Geoff McGregor opens this edition of Brass Encounters with “Christmas Pudding,” performed by the Canadian ensemble Brassroots. The Brass Band of Central Florida, directed by Chad Shoopman, then plays “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

Geoff McGregor opens this edition of Brass Encounters with &ldquo;Christmas Pudding,&rdquo; performed by the Canadian ensemble Brassroots. The Brass Band of Central Florida, directed by Chad Shoopman, then plays &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll Be Home for Christmas.&rdquo;

During more than 46 years in banding, Geoff McGregor has amassed a lifetime of knowledge and for 36 years has been sharing that knowledge with listeners to Brass Encounters.

Geoff has been the recipient of several major awards for service to the Community through Brass Banding including Lake Macquarie Citizen of the Year in 2005.  He is a State and National Champion for both playing and marching and is a well known Tenor Horn player in this region and further afield.

The Hunter region of New South Wales has a long tradition of brass music and 2NURFM is the only local radio station that features brass music.

Brass Encounters is your window to the world for the best available in the Brass Band arena, often presenting new releases first around the globe.

During more than 46 years in banding, Geoff McGregor has amassed a lifetime of knowledge and for 36 years has been sharing that knowledge with listeners to Brass Encounters.
Geoff has been the recipient of several major awards for service to the Community through Brass Banding including&nbsp;<a href="https://history.lakemac.com.au/page-local-history.aspx?pid=1085&amp;vid=20&amp;tmpt=narrative&amp;narid=3608">Lake Macquarie Citizen of the Year</a>&nbsp;in 2005.&nbsp; He is a State and National Champion for both playing and marching and is a well known Tenor Horn player in this region and further afield.
The Hunter region of New South Wales has a long tradition of brass music and 2NURFM is the only local radio station&nbsp;that features brass music.
Brass Encounters is your window to the world for the best available in the Brass Band arena, often presenting new releases first around the globe.

Brass Encounters

Brass Encounters - 14 December 2025

Geoff McGregor opens this edition of Brass Encounters with “Imperial Echoes,” played by Foden’s Band. Then the Enfield Citadel Band under Jonathan Corry performs “My Hope,” composed by Roger Trigg.

Geoff McGregor opens this edition of Brass Encounters with &ldquo;Imperial Echoes,&rdquo; played by Foden&rsquo;s Band. Then the Enfield Citadel Band under Jonathan Corry performs &ldquo;My Hope,&rdquo; composed by Roger Trigg.

Brass Encounters - 30 November 2025

Geoff McGregor opens this edition of Brass Encounters with the pop classic “When You Believe”, performed by Soli Brass under the direction of Piet Groeneveld. The program then features the New York Staff Band presenting the beautiful Irish folk melody “Slane” in Andrew Wainwright’s inspiring arrangement of “Be Thou My Vision”, conducted by Derek Lance.

Geoff McGregor opens this edition of Brass Encounters with the pop classic &ldquo;When You Believe&rdquo;, performed by Soli Brass under the direction of Piet Groeneveld. The program then features the New York Staff Band presenting the beautiful Irish folk melody &ldquo;Slane&rdquo; in Andrew Wainwright&rsquo;s inspiring arrangement of &ldquo;Be Thou My Vision&rdquo;, conducted by Derek Lance.

Brass Encounters - 16 November 2025

This edition of Brass Encounters opens with the march “Crown of Conquest,” composed by Ray Steadman-Allen in 1969. The work is performed by the New York Staff Band of The Salvation Army, under the direction of Ronald Waiksnoris, with Geoff McGregor presenting.

Ray Steadman-Allen (1922–2014) was a leading British composer and conductor within The Salvation Army’s musical tradition. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he wrote numerous brass band works, choral pieces, and devotional music, known for their innovative harmonies and expressive depth. “Crown of Conquest” exemplifies his energetic and purposeful march style, often blending military precision with a spiritual message.

The New York Staff Band, founded in 1887, is the principal brass ensemble of The Salvation Army in the United States Eastern Territory. Based in New York City, the band has earned an international reputation for its high performance standards and extensive concert tours. Under Ronald Waiksnoris, who served as Bandmaster from 1992 to 2019, the ensemble continued its long tradition of presenting both classic and contemporary Salvation Army brass repertoire.

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This edition of Brass Encounters opens with the march &ldquo;Crown of Conquest,&rdquo; composed by Ray Steadman-Allen in 1969. The work is performed by the New York Staff Band of The Salvation Army, under the direction of Ronald Waiksnoris, with Geoff McGregor presenting.
Ray Steadman-Allen (1922&ndash;2014) was a leading British composer and conductor within The Salvation Army&rsquo;s musical tradition. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he wrote numerous brass band works, choral pieces, and devotional music, known for their innovative harmonies and expressive depth. &ldquo;Crown of Conquest&rdquo; exemplifies his energetic and purposeful march style, often blending military precision with a spiritual message.
The New York Staff Band, founded in 1887, is the principal brass ensemble of The Salvation Army in the United States Eastern Territory. Based in New York City, the band has earned an international reputation for its high performance standards and extensive concert tours. Under Ronald Waiksnoris, who served as Bandmaster from 1992 to 2019, the ensemble continued its long tradition of presenting both classic and contemporary Salvation Army brass repertoire.

Brass Encounters - 14 December 2025

Brass Encounters

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