About the band

Luke Bradbery, BMUS

Luke commenced learning cornet at the age of 7 with Maitland City Brass Band. He progressed through AMEB exams and lessons at the Conservatorium, also experiencing performances with Newcastle Conservatorium Youth Orchestra and Newcastle Wind Orchestra. From the age of 15, he played in pit orchestras for several musical companies across the Hunter, amassing a remarkable 40 musical productions by the age of 18.

At 17, with a wealth of community performances in various ensembles, Luke was honoured as the Young Musician of the Year by the Hunter Region Band Association, an achievement proudly presented by Allan Shaw.

Luke continued his musical journey at Newcastle Conservatorium under John Kellaway, culminating in a Bachelor of Music from Newcastle University. He then secured a spot in the Royal Australian Navy Band, travelling extensively and sharing the stage with world-class musicians, showcasing his talent across diverse audiences.

In 2005, Luke transitioned to pursue another passion, health and fitness, shifting within the RAN to the Physical Training category. Amid intense training, deployments, and sea postings, he maintained his musical prowess, contributing to Victorian brass bands such as Brunswick Moreland and Footscray Yarraville.

Returning to Newcastle in 2010 to be with family, Luke reunited with Maitland City Brass Band as principal cornet. In 2015, he assumed the role of Musical Director for Maitland, initially as a temporary position until the band filled the role.

Since 2020, Luke has taken on the role of Musical Director for Parramatta City Band. His dedication is evident in his commitment to the band's continual growth and aspiration to elevate performance standards to new heights. His leadership has fostered a culture of excellence, aiming not just for improvement but for the pursuit of musical excellence and artistry.