Robert O'Brien

Robert commenced his brass playing career with the Maitland Salvation Army Junior Band at the age of seven. After joining Sydney Congress Hall Band in 1977, became principal euphonium in 1985. Robert was a featured soloist with SCHB on tours of Canada, USA, U.K and New Zealand as well as numerous interstate and country tours.

Robert has performed on numerous recordings including Pacific Brass. Robert co-founded Pacific Brass in 2000 and is also a member of the NSW Fire Brigades Band which undertook a tour of China in 2002 as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the reforming of diplomatic relations with Australia. The Fireys also toured the USA in July 2006.

Career highlights include playing in the Royal Albert Hall in London with SCHB to a capacity audience. In recent years a highlight was playing with Pacific Brass and touring to Melbourne to accompany Roger Webster at the 2004 Melbourne International Festival of Brass.

Some of the people that have influenced and encouraged Robert over the years include Mavis O’Brien (Mum), Ern Sanders, Robert Mcleod, Barry Garnon, Eric Woods, Ben O’Brien, Max Percy, John Saunders, Allan Staines, Robert Redhead, Ron Prussing, Arnie Hulteen, Deryk Diffey, Ray Steadman-Allen, Barrie Gott, William Himes and Colin Woods.

Robert's first attempt at contesting was successful, winning the open duet section of the 2001 NSW solo and party championships with John Saunders Jnr. In the 2003 Sydney Metropolitan championship solo competition, Robert had a triple victory winning the slow melody, the Open Duet section with Ben Fixter and the T.E Gawn trophy for the concerto section. The 2003 NSW solo championship saw Robert gain 2nd place in the T.E Gawn Trophy.

Robert was voted "The Player's Player" by the members of WCB in 2003.

Robert is currently the President of WCB.

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