Cairns (CS) & Citizens Band was formed in 1931 and has had success in both National and State Championships over the past 69 years. Most success has come in the last 21 years under the leadership of Robert Favell. Robert’s formal training in the military bands held the group in good stead for the bands success. During this period the band was known as the Cairns Combined Schools Band. The band over the years had grown out of this name and in keeping with tradition changed to the Cairns Combined Schools & Citizens Band. It was during the period of the mid to late 80’s that the band progressed from "D" grade to winning it’s first A grade championship. The band has always suffered in terms of having the name schools in the name, consequently the name was changed to Cairns (CS) & Citizens Band. The Band first won A Grade in 1987 at the Queensland Championships and won A grade on three occasions since. In 1996 Robert Favell handed the baton to Margaret Girsch so he could concentrate on training the junior students. Margaret immediately had success winning the A grade NQ contest in Mackay. Major Peter Parkes was the Adjudicator at this contest and formally recognized this ladies talent.The band is currently drafting a new business plan to ensure the history of this organization continues for another 65 years. This band has one of the best facilities in Australia, and welcomes any past or present brass player to come and enjoy this fine group.

A new players perspective.....

Have you seen a band that has so many trophies in just 75 years? Well I have! And I am about to tell you! Mrs Kearney and class all about that band. Cairns Brass.

Cairns Brass first started in 1932 at Parramatta State School. The oldest member of Cairns Brass is 83 years old and his name is Fred Schipke. Fred plays the cornet. The youngest player in the number one bad is 15 yr old Alex Smith and she plays in Percussion.

Let me explain the levels in Cairns Brass. There are 3 bands. The first band is Cairns Brass Number 1 band an that is conducted by Mr Bryan Hurdley. Then there is the Youth Band and that is conducted by Miss Maureen Cameron. And last but not least is the best band in Cairns Brass the Training Band! That’s the one that I am in and Miss Katie Sugden is our Conductor.

Cairns Brass has scored a variety of achievements since 1932. They have been D grade champions, C grade champions, B grade champions and A grade champions of carious competitions including Northern zones, State championships and Nationals.

Cairns Brass had started being B grade champions of Australia in 2001 under the baton of John Christoladies. However in 2002 John had to leave Cairns Brass and the band was short a conductor. In 2004 Miss Maureen Cameron was appointed conductor of Cairns Brass. In 2006 in Brisbane Cairns Brass became B grade Champs once again.

The instrument that I play is called a Tenor Horn and I think it has the best sound. I love playing this instrument and I love playing famous pieces. I proudly play in Cairns Brass and it inspires me because one day I want to be an A grade champion of Australia in the number 1 band. I hope you have enjoyed hearing about this great band. Thank you for listening.

William – 10 yrs old.