Under the patronage of Adrienne, Lady Stewart, the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands (FABB) in collaboration with Qdos Institute of Musical Arts has initiated an educational bursary scheme focusing on performance excellence in the community.

Educational Incentive

The Adrienne, Lady Stewart Performance Bursary Scheme is an educational incentive for aspiring young musicians and members of the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands between the age of 13 and 19.

Six Bursaries

Six bursaries have been offered to aspiring young band musicians in New Zealand and Australia. Recipients of the bursary award for 2010 will receive interactive performance workshops, individual tuition and guest solo and ensemble performance opportunities in collaboration with selected bands within the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands.

Commitment and Vision

Speaking on behalf of the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands, Chairman Rick Casagrande commented: “FABB is delighted that our patron Adrienne, Lady Stewart continues to provide new initiatives for the future generation of musicians within the community of Australasia.

This new bursary scheme with its emphasis on educational opportunities for youth to develop under the guidance of music advisor Professor David King and a panel of internationally renowned teachers and educators is the first of its kind offered within the community of band musicians in both Australia and New Zealand.

On behalf of the Federation I applaud the commitment and vision of our patron and avid supporter of the Arts, Adrienne, Lady Stewart.”

Bursary Recipients

The six young Australasian band musicianship bursary recipients for 2010/11 are as follows:

• Kyle Lawson, Brass Wanganui, NZ, Cornet
• Dominic Longhurst, City of Holroyd, Australia, Cornet
• Naomi Thrift, Levin & District Brass, NZ, Horn
• Mitchell Spence, Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass, NZ, Horn
• Jeremy Lloyd, Warringah Concert Brass, Australia, Baritone
• Todd Smith, Marlborough District Brass, NZ, Euphonium

13 year old brass player Dominic Longhurst has been announced as the first recipient of the National Australia Brass PR Young Performers Award.

Dominic is a student at Newington College in Sydney NSW where he studies trumpet, cornet and flugel horn.

Ongoing educational experience

Principal Cornet for National Australia Brass, Paula Russell, informed 4BR: "The NAB-PR Young Performers Award has been established to link the educational work of National Australia Brass more closely with aspiring young brass musicians within the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands (FABB). Dominic Longhurst has a wonderful future ahead of him and as winner of the 2010 NAB-PR Young Performers Award he will benefit from an ongoing educational experience with the best of Australia’s brass musicians".

Eligibility

Eligibility for the annual award is based upon submission of a 30 minute recital of Australian brass solo repertoire performed by applicants between the age of 12 – 18 and presented in DVD Video format (Criteria of assessment will include recognition of age of each young performer).

Work with NAB

The award includes the opportunity to work with National Australia Brass as part of their "NAB Fest" concert season. This will include a solo concert performance accompanied by National Australia Brass.

The winning solo performance will also be recorded and submitted to the ABC for National Radio Broadcast.

British Brass Band legend Dr Roy Newsome and his wife Muriel land on Australian soil in just 24 hours to commence a three week tour of the East Coast of Australia as guests of the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands (FABB).

The Newsome tour includes visiting Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Newcastle and Sydney.

Legendary

A message from the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands Patron, Adrienne, Lady Stewart ONZM,QSM, reads:

"It is indeed a great privilege for the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands (FABB) to be hosting the 80th birthday celebration visit of Dr Roy Newsome and his wife Muriel to the shores of Australia.

Dr Newsome is regarded throughout Australasia as the legendary father figure of the modern day brass band movement and his impact on the present generation of brass band musicians worldwide is truly outstanding.

As patron of FABB I would like to thank the St Mary’s Band Club and friends for the wonderful support they have given in preparation for the Newsome’s visit to Sydney.

I believe the visit by Dr Newsome to Australia will help galvanise the relationship between the Anglo tradition of community brass banding and the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands in promoting and perpetuating our shared passion for making music together.

Happy Birthday Dr. Roy!"

Celebration Concert

Dr. Newsome will appear as guest conductor of St. Mary’s Brass Band in celebration of his 80th birthday Australian tour. The concert entitled ‘Youth Salutes a Master’ will take place at St. Mary’s Band Club, Western Sydney on Sunday June 27th, 2pm. Tickets $5 available from St Mary’s Band Club reception (Tel 02 96231211).

The concert also features British cornet virtuoso, Paula Russell, New Zealand ‘champion of champions’ winner 2009.