MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Who is our artistic director and conductor?

The man currently out front waving the stick at us is Bernie Hoesman, one of Brisbane's most experienced bandsmen, conductors, music educators and adjudicators.

Bernie became our musical director in 2002, bringing a great wealth of talent and knowledge to this role.

What are Bernie's qualifications and experiences?

After graduating from Kelvin Grove Teachers College (now QUT - the Queensland University of Technology), Bernie Hoesman began his career as a music educator in schools, becoming a lecturer in music and music education in 1976 at QUT.

His studies continued under the direction of eminent musicians including Geoffrey Spiller, principal trumpeter of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Dr William Lovelock, and Ronald Hanmer, a former conductor of The St. Lucia Orchestra and composer of the title melody for the "Blue Hills" radio series.

Bernie has featured as an adjudicator at Festivals, State and regional Eisteddfods and championships for Queensland and interstate band associations.

What other bands has Bernie lead?

Bernie founded and directed the Brisbane Symphonic Band in 1976, and it became the official band for the Commonwealth Games Festival in Brisbane in 1982. Under his leadership, the band secured first or second places in a number of A Grade championships.

For some years he directed The Topp Brass, which regularly broadcast on ABC radio. Bernie also conducted the St Lucia Orchestra for four years, during which time the orchestra featured at the 1995/1996 Coorparoo Festival of Fine Music sponsored by 4MBS Classic FM.

Other appointments include:

• Brass bands in concerts and competitions
• Symphonic bands - he founded and conducted the Brisbane Symphonic Band (1976 - 1997)
• High school bands and orchestras as guest conductor and clinician at workshops and music camps
• The Topp Brass (1980 - 1987), a brass septet which broadcast regularly on ABC radio
• Pit orchestras for musicals and light operas such as "Brigadoon" and "The Gondoliers"
• St. Lucia Orchestra (1994 - 2000)
• Brisbane Concert Orchestra (2002 - current)
• Adult Starters Band (1998 - 2007) for the Australian Academy of Music; and
• Briz West Band (2007 - 2008).

Bernie is a life member of the Brisbane Symphonic Band and the Brisbane Excelsior Band.

What are Bernie's musical passions?

Bernie has a passion for community music. He believes that musical fulfilment comes through the development of good technique and exciting musicality in a friendly social setting.

He enjoys working with young artists and promoting their talents. Consequently, the Brisbane Concert Orchestra works closely with the Music Department of All Hallows' School, which has featured in choral and instrumental works with the Brisbane Concert Orchestra.

Under Bernie's direction the orchestra has expanded its repertoire in "short classical favourites" as well as playing popular works by Gershwin, Hammerstein, Rodgers and Webber - to name but a few.

With a gift for recognising talent and developing sound orchestral technique the Brisbane Concert Orchestra is fortunate to have Bernie Hoesman as Musical Director.

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