New Leaders for Victoria's Youth

The Victorian State Youth Brass Band has new leadership, with joint Directors of Music appointed.

Following the retirement of John M Breen after 10 years with the VSYBB, the VBL sought applications for Director of Music, Assistant Directors of Music and Band Manager.

The VBL has much pleasure in announcing that Walter Pope and Dean Hughes have been appointed joint Directors of Music for the Victorian State Youth Brass Band (VSYBB) for the next two years, effective from January 2008.

Walter Pope has had a long association with brass bands and started learning music at an early age under the tutelage of Mr Bryan Johns and Mr Tom Ross of the Daylesford Municipal Band. His musical ability was quickly realized and developed to the extent that he has played in many A grade bands. His musical achievements include State and National titles and also a championship title. Walter's musical ability has extended beyond his principal instrument, being the tuba. At a young age he started conducting and quickly rose to the position of Assistant Musical Director of the Daylesford Municipal Band. He has held the Musical Director position of several bands and has been guest conductor at numerous music camps within and interstate. In recent times, Walter has turned his love for music into a career whereby he is currently employed as Principal Tuba with the Australian Army Band, Melbourne.

Dean Hughes started learning in the Ulverstone Municipal Band, Tasmania in 1987 as a cornet player. He swapped to the euphonium in 1990 then in 1991 won the first of a hat-trick of Tasmanian Junior Champion of Champions titles (1991-93). He also won the open title in 1995. Leaving the teaching profession at the end of 1998, Dean joined the Australian Army as a euphonium player. He has since departed the Defence Force and is currently Head of Music at St Joseph's College Melbourne. Dean is Musical Director of the Diamond Valley Brass Band and also plays Principal Euphonium for Moreland City Brass.

At this stage, no appointment has been made for Assistant Directors of Music or Band Manager.

Chris Bowman

President, Victorian Bands' League