History

Sutherland Shire Brass has its origins as St George District Band and for many years occupied a Hall at Hurstville that was demolished during construction of the Westfield Shopping Centre. The constitution defined the term 'District' as meaning the district of St George, embracing the Municipalities of Hurstville, Kogarah, Rockdale, Bexley and the Shire of Sutherland.

At the Annual General Meeting held on 20th February 1953 at Electricity House, Hurstville the band became known as St George Sutherland Shire Band.

In 1961 Sutherland Shire Council granted land for a hall in Eton Street and the band continued to be known as The St. George Sutherland Shire Band until July 1973 when the name was changed to Sutherland Shire Silver Band. With incorporation in 2001 the name was changed to Sutherland Shire Brass.

In 2000 Mr. Mark Brown, B. Mus.Hons., was appointed as the Musical Director and the senior ensemble competed in B Grade competitions. In the same year Mr Paul Rasmussen was appointed as Musical Director of the junior ensemble and the learner group.

In 2001 the senior band achieved 2 nd place in the State B Grade Championships. In June 2002 they gained 1st place in the A & B Grade Championship section of the East Coast Band Challenge held in Newcastle and were placed 2nd in the Open A & B Grade Entertainment Section. In addition, the Youth Band took 1 st place in the Open C and D grade championship section and 3 rd place in the Entertainment section.

Also in 2002 Sutherland Shire Brass won the Metropolitan Heat of the Battle of the Bands competition and later achieved first place in the final of that competition. In September 2002 the senior band won the NSW B Grade Championship held at Port Hacking and the Youth Band took 2nd place in the Junior A Grade competition.

In 2003 the junior and senior bands competed in the National Championships held at Newcastle . The seniors gained 1 st place in the B Grade Marching competition under the direction of Mr.Rex Hoare, Drum Major and 2 nd place in the on-stage section. The Youth Band also competed in the National Championships and achieved 3 rd place in the Junior A Grade competition.

In the 2003 NSW State Championships the seniors achieved 3 rd place in the B Grade competition and the juniors competed in the Open C Grade competition.

Adults and school children are welcome to apply for membership with Sutherland Shire Brass. The learner group (adults and children) rehearses from 6.00pm to 7.00pm on Wednesday evenings at our Hall in Eton Street , Sutherland. The junior ensemble also rehearses on Wednesday evenings between 7.00pm and 8.30pm .

The senior ensemble rehearses on Monday evenings between the hours of 8.00pm and 10.00pm

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