friendly community (4th section?) band. We have a variety of gigs including our own Proms in the park, charity concerts, fetes, (maybe contesting). Other brass players welcome.


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd