A warm welcome from all our band members!

Kevin is a Trombone player who recently retired from the The Queensland Orchestra to the Sunshine Coast after 30 years of service. His musical portfolio is extensive. Including the Qld Youth Orchestra, The Qld Conservatorium of Music, various ballet and opera orchestra's and was an original member of the Qld Theatre Orchestra.

Kevin holds a Master's Degree and is an AMEB examiner. He has conducted and led ensembles for many years. Kevin now teaches music and brass at private schools on the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Brass are fortunate to have Kevin as their conductor who has led the band to win major titles as well as providing our community with wonderful entertaining concerts of a high standard.

His success transpires from attention to the music, a desire to develop youth music on the Sunshine Coast, and a sensitive approachable and friendly manner with people. In a way he likes being the conductor rather than the player now as he can finally tell people what to do!

We think Roger learned to play on a cornet but he doesn't admit to that. However, his father Tommy Roache was one of the best cornet players of our nation, in years gone past.

Roger has played most of his life at "A" grade level with the Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band and remains a life member of the band and of the Queensland Band Assn. He has now retired to the Sunshine Coast where he adds to the high standard of our band. He also played in Brisbane with the Yellow Cabs Bayside Brass. Roger is a true community minded man giving a huge chunk of his time to voluntary organizations for the betterment of others. He is a great secretary in our band, and has worked tirelessly for many years on the committee of the Queensland Band Association.

Roger does voluntary work for Bloomhill cancer support

Roger says the most influential people in his banding career are Alan Wilkie, Colin J Thomashis and his dad Tom Roache.

His favorite band piece is "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" which is not surprising as he can be "a bit of a devil" at times!

Bryan is a prized tuba player "all tuba players are valuable and hard to find". He is a quiet president, but when he speaks, it is with authority and makes a lot of sense.

Bryan has added major stability to Sunshine Brass over the years and is a career professional on the Coast in his own right.

Bryan won't boast to you, preferring to be a silent achiever. He is generous, supportive, kind and capable.

Bill is a very honest and sincere man which is a very good character trait to have in a treasurer! Always the first person to offer and lend a hand.

Bill can also play baritone and tuba and is a cornerstone in the lower brass section of the band.

He's been in the band for years and never looks any older. Everyone feels secure with Bill around the band.

His wife Kathy is a great cook and if you come to our concerts you can sample her cuisine at afternoon tea!

Adrian learnt to play in the Chinchilla Town Band playing side drum and Bb cornet.

He has also been a member of the Dalby Silver Band and now plays in Sunshine Brass. He has been in the Brass Band World for 52 years. Adrian likes playing popular tunes such as New York New York but is not keen on test pieces. He also plays in a dance band.

Once he was groomed to play a big solo passage with the band in a competition and he had an accident, smashing his mouth in (not good, cornet players need their lips to be in perfect form) so the conductor had to change the program at the last minute. However he has redeemed himself by playing well ever since!

You will hear Adrian playing The Last Post on Anzac Day in Nambour in honour of our fallen diggers.

Tess can play anything and has proven that, in fact she is very musical. Her primary instrument is Bb cornet and she has had to play Eb soprano cornet at times as not many others can play one and basically she is good at it. (I'm sure she has felt very sorry for herself at times having to play "soppy" because let's face it the instrument sticks out and it is hard to play.)

Tess has challenged herself by playing in a variety of bands including Redcliffe Brass, Bundaberg Municipal, Pine Rivers, Windsor Brass, Buderim Concert Band and The Sunshine Coast Orchestra.

For Tess music has provided respite from life's ups and downs and Sunshine Brass is delighted to have her playing back on her home turf again.

Kevin is the son of the late Lenny Radford who was a well-known brilliant musician and conductor. Lenny led Nambour and Maroochy Brass Band, now known as Sunshine Brass, to numerous "A Grade" successes and trained youngsters in the local area, many of whom are champions today.

Kevin is a talented musician in his own right and an asset to any group he plays with. He has won multiple titles both technically, and in ballad style playing, since the 70's.

