James Brice - B.Ed (Mus), L.Mus A, A.Mus A
About James
After commencing his musical studies on euphonium at the age of 11, James graduated from the University of Melbourne, where he completed a Bachelor of Education. Majoring in Music Education, Instrumental Performance, Drama and Conducting, James was fortunate to study with Barry Bignell.
Since 1990, James has been highly sought after as a specialist brass tutor, soloist, university lecturer, recording artist, producer, conductor and adjudicator throughout Australia. James has been able to inspire students of all ages through his charismatic and enthusiastic approach to ensembles and pedagogy.
After recording and producing his Solo Euphonium CD ‘Symphonic Variants for Euphonium’ in 1995, James moved to Sydney in 1996, to accept the Principal Euphonium/Trombone position with the R.A.A.F Air Command Band (1996-2007). Throughout his celebrated 11 year career, James performed extensively throughout Australia and overseas, with highlights of 'Tour De Force Concerts' in Dili-Timor (2000), Sydney Olympics Closing Ceremony (2000), Gallipoli ANZAC Commemoration Services (2002) and two Live to Air Broadcasts on ABC 'Sunday Live' (2003-2005).
In 2005, James was appointed Musical Director of the Castle Hill RSL Youth Band and the North West Wind Ensemble. Since his appointment he has proudly led both bands to 'A Grade National Championship' success, in both Junior and Open fields, throughout both of the 2006 & 2007 Australian National Band Championships. Both bands have also won several NSW State Championships, with the Castle Hill RSL Youth Band proudly achieving success at the 2008 NSW State Championship, retaining the Junior A Grade Championship title for the fourth consecutive year, together with the prestigious 2008 Open B Grade Championship title.
Most recently, James once again conducted another two Australian National Championship performances in both the Junior A & B Grade Concert Band sections at this years 2009 Championship. These performances featured the Castle Hill RSL Youth Band and the Knox Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Throughout 2007-2009, James conducted and produced professional recordings with the Castle Hill RSL Youth Band, Knox Grammar School Symphonic Wind Ensemble & Symphony Orchestra, West Pennant Hills Public School Band Program, the North West Wind Ensemble’s recent Australian Premiere CD recording ‘Wild Nights’ and two interactive web based recordings of the North West Wind Ensemble. These can be sourced on the internet, www.reedmusic.com and www.manhattanbeachmusic.com.
Since beginning his tenure in late 2006, James was appointed Head of Instrumental Music in 2008, at the Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga, NSW where he is the 'Conductor In Residence' of the orchestral and wind band program.
Past Directors
Michael Butcher - OAM, LRAM, ARCM, LGSM
Mike began his musical career at His Majesty's Royal Marines at the age of 14. He went on to graduate from the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London. Over the years Mike has been Director of Music for the Royal Australian Air Force, Director of Music for the NSW Police Band, lecturer of instrumental pedagogy at the NSW Conservatorium of Music, and founder of the Hills Music Academy.
Mike conducted the City of Sydney Concert Band for over 10 years and started the 70-piece Castle Hill RSL Youth Band. In addition to playing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Tommy Tycho, Tommy Carter, Nat King Cole, The Kings of Swing, and the Channel 9 band with Geoff Harvey, Mike is generally acknowledged to be one of the finest jazz trombonists in Australia. He is equally well known for his music arrangements and original compositions. He has arranged over 1000 pieces of music for marching band, concert band, jazz band, and orchestra and continues to write music for young musicians.
Mike was the founding MD of NWWE, taking it to its early success. He is the band's only life member and continues to play trombone with the band.
