‘We share our passion for music with our community, seek to improve our musicianship and challenge ourselves at contests with friends in the banding world.’

Founded in 2006, Northern Brass emerged as a nurturing environment for aspiring young brass players, providing the support and resources necessary for skill development, empowering them to strive for higher grades. Within a few years of its formation, they established a remarkable contesting legacy, capturing the D Grade Australian National title in 2007 and achieving consecutive victories in the C Grade Australian National title in 2009, 2014, and 2015.

Their sustained success led to an exciting invitation to compete in the B Grade division at both the National and State levels, in late 2015. In 2017, the band made waves by placing for the first time in B Grade at the Victorian State Band Championships, solidifying their status as a true contender in the Victorian banding scene. They followed this achievement with a stunning victory in B Grade at the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod, finishing 2nd in A Grade, showcasing their versatility and talent.

In the wake of the challenging reformation after COVID-19 and their reassignment to the C Grade division, Northern Brass continues to shine brightly, most notably achieving the C Grade title at both the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod and the Bendigo Eisteddfod in 2024.

Northern Brass captivates audiences with vibrant performances at venues such as the Darebin Arts Centre, Preston City Hall, and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, in addition to the annual Darebin Council ANZAC Parade. As they inspire and uplift the brass community, Northern Brass is a band to watch, embodying the spirit of perseverance, teamwork, and musical excellence.

Musical Director

Martyn Scrimshaw started playing a brass instrument at the age of 7 in a Salvation Army junior band in Croydon in the UK.

When his parents emigrated to Australia he continued playing Tenor Horn and Eb Tuba with Salvation Army Bands in Box Hill and Morwell.

Martyn took on his first bandmaster’s role at Rochester.

In 1991 he was invited to audition as MD with the City of Traralgon Band a position he held for over 19 years.

In that time the band enjoyed contest success a promotion to B Grade and sell-out concerts with James Morrison and local artists.

In 2002 he moved to South Gippsland and took on the role of MD with South Gippsland Shire Brass Band.

This was an enjoyable experience with the band building its community profile with sell-out concerts and after 52 years enjoying their first contest success at the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod.

In 2010 another major move happened with work and he enjoyed playing with the Eaglehawk Citizens Band in Bendigo.

In 2016 Martyn moved to Melbourne and for 8 years he led Diamond Valley Brass Band. Whilst the band did not enjoy contest success he took the band to a new level in the community performing with many recognised artists and the Australian Children’s Choir.

The band was innovative with the production of new arrangements to accompany artists, especially at the Banyule Carols.

Now Martyn is looking forward to working with Northern Brass to develop both a good contesting band as well as developing its community performance profile.