Kevin plays the Cornet and flügelhorn, and has studied the French Horn as a second instrument.

He has conducted brass bands in Darwin, New Zealand and Queensland.

The Sunshine Coast Symphony orchestra is fortunate to have Kevin as their principal trumpet. You may be fortunate enough to hear Kevin play the solo "Misty" on his flügelhorn at one of our concerts, you won't be disappointed.

Karen learnt to play in the Nambour and Maroochy District Band under the late Lenny Radford; she is a true local of the band and is a great source of information about the bands history.

Lenny spotted Karen's potential when she was just a kid learning in the band. She quickly accelerated to success both within the band and on a personal level.

Karen has won many titles on Eb and Bb cornet and can be relied on to perform at a high standard whenever it is required.

Karen is organised and competent and is a friendly amicable person. She has a beautiful sound when she plays and is definitely worth hearing. Listen out for the high pitched cornet soaring above the band.

Everybody loves Tim! (Should be a TV show huh?) Well why not; he is handsome, intelligent musical and such a nice guy. (Don't you think?)

Tim is basically the stud in the band; he is always able to play the most difficult parts and is always leading the way. We've seen the conductor ask him to play other people's parts to show them how it goes on more than a few occasions.

Timmy learnt to play in Innisfail North Queensland and moved to Brisbane to study at UQ when he was young (well he still is young, no grey hair yet). He is a well-known likeable professional in Nambour.

Tim has played in Toowoomba, and Wondai Brass Bands. He really is able to make his Euphonium sing and he seems to love playing it. He has turned up at band practice through thick and thin and his dedication to music is steadfast.

Paul joined Gold Coast City Band in 1968 aged 10yrs; his tutor was the legendry Goldie Holmes then succeeded by his son Ron Holmes. Paul is sincerely thankful and acknowledges that the three generations of Holmes's family has played a big part of Paul's musical development.

Paul cherishes memories of his father dressed in Australian Air Force uniform playing the side drum. (He secretly wanted to play drums, we are glad he didn't because we need him on Tenor Horn!)

Paul married Karen Smith pictured above in 1985 and they had three children, Jodie, Adam and Katie. Jodie is always close to our hearts in Sunshine Brass having played Cornet with us in her school days in Nambour and then marrying Billie our drummer at the time, and they are both now in the Royal Australian Navy. (Jodie played The Last Post on Anzac Day aboard the USS Cleveland whilst in the Pacific Islands) we are all very proud of Jodie.

Paul mows the grass at the band hall, and drives our trailer lugging heavy instruments and the like around just because he is a genuinely nice guy.

Ros learnt to play in the Redcliffe RSL Band under conductor Tom Toner, luckily in those days tuition was free. As a kid Ros quickly figured that playing in a band (banding) made her part of a family, and that the bonds formed were formed for a lifetime. Having come from a broken home and being raised by an extended family this was of major importance to her.

Music opened doors and the world. Ros has played with bands wherever she has lived. These being Brisbane Excelsior, Launceston City Tasmania, The Alice Springs Big Band, The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Big Band, NSW Fire Brigades Band Windsor Brass, The Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra and of course Sunshine Brass. She also formed a group to play at her church MCC Sydney called "Bent Brass".

Trips overseas every two years were common place in Sydney, and she is always keen for any contest that comes her way.

Ros plays Tenor Horn as her main instrument, she thinks it has the most beautiful sound of all (others may disagree!). Please come and join Ros on her Facebook group called "people who actually know what a tenor horn is". She also plays guitar, Trombone and French Horn (well tries to, it's not easy). The most influential people musically in Ros's life have been the late Bobby Allen (champion Cornet), Howard Taylor and Dale Hosking.

Archie is another loyal stalwart of Sunshine Brass, as long as the beer is flowing and his mates are there he's happy.

On a serious note Archie is very musical, able to play a variety of instruments (without music) in an entertaining style. We've seen him pick up a bass guitar before and play it in the band for added versatility and flair.

Archie has won competitions based on musicality and technical ability, (dare we say he beat out fearless conductor in the last competition!) He has always got a friendly smile and as you can see by his photo he likes to muck around.

Terry is a true Brass Bandy driving 175Km to band practise. He is one of the boys and enjoys catching up with his mates. He has worked in various countries, and still shows up at the Nambour Band Hall for practice! I guess that's music and mateship for you.

Terry's kids play, and his wife is a major supporter of the band.

Terry can sing as well, and is pretty musical overall. He has played various instruments in the band when needed. He can switch instruments easily when required which shows real talent.

Terry is unique and you can always identify him by his moustache, oh and he often wears a pink shirt!

Charlie is a welcome upcoming young player in Sunshine Brass who is showing a lot of potential. He was initially taught by our Bass Trombone player Peter Stonehouse at Sunshine Coast Grammar School, and is now a student of Kevin Brown.

Charlie plays in his school band, senior concert band and the big band where he can jazz it up when asked to. You may see Charlie Jazzing up Sunshine Brass when he comes out the front playing loud and raucous in Paul Jones arrangement of Heatseeker at Top Show Music.

Charlie has been musically influenced to excel by James Morrison, Robert Trujilo (bass Guitar) and Kevin Brown. Charlie says "I play too many instruments to get any good at any of them" but we don't believe him!

Riley learnt to play at the Nambour Christian College. in their instrumental programme. He plays in their Brass Ensemble, the middle school band the Wind Symphony and thanks to Teacher Kevin Brown he has been hand picked to play in Sunshine Brass .

Riley is a nice kid and has "a weird sense of humor" he tells me, but we haven't noticed this yet! He brings the average age of the band down which is a good thing.

Stoney has a quick dry wit which he delivers when you are least expecting it. He is very funny. -Not funny peculiar! Band practice has been disrupted on the odd occasion while everyone laughs at Stoney's jokes.

He plays a large bore bass trombone very well. Peter can even pump out a nice ballad which would be pretty difficult on this instrument. His playing has contributed a great deal towards raising the standard of the band. Stoney is very much a team player and can be seen helping others with a friendly smile.

Stoney is also a good teacher, conductor and arranger. It is priceless that you can read about him here because he wouldn't tell you in a hurry.

Liz learnt to play piano in England and then in Port Macquarie. She took up percussion with the Nowra Town Band NSW. She credits Ross Sadler musical director of Nowra Band as being an influential figure in her banding life.

Liz can also play the church organ. She is married to Morry Mason our trombone/baritone player

Liz spends days at the band hall organising music for the band in her role as Librarian...amazing stuff.

Liz is our percussion player and feels the band would be fine if the conductor would just follow her!

Robin is a very good tuba player and he can also play piano. It is great to be blessed with such musical people in our band. He has a Japanese wife and spends half the year in Japan in his new home there and the other half in Mooloolaba. His brain gets confused at times with orientation and demographics but he usually ends up sorting himself out! Never the less he can still read the music (the universal language)

Robin is from Casterton Victoria where he played in the Vice Regal Band. Other bands included are Beaufort Municipal, Port Fairy Citizens, South Brisbane Federal, Fukuoka Flourish Brass and Noire Ensemble Concert Band.

Robin has a favorite Brass Band Piece and it is the well known march Ravenswood. He admires all conductors, they have a tough job to do. Some stand out he says such as John and Edward Kennedy and Trevor Bremner.

In Hobart Keith learnt piano and he started playing trombone at high school. He was soon good enough to play in the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra. He also played in the 6MD Army Reserve Band. After moving to Mackay Keith played in the Mackay City Band Keith has a flair for Big Band playing and was a founding member of the Mackay Big Band. He played in a jazz/rock band called Redesign.

Keith gets snapped up for musicals as well, firstly because he can nail the parts and secondly because he is the type of guy who will help out where ever he can.

In 1987 Keith relocated to the Sunshine Coast and continued making music in groups such as the TNT Big Band, Swing Company and yet more musicals. He is currently playing in The Soul Men, Scream Big Band and Sunshine Coast Concert Band and our Sunshine Brass

Margaret became interested in the world of Brass Bands as a child through her father who played in Nambour and Maroochy District Band, now Sunshine Brass.

Margaret joined the band as an adult in 2009 learning to play the cornet and was thrown in the deep end so to speak. She was whisked off to Australian competitions playing 2nd cornet almost immediately, and did very well I might add. Our conductor Kevin Brown helps to musically propel anyone forward who crosses his path. So if you are remotely interested in playing a brass instrument he would be the right person to talk to.

Margaret is modest about her achievements evidenced by how difficult it was to get this profile out of her!

Margaret plays pianio as well but she enjoys the band due to the social aspect and has made many new friendships.

Christine learnt to play the cornet when she was only 11 years old. She began playing 2nd cornet in the Nambour and Maroochy District Brass Band under the baton of Len Radford and played until she was 19 years old.

Chris re-joined the band again in 2006 never quite being able to get the Brass Banding out of her blood. That is a common ailment.

Chris now plays solo cornet and gets a very sweet sound. A highlight for Chris was being part of the centennial celebrations. These were held on the 18th of November 2006 at the Nambour Civic Centre and it was a top night.

Hazel was taught to play brass by Mike Hawkins and Ken Hodgkinson. She has also played piano, eupho, piano accordion, guitar, banjo, clarinet and fiddle.

If she devotes an hour a day to practise each instrument then she has a full time job. Obviously this is ridiculous so she just practises "the baritone"

Hazel has played with Port Curtis Youth Band, Gladstone Brass, Toowoomba, RQR Toowoomba, Harlexton Toowoomba, Wondai and Sunshine Brass.

Hazel has a favorite piece a very good brass band arrangement of Sparticus.

Keith's claim to fame is that he is married to our Baritone player Hazel! They share a very similar profile and are two peas in a pod.

Fabian gets mentored by virtually every person in our band. He is special to all of us being one of a new group of youngsters being introduced into our band over the last 2 years. The objective of a youth band is to bring new life into Brass Banding and ensure long term sustainability and growth of music on the Sunshine Coast.

Fabian started playing Trumpet at Nambour Christian College under his tutor Kevin Brown. He is part of the school Wind Symphony, Stage Band and the Senior Brass Ensemble. Fabian plays "The Last Post" on Anzac Day at school.

He has already won several places at local competitions. He was awarded first place in a duet with Gina Munro on Trumpet. He has also been awarded a second and a highly commended place in a recent Eisteddfod.

Opportunities are abounding for young Fabian. Music camps bi-annually, school and community musical commitments all keep him busy. He has a goal to be a professional Trumpet player one day and may audition for our Armed Forces when he is old enough. For now come along and hear Fabian play Cornet in Sunshine Brass, you could even put in a request to hear Fabian and Gina play their winning duet - "MAPLE LEAF RAG"

Gina as a grade 9 student joined Sunshine Brass in 2010. She is another promising brass student of Kevin Brown Gina has been offered opportunities within our Brass Band to further extend her talents with both group, duet and solo playing. Performance and competition experience is of great value to the future of any successful young player.

Gina has made an impact on the band for one so young, displaying reliability and a desire to progress to a higher level. Hey, it's not a bad thing for some of the older players in the band to have some upcoming competition, what do you think?

However both Gina and the more experienced players both gain from having these youngsters beside them. It blends into a wonderful musical combination and it makes an important future contribution to music.

Gina I might add, is the current junior eisteddfod champion in the under 14's. We all look forward to her performances in future competition's and within our very own Sunshine Brass. I hope you have the opportunity to hear Gina play in our future concerts.

Peter headed north from Melbourne in 2010 and now lives in Noosa. Can't really blame him for that now can we?

He has found the camaraderie of the band a great asset in his new surroundings. The friendly team spirit has provided instant friends and activities.

Peter used to play soprano cornet in Victoria in The Croydon Citizens Band which rose to "B" Grade standard at its peak. He was also a member of the Heidleberg City Band under Keith Moore, and also The Glen Eira and Alexandra Bands.

