Northern Brass MD appointment honours legacy
At the beginning of their 20th anniversary year, Northern Brass has appointed a new musical director to lead them with fresh vision in the next stage of their journey.
Bethany McAuliffe D’Rozario brings together both future and heritage for Northern, having begun her own musical career in Northern Brass at the age of 11.
She said returning to Northern as conductor felt like home.
“Northern was my very first band,” she said. “I love the playing group; a lot of the people I started with are still there.”
Bethany said she hoped to keep building the sense of community through the band alongside a strong work ethic.
She wanted everyone to feel like they were improving in their musicianship and their understanding what it meant to be a part of a band.
“It’s getting that drive going in the room, wanting to do better for the person next to you,” she said.
Bethany in action with Northern at the 2025 DCB Caberet. Credit: David Morris
Northern principal cornet Naomi Whimpey said having a young woman leading the band was a positive example for future generations, especially for young girls.
Naomi has seen Bethany develop as a musician and enjoyed playing alongside her in Preston, DCB’s premier grade band.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the direction she takes the band in and how Northern Brass continues to develop under her leadership,” she said.
Darebin City Brass president Jared Moore said Bethany represented the very best of what DCB stood for and they were thrilled with her appointment.
“Her appointment as conductor of Northern Brass is a great privilege for us and honours the legacy of those who have mentored her through the history of the organisation,” he said.
Bethany was a cornet student of the late Jack Kelly OAM, who, with some of his students, began Northern so young musicians could experience playing in a band.
“Jack was such an important figure in how I see music education,” Bethany said.
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