What is Mitcham City Brass?

Updated

Mitcham City Brass is a community brass band based in Adelaide, South Australia, that presents concerts and performs at community and public events. It is currently marking 125 years of continuous banding (1901–2026), and it welcomes new members — including experienced players and people who want to learn a brass instrument from scratch.

Where and when the band meets

Rehearsals are held on Mondays and Thursdays starting at 7:30 pm in the band's Band Room at the corner of Grange Road and Belair Road, Torrens Park, opposite the Mitcham Council Chambers.

If you are thinking about joining, the band suggests coming along to a Monday evening rehearsal at 7:30 pm, or contacting the secretary first.

What the band plays

Led by musical director Steven Packer, the repertoire covers:

  • Traditional brass band marches
  • Hymns
  • Contest pieces
  • Movie soundtracks and popular music from the 1940s to the present

Contest record and standing

Mitcham City Brass has had a strong run in recent years:

Year Result
2017 State C Grade title
2018 Second place, Australian National Brass Band Championships
2019 State C Grade title
Recent Promoted to B grade

The band describes itself as one of the busiest brass bands in Adelaide, staging many concerts throughout the year alongside its community event performances.

Joining or getting in touch

The band is actively recruiting. Its "Players Wanted" notice names tuba and baritone as instruments in urgent need of experienced players, while adding that all other instruments are welcome too.

  • Contact: Tamina, [email protected]
  • Or: attend a Monday rehearsal at 7:30 pm at the Band Room
  • Lessons: available for those brushing up their skills or learning a brass instrument from scratch

Staying informed

If you want regular information about performances, you can sign up to the Friends of the Band mailing list. The site also offers a look at 120 years of MCB history.

Community recognition

At an Australia Day awards ceremony at the Soldiers Memorial Gardens, Ruth and Peter McIntyre received the City of Mitcham's Citizens of the Year 2026 award for 50 years of service to the band. They joined as juniors on the same day in 1975 and have since served in roles including Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Drum Major, Librarian, and committee member. The South Australian Band Association also recognised them with SABA Fellowship Awards for sustained, high-quality contributions to banding in South Australia.