Cairns band turns on brass sweat and tears for music showcase

Cairns Brass is one of the best bands in the country and it’s ready to blow its own trumpet for a CPAC showcase.

SHOWCASE: Cairns Brass members Geordie McInnes (left) on cornet, Deb Paraha on tenor horn and Oliver Kurukchi on trombone prepare for next weekend’s Brass Sweat & Tears concert in the new Cairns Performing Art Centre. Picture: JACK LAWRIE

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EVEN after decades of playing in brass bands, Deb Paraha still gets a thrill out of hearing the sound of a big band.

The Cairns teacher is part of the line-up for next weekend’s Brass Sweat & Tears concert, the signature event of award-winning Cairns Brass.

“I love playing brass music with such a talented group of musicians,” says Deb. “It often gives me goosebumps. There’s nothing quite like the sound of a full brass band.”

It’s the first time Brass Sweat & Tears has been held at the new Cairns Performing Arts Centre since it opened, although Cairns Brass was a guest at Cairns Choral Society’s concert two weeks ago.

It’s been a busy year for the band, which was promoted to A Grade competition for this year’s Australian National Band Championships after several wins in B Grade, becoming the country’s only regional A Grade Brass Band.

CHAMPIONS: Cairns Brass in winning style during the A Grade Brass Street March at the 2019 Australian National Band Championships in Brisbane.

Getting off to a flying start, it took out the A Grade Brass Street March against Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth at the 2019 national champs.

Deb says she started playing cornet at 13 while at high school in Rockhampton.

“It was the first year girls were allowed in the band.

“After leaving Rocky, I played with Townsville Brass while at college there, then continued the journey north to join Cairns Brass in the early 80s. Cairns Brass is like a second family to me.”

Deb, who also plays baritone and tenor horn, is excited about the CPAC concert.

“It was a huge buzz playing at the choral society’s gala concert this year and I can’t wait to perform in front of a home crowd of friends and family, especially my dad, who is coming up from Rocky to see Brass Sweat and Tears for the first time, and my son, who lives at the Gold Coast.”

FUN AND GAMES: Cairns Brass enjoy a moment of madness at the 2019 Australian National Band Championships in Brisbane.

Trombone and euphonium player Oliver Kurukchi says he loves being part of Cairns Brass because of the opportunity to “play music at a high level”.

“I first started playing eight years ago when I was in Year 3 at St Andrew’s Catholic College, where I still learn.

“I joined Cairns Brass Junior Band shortly after that and now play in both their youth bands and adult band.”

Geordie McInnes has been with Cairns Brass for 12 years.

“It has probably been one of the highlights of my life, from forging new friendships to achieving my lifelong goal of sitting in the repiano cornet chair,” Geordie says.

“It’s hard work, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

Brass Sweat & Tears 2019, conducted by Jon Christodoulides, is at CPAC Theatre, 7.30pm Saturday, October 26. Tickets: www.ticketlink.com.au or call 1300 855 835.

Originally published as Cairns band turns on brass sweat and tears for music showcase