*
banner

Keller Line-up confirmed

This years Ern Keller International Soloist of the Year is a brilliant line-up of players, and the four competing bands in the Band of the Year should make for a top day of quality banding.

St Marys Band Club
 

The 34th annual Ern Keller “International Soloist of the Year” and the 19th annual Ern Keller “Band of the Year” will take place on Sunday 17 February 2008 at the St Mary's Band Club, Sydney.

The Adjudicator for the day is Nigel Weeks from Auckland.

The Soloists are:
Aus National, Matthew van Emmerik, Euphonium
NZ National, Phil Johnston, BBb Bass
GB Open, Katrina Marzella, Baritone (defending Keller Champion)
NSW, Mark Howcroft, Euphonium
VIC, Steve Ford, EEb Bass
QLD, Greg Aitken, Trombone
TAS, Paula Russell, Cornet
SA, Kevin Joughin, Cornet
WA, Ben Noonan, Cornet

The Bands are:
Waratah Brass, Matthew van Emmerik
Willoughby City, Andrew Snell
St Marys Band Club Brass, Howard Taylor
Prestige Brass, Mark Ford

Prestige Brass is a composite band of players who regularly attend Keller and want to be part of it, primarily from Victoria, Queensland and New Zealand.

Prestige Brass players are travelling and accommodating themselves at their own expense. The organisers of Keller, express their extreme gratitude for what they are doing and the tribute they are showing to the importance and the integrity of this special event.

Doors Open 1:00 pm

International Soloist of the Year commences at 1:30 PM, and the Band of the Year Event commences at approx. 4:30 PM.

Admission: Free

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    


Greig Hall

No relegation for Norwegian non payers

March 2 • There will be no relegation to the Fifth Division for the bands who didn't pay their membership fees on time this year — but it is not a precedent for the future.


Blackpool

Report & Results: 2026 North West Regional Championships

March 1 • Area title success for Foden's, Haydock, Lostock Hall, Allerton Brass and Wardle Community Band in Blackpool.


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

March 2 • Following an exceptionally pleasing 1st result at the recent Area contest (2nd section, 4th place), we invite applications for the position of 2ND BARITONE. We are a friendly, progressive and social band!


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd