WESTERN BRASS
We cut the mustard.
Welcome to Western Brass
Western Brass are a vibrant, entertainment-driven brass band based in Melbourne’s western suburbs, bringing music and joy to our community. Western Brass proudly welcomes people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and musical experiences to join them in creating unforgettable performances and lifelong connections. Recent performances by the band include playing Acid Brass at the Rising festival, Christmas carols in the local community, and taking home first prize at the Grampians Brass Festival for a creative and comedic performance set. In recent years, have ventured into competition, in addition to their entertainment performances, and currently compete in the C-grade level competitions. In 2024, Western Brass placed 3rd in the Australian national Band Championships.
Whether you are a seasoned musician looking for a fun, low pressure Tuesday night or just starting your brass band journey, there’s a place for you in the Western Brass family!
Meet Jared – Our Conductor Extraordinaire
Jared McCunnie is an award-winning Melbourne-based composer and conductor, celebrated for his imaginative and programmatic compositions for large wind and brass ensembles. His works have captivated audiences worldwide, performed by renowned artists and ensembles such as the A4 Brass Quartet (UK), scapegoat (France), Fountain City Brass Band (USA), Brighouse and Rastrick Band (UK), Fletcher Mitchell (Yamaha Performing Artist), PLEXUS, and Ensemble Liaison.
Jared’s journey in the Victorian banding scene began in 2007 with the Moreland Junior Band and flourished during his time with the Victorian State Youth Band from 2009 to 2015. As a skilled Eb Bass player, he has competed with Darebin City Brass - Northern Brass and Boroondara Brass at prestigious events such as the Australian and New Zealand National Band Championships, Victorian State Championships, and numerous regional competitions.
With a deep connection to the brass band community and a talent for inspiring musicians, Jared brings creativity, expertise, and a touch of brilliance to every performance at Western Brass.
Western Brass was established in 2011 by the Footscray-Yarraville City Band to promote brass music in the western suburbs of Melbourne. This band gives players an opportunity to further develop their musical skills in a more advanced ensemble and also provides the opportunity for people of all ages to kickstart their music making ambitions in a fun and friendly environment.
As the band grows and develops, more and more opportunities for public performance are provided - including really fun competitions. Western Brass performs all over Australia and Victoria - known for its amazing entertainment performances, regularly winning the Grampians Festival gathering.
Western Brass is a fantastic opportunity for any brass and percussion players to get involved in making music. Just like the Footscray-Yarraville City Band, Western Brass is made up of the instrumentation of a traditional brass band – cornets, tenor horns, euphoniums, tubas, baritones, trombones, and percussion.
Rehearsals are 7:30-9:30pm on Tuesday nights “because we never get a break”.