A new year, and for brass bands-people, it's time for a new Nationals quest! With less than 12 weeks until the Melbourne Nationals, I thought I'd just share my thoughts on what should be one of the most exciting Nationals in recent history. I unfortunately will not be attending the Nationals, as you can find out about here, but I will be very interested to hear how all the grades go, and what interesting musical selections bands have made! 

In the midst of all the anticipation, I think there are three things that will make the 2018 Nationals particularly noteworthy and encourage a fantastic weekend of music.

Another year has come and gone. I must thank each and every one of you for your ongoing support over the last 12 months and beyond. In 2017, I wrote more music than I have ever before, I had plenty of premieres and new projects come through, and that wouldn't be without your encouragement. 

2017 has catapulted me into an incredibly exciting 2018! I am going on exchange to University of Salford, near Manchester, from late January to June, where I will be able to study composition under some of the best brass band composers in the business. I'll also be heading to a number of exciting events while I am there, including the European Brass Band Championships, the UK Regionals and the RNCM Brass Band Festival. The trip certainly isn't cheap, but I'm sure I'll be enjoying every penny's worth with fantastic experiences that Australians can only dream of.

But before we truly get into 2018, I thought I'd reflect on my top 10 Compositional and Musical Highlights of 2017 below.