News & Events

Visit to Pathways Cronulla Pines

A group of LCB players (plus a couple of helpers), visited Pathways Cronulla Pines Aged Care Residence recently. Ron Lee, now aged 99, was a founding member of Leichhardt Brass and now lives at this facility. The group played a concert for the residents and they absolutely loved it – there was even some dancing! Our group included Otto Hanzal who played tuba, also aged 99!
Both players and residents alike enjoyed it very much, and Ron was very appreciative of our visit.

Annual General Meeting 2023

The Annual General Meeting for Leichhardt Celebrity Brass will be held on Wednesday the 8th of March 2023 at Leichhardt Town Hall at 7:00pm as has been advised to members by email in early February. It is hoped that the AGM will not impact significantly on our usual rehearsal starting time of 7:30pm

Some Christmas Highlights

Christmas for us is always a busy time! After the previous years’ pandemic shutdowns, we resumed our two large Carols events at the end of last year, one in Engadine and the other at North Ryde Common. We played at an Artisan market in Waverton (The Coal Loader), and managed an enjoyable social gathering to celebrate the end of the year at Cafe Gioia, just across the road from Leichhardt Town Hall. Below are some of the highlights of that very busy period!

 

 

Bands in the Bush – Gulgong NSW

From the 4th to the 6th of November, we were invited to join Camden Community Band on their Bands in the Bush trip to Gulgong which involved playing in the exquisite Prince of Wales Opera House. For more pictures and an overview of the weekend, visit our Tours page

 

Joint concert with Camden Community Band

In March this year we were kindly invited to participate in a joint concert with Camden Community Band. The theme for the concert was Symphonic Sounds and Super Soundtracks. Below are some highlights of our performance, courtesy of Murray Bishop, Director of Camden Band

 

 

 

Some photos from 2021

 

Vale Brother Mark Ryan

George Ross, President Leichhardt Celebrity Brass Band

On the 20th February 2021, Brother Mark Ryan passed away and as a member of the Leichhardt Celebrity Brass Band for more than 20 years has left that group saddened by their loss.

Brother Mark was an outstanding band member. Interested in all aspects of the band’s activities, he was supportive of all endeavours, welcomed other’s achievements and in a variety of capacities lead and supported the band and its members. He was the first president of the Leichhardt band as well as a life member of the Holroyd Band.

As a teacher he influenced a large number of students over the years in academic, musical and personal areas. He worked in schools at all levels as a teacher, Principal and example to students, many remembering him with affection and gratitude. Brother Mark retired from teaching at Holy Cross College, but continued living at the school and continued to assist in the school’s activities.

With Leichhardt Band, Brother Mark was involved with all activities- he sang played bass and played saxophone on occasion. More importantly he was part of everything from organizing a tour of Ireland to organising a concert at the Town Hall. Personally, Brother Mark was an engaging person with a lively sense of humour. He always had a joke to tell- always without rancour. He was a deeply religious, good man who offered wise counsel on band matters and valued other members for their potential and achievements.

Leichhardt Brass Band is the richer for having Brother Mark’s membership over the past years and the poorer for his passing. He lived to high standards and met them well.
Vale Brother Mark

Vale Brother Mark Ryan

21st February 2021

Our Leichhardt Band family was saddened this morning to learn of the sudden death of our very dear Brother Mark Ryan. Yesterday Mark played his bass and chatted with friends over a cup of coffee, which made the shock so much greater. Mark has been a band member for many many years, almost single handedly planning one of our overseas tours, and conducting the band from time to time. We will miss him very much

Ashfield playout

 

Citizenship Ceremony early 2020

End of Year Band Cruise

We spent a most relaxing day on the Georges River at the end of the year to celebrate another great year of banding and community involvement. Couldn’t think of a better way to spend a few hours with our band friends, including some special guests that we were pleased could join us

Christmas fun

Once again we had a lot of fun performing at various functions over the Christmas period. Here’s a visual journey of Christmas for LCB

Back to Balmain, October 2019

Balmain, what a top spot for an outdoor concert. We keep coming back every year because we love it!

Festival of Music Concert, May 2019

 

 

March Concert with Brisbane Water Brass, 1st March 2019

Rae and the band

Brisbane Water Band in concert

Music of the War Years at Club Five Dock, 11th November 2018

Full Band

The band with Mr Dallas Watts

We had a blast performing this concert once again, especially on November the 11th. We hope all those who attended had as much fun watching as we did performing! And thanks to Dallas Watts for his collaboration with this concert, and sharing his beautiful baritone voice with us.

Andrews Sisters

We even resurrected the Andrews Sisters for the occasion!

Remembrance Day 2018

Remembrance Day 2018

Leichhardt Celebrity Brass were once more in attendance this year at the Loyalty Square Cenotaph for the Remembrance Day service, commemorating 100 years since the signing of the Armistice which ended World War I hostilities. As always, it was an auspicious occasion with a large crowd in attendance.

Music of the War Years

Our first Music of the War Years concert was held on Sunday the 4th of November at Petersham RSL. It was a great success, with great wartime tunes, visuals, singalongs, a brilliant guest vocalist in Dallas Watts, as well as a surprise visit from the “Andrews Sisters”!

Mr Dallas Watts (baritone vocalist)

For our Armistice Centenary concerts this year we were delights to welcome Dallas Watts as a guest vocalist. Dallas performed the haunting Jerusalem, the hymn used to give hope to the soldiers fighting on the Western Front in World War I. He also performed the beautiful Requiem for a Soldier, the theme song from the television series Band of Brothers, and arranged for our band by Dennis Williams (Solo Horn). Apart from his solo performances, Dallas did a superb job in leading the many sing-along medleys.

Mr Dallas Watts with director of music Rae Forrester

Citizenship Ceremonies

We are now very busy performing at Citizenship Ceremonies at three different venues! Once a month we welcome new Australian citizens either at Leichhardt Town Hall, Ashfield Town Hall, or Petersham Town Hall.