*
banner

XLCR create history

Brisbane Excelsior and its Musical Director, Howard Taylor, has been the first band in the history of brass banding to win the Australian A Grade Championship, four years in a row.

Brisbane XLCR
 

Brisbane XLCR, although it didn't win either major test piece, won the overall Australian National A Grade Championship for the fourth time in a row.

The band won the stage march playing Knight Templar, and came second in both the Own Choice (Montage by Peter Graham), and the test (Dances and Alleluia's by Philip Sparke). Its hymn tune, His Provision (Bosanko), was placed well down in the field of thirteen bands — with the adjudicator not too happy about some balance issues.


Howard Taylor told 4BRDU, "I am ectastic with the win and very proud to be leading such a fantastic group of committed musicians."

I am ectastic with the win and very proud to be leading such a fantastic group of committed musicians.Howard Taylor, Musical Director, Brisbane Excelsior

Band President, Rick Casagrande said, "The achievement of four national wins in a row is a direct result of Brisbane Excelsior's decision back in the late 1980's to contest at a National level, and to seek players who all had the common goal of producing the best music possible."

Having also won the 2007 New Zealand National A Grade title, the band has achieved five National titles in the space of 4 years.

Individuals who have played with XLCR for each of the four Australian titles include:
Paula Russell, cornet
Warren Brewer, cornet
Amanda Casagrande, flugel
Steve Ridler, horn
Ashley Gittins, euphonium
Stuart Bent, trombone
Michael Purtle, trombone
Trevor Stanley, trombone
Rick Casagrande, bass
Julie Woods, bass
Adrian Dadds, percussion
Bill McIntyre, percussion

This year, guest players included Brenden Wheeler, a registered member of the band who is currently Principal Euphonium with Leyland in the UK. Brenden was asked to play as the bands regular first baritone player, Brad Hosking, was unavailable for the contest.

Kevin McMorran, cornet player from New Zealand and Steve Stewart, soprano player from the Kirkintilloch band in Scotland were the bands two permit players.

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    


Presto Music

Presto Music Collection: Six more classic CDs

June 11 • You can continue to build your classic brass collection of CDs with 4BR's partnership with Presto Music.


Lincolnshire

Showcase success in Lincolnshire

June 11 • A significant step partnership aimed at bringing players of all levels and abilities together in Lincolnshire has been hailed as a great success.


RNCM

RNCM to host conducting masterclasses

June 11 • Wind & Brass conducting masterclasses are being hosted at the RNCM later this year.


Paramount

Paramount Brass herald Thompson finish

June 11 • The RNCM student ensemble Paramount Brass gave a high profile herald for television star's fund raising efforts.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


West Wycombe Brass Band

June 11 • We are looking for players. Flugel and Horns. Positions negotiable . Non contesting, easy going, friendly band. Sensible engagement list. Some instruments available. Playing or returning, come along and see for yourself.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • 2nd Trombone - come and join our amazing trombone section in Rushden Town Band. A varied engagement schedule as well as a tour every other year.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • B flat bass position for this fun-loving, 1st Section East Midlands band. Varied engagement schedule including a tour every other year.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd