Ed Kennedy

EDWARD KENNEDY

L.T.C.L. F.T.C.L. B.Teaching(Music) M.A.(Conducting)

MD, January 2006 - December 2006

Edward Kennedy was born in Belfast Northern Ireland and grew up in a keen banding family with his dad and two brothers all playing cornet in one of that country’s leading brass bands; The 1st Old Boys Band. Edward came up through the ranks of the band and eventually held the principal cornet position for a period of 7 years.

He was the Musical Director of the Oldpark Brass Band in Belfast in the early 80’s and under his direction the Band had many successes.

In 1986 Edward migrated to Brisbane, Australia where he continued his involvement in Brass Bands becoming the principal cornet of South Brisbane Federal Band, which at the time was under the direction of Edward’s brother John Kennedy.

He then moved to Toowoomba Queensland in 1988 where he was invited to be the Musical Director of the Toowoomba Brass Band. Under his guidance the band progressed from 3rd section to 2nd section Queensland Champions in a period of two years whilst also developing a new successful junior band.

Edward moved back to Brisbane in 1995 where he once again took up the position of principal cornet with the South Brisbane Federal Band and in 1997 he became the band’s musical director. Over the following 10 years the band prospered under his direction winning the Queensland Championships several times and gaining top placings in both Australia and New Zealand National Contest Events.

As a cornet soloist Edward won the Queensland champion Bb cornet and champion of champions on several occasions as well as many other solo competitions.

In 2005 Edward decided to move to Manchester, England to study for a Master’s Degree in Conducting with the legendary Professor David King. During his time in England he played cornet for Leyland Band in their winning performance at the 2005 National Brass Band Championships. Over the next two years he also played in contests with YBS, Besses and Mount Charles Brass Bands. To add to his many successes in Britain and Australia as a cornet player, Edward won the prestigious British Open Bb Cornet Championships in 2006.

After successfully completing his Master’s Degree at Salford University in July 2007, Edward returned to Brisbane, Australia with the intention of using his newly gained knowledge, skills and experience to promote Australian Banding.