Rhiannon Heath, a student at Kamabala School in Sydney, recently took out the junior division 

Tenor Horn Solo category at the Yamaha Australian National Band Championships.

The 17-year-old has been playing the instrument for nine years and had previously studied with the Gunnedah Shire Band. Ms Heath competed against seven other people under the age of 19, all who performed the same piece, Variations of a Welsh Theme by Peter Kneale – a lyrical piece composed specifically for the tenor horn. 

“The test pieces chosen for the competition were of a high level of difficulty so that determined who could enter the competition,” she said. 

“Tenor horn is an unusual instrument, as it is only played in traditional English brass bands.

“Brass bands are an important part of the Australian history, linking back to the Anzac tradition. With the number of brass bands in Australia dwindling, I am passionate about making sure that the culture is not lost. My family has played in brass bands for generations and my cousin and I are continuing this tradition.”