St Mary's Band Club organiser, Ken Bradley has confirmed the adjudication panel for the 19th annual Ern Keller “Band of the Year” which takes place on Sunday 17 February 2008 at the St Mary's Band Club, Sydney.

Nigel Weeks

Nigel Weeks, the adjudicator for the 34th annual Ern Keller International Soloist of the Year, will be joined by fellow musicians Don Rader and Steve Williams.

Nigel is well known in brass banding circles as a highly successful conductor. Originally from Wales, Nigel's achievements downunder have been as Musical Director of the Champion New Zealand band, Dalewool Auckland Brass.

Don Rader

Don Rader, a trumpet player, comes with an incredible list of experiences, some of which include playing with The Woody Herman Orchestra, the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, and various Film and TV productions. Tours are many and have included tours with performers such as Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Diana Ross, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Don relocated to Sydney in 1994.

Steve Williams

Steve Williams is no stranger to professional musicians in Sydney. He regularly performs in big bands, shows and studio work, and is held in extremely high regard by everyone that knows him. Steve is an educator, performer, and conducts the State Schools Symphonic Wind Ensemble for the NSW Department of Education and Training.

Doors open at 1:00 pm with the International Soloist of the Year commencing at 1:30 PM, and the Band of the Year Event commencing at approx. 4:30 PM. Admission is free.