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Our Story

Founded in 1981 with the amalgamation of the Valley Concert Band and the South-Eastern District RSL Band and Incorporated in 1993, Brisbane Brass has been one of Queensland’s premier A Grade Brass Bands being at the forefront of Brass Banding in Queensland and having won numerous State Championships and Regional Competitions. Currently an association of four bands, inclusive of A, B & C grade standards with the addition of a Junior Band. Brisbane Brass maintains its propitious share of promoting the brass movement in Queensland and our objective is to endure and uphold this aspiration and to encourage all musicians, including our youngest and take the opportunity in many areas including:​

  • Community Engagement
  • Regional, State and National Contests & Performances
  • On Stage Performances
  • Marching Band Performances

Brisbane Brass 1

A Grade. Musical Director: Josh McKechie

Josh has held the position of Musical Director of Brisbane Brass since 2014, following his previous appointment as Musical Director of Brisbane Brass 2 (2008 – 2015). Josh studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and Griffith University, earning Bachelors in Music (Euphonium Performance) and Music Studies, and a Graduate Diploma in Education.

 He is currently completing his Master of Music Studies (Conducting) with Dr Peter Morris. One of the underlying philosophies in Josh’s programming is the inclusion and commissioning of Australian repertoire. Josh currently holds the positions of Director of Brass and Percussion at Brisbane Boys’ College and Vice-President of the Queensland Band Association.

Brisbane Brass 2

B Grade. Musical Director: Elena Katahanas

Richard is currently Associate Principal Trumpet with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Richard also has casual teaching posts at the Conservatorium of Music Griffith University and University of Queensland Music Departments. 

​Richard has worked in Brisbane for 26+ years as a professional trumpet musician. He studied in Adelaide where is father was Principal Trumpet with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Brisbane Brass 3

C Grade. Musical Director: Greg Aitken

Elena holds a Bachelor of Music, majoring in French Horn from the Queensland Conservatorium. In 2013, along with QHorns, won both the Large Ensemble and Quartet competitions at the 45th International Horn Symposium in Memphis. She has been a member of the Australian and  Queensland Youth Orchestras.

Elena was also the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s first ever conducting intern. Since 2013, Elena has been musical director of Brisbane Brass 4. Elena is currently Head of Brass at St Andrew’s Anglican College and works at Matthew Flinders.