On our band tour to Wondai we were all running around looking for a bolt for Peter's alternator which had slipped off along the way. One was eventually sourced and Peter managed to get there in time to play in the last part of the concert!

Ralph joined his local Brass Band in a small Victorian town at the age of 10yrs. If you could make a reasonable noise you became an instant member.

In younger years Ralph made more than a reasonable "noise", he went on to join the CMF and Naval Reserve Bands in Melbourne.

In 1972 Ralph moved to the Sunshine Coast and played with Sunshine Brass until 1980. He missed it so much he rejoined again in his senior years in 2008 and really enjoys playing with such a committed group of musicians.

By the way Ralph is very good at dropping mutes, and if he ever plays a wrong note it's not hard to work out who it is. He stops playing and shakes his head looking very worried. Unlike the rest of us who just act like nothing is wrong.

For such a young age Ben brings much experience to the band. He is absolutely superb on Kit Drums picking things up quickly and keeping perfect tempos. Reading music is essential for a competing band and Ben makes it look easy. An ever increasing number of test pieces feature huge and difficult percussion parts. You can't get away with just a Bass and a Side Drum any longer.

In 2012 Ben will be studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music where we know he will further musically excel himself.

Ben has a great future due to his high standard of playing which is complimented by his reliability and lovely personality.

Bryan is an Englishman where Brass Bands are part of almost every town. He has played with Lutterworth, Porthlevew and Gweek.

Bryan also had 32 years in The Royal English Navy retiring as Warrant Officer.

Bryan has 2 children one who lives in Montville on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, thus his extended Australian vacation. Ironically Bryan's other daughter plays in Orlando Florida in a band named "Sunshine Brass"

The man who has had the most musical influence on Bryan during his life is the Musical Director of the Gweek Brass Band, Mr Tony Richards.

Bryan has filled an important role in our band by slotting straight onto the First Baritone part exactly when we needed one.

Morry learnt to play in the Cairns Junior Band in 1962. He had been a member of the Cairns Model Band, Cairns Municipal Band, The Royal Military College Band Duntroon, Wodonga Citizens Band, Nowra Town Band, Pine Rivers Municipal Band and Sunshine Brass.

The most influential person during Morry's banding career was the late Ozzie Walker, Musical Director of the Cairns Junior Band.

Morry also plays EEb and BBb Tuba and the Euphonium.

This guy is keen, we know this from his childhood when he used to ride 12km each way to band practise every Saturday with a Euphonium on his back. Now he drives to band practise but you never know he might take up cycling again, if he does we will put him back on BBb Tuba ha ha!

Don't be fooled Morry can seem serious, but he really is a teddy bear and the conductor knows this he switches him around onto different instruments as the band requires. Thanks Morry you have what it takes to be a good bandsman.

Courtney picked up a Trumpet for the first time while in grade 5 at the Kuluin State School and has never looked back. She continued to play at the Maroochydore High School. She was tutored by John Thomas a local world class Tenor Horn player and Life Member of Sunshine Brass.

Courtney has also played with The Sunshine Coast and the Qld Youth Orchestra's and also augments with the Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra.

Courtney was talented enough to be accepted into The Conservatorium of Music at South Bank Brisbane and is attracting new and exciting opportunities. It has warmed the hearts of many Brass Bandies that the "Con" in Brisbane Qld now has a successful Brass Band Program. Greg Aitken, a much loved Qld Bandsman, Businessman Brass Music Specialists and a brass player of extrodinary talent is at the core of this highly successful program.

Courtney gladly puts aside her Trumpet to play The Cornet in this program. She loves the sound of a touch of vibrato on this Brass Band Instrument. A beautiful perfected English Cornet sound can give you goosebumps. Courtney loves it!

Courtney walked into our band room in 2011 and has found a home with her local Brass Band. We are delighted to have Courtney she is a real asset to our group Her lovely cornet playing and sweet and giving nature add to our mix and we wouldn't be without her now.