Seven in a Row! Preston Band Marches Into History - 2025 Victorian State Band Championships

What a weekend! Darebin City Brass is incredibly proud of both Preston Band and Northern Brass for their outstanding results at the 2025 Victorian State Band Championships.

Preston Band are now Open A Grade State Champions for the 7th consecutive year, taking out 1st place across all categories — an incredible clean sweep! Congratulations also to Footscray Yarraville City Band (2nd) and Glenferrie Brass (3rd) for their strong performances.

Northern Brass brought home a fantastic 3rd place in Open C Grade, placing 2nd in both the Hymn and Own Choice sections, and equal 3rd in the March - tied with our friends at Western Brass! Congrats to Moonee Valley Brass (1st) and Hyde Street Youth Band (2nd) on their great results.

A huge thanks to the Victorian Bands’ League, the adjudicators, volunteers, and Brassbanned for making this event so special — and to our incredible band members and supporters for the energy, passion, and community spirit you brought all weekend.

The Glenn Miller Story (YTB's version)

Over the weekend, Darebin City Brass’s Youth Training Band delivered an unforgettable performance of The Glenn Miller Story—their first-ever independently run cabaret-style event. And by all accounts, it was a massive success.

The evening featured a full band performance alongside several impressive junior soloists, each showcasing remarkable musical talent and stage presence well beyond their years. The audience was thoroughly captivated, and the warm reception highlighted just how much this young ensemble has grown.

At the helm of this production was musical director John Conway, whose vision, dedication, and countless hours of arranging and rehearsal brought the concept to life. Known for his tireless work with young musicians, John once again demonstrated his exceptional leadership and commitment to nurturing the next generation of brass players.

Special thanks also go to David Tingey, whose expert editing of classic film footage allowed for seamless synchronisation between screen and stage—adding a layer of professional polish to the entire evening.

Audience support was strong, with local community members, parents, and players from Northern Brass all lending their enthusiasm and hands-on help to ensure everything ran smoothly. Events like these are a true reflection of the vibrant and collaborative culture within the DCB community.
Photographer Chris Riordan captured some stunning images of the night, showcasing both the joy and talent on stage. (View the gallery below.)

If you know a young person interested in learning a brass instrument, the Youth Training Band offers an excellent starting point. Under John Conway’s guidance—and with free beginner lessons available—it’s the perfect environment for new players to grow, perform, and thrive.

VBL State Solo and Ensemble Competition (2025)

Musicians from Darebin City Brass delivered an outstanding showing at the 2025 VBL State Solo and Ensemble Championships, earning top results and showcasing the depth of talent within the organisation.

Held annually by the Victorian Bands’ League, the event celebrates individual and small ensemble excellence across brass and percussion disciplines. This year’s competition was no exception, with participants from across the state coming together for a weekend of impressive performances.

A huge congratulations goes out to all performers who took part—and special recognition to the volunteers, adjudicators, organisers, families, and supporters whose passion and hard work make events like this possible.

Darebin City Brass members achieved a remarkable set of results, including multiple first-place finishes and even a Champion of Champions title:

• Caitlyn Dinsdale - Open Tenor Horn (1st Place), Open Australian Work

• Will Leslie - Open Baritone (1st Place), Open Slow/Sacred Melody

• George Melitsis - Open Slow/Sacred Melody (2nd Place), Open Bb Cornet (1st Place), Champion of Champions 🏆

• Jared Moore - Open Soprano Cornet (1st Place)

• Michael Stapmanns, Open Tenor Horn

• Wilson Wang - Under 12 Other Brass

• Geoff & Cat Timcke - Open Duet/Trio (2nd Place)

• George Melitsis, Andrew McAdam, Lauren Innes - Open Duet/Trio

• Robert Delmenico & Michael Stapmanns - Open Duet/Trio

• Andrew McAdam, Bethany McAuliffe-D’Rozario, George Melitsis, EeShan Pang, Cat Timcke - Open Quartet/Quintet (1st Place)

Brass and Voice Unplugged - Northern Brass

On July 6th, Northern Brass joined forces with the ARCappella Choir and tenor soloist Stephen Coutts for a special community concert at CityLife Church, Lalor, led by Martyn Scrimshaw.

It was a magical afternoon filled with festive favourites, moving moments, and powerful collaborations. The concert beautifully showcased the versatility of brass music and welcomed many first-time listeners into the world of brass banding.