I have always believed that music is about more than performance. It inspires excellence, creates belonging, develops leaders and strengthens communities. I believe every Australian deserves access to high-quality music education and musical leadership, not just those in professional ensembles. That belief has shaped my career and drives my commitment to Australia's brass band movement.
My musical journey began as a French horn player before discovering a passion for brass banding and conducting and helping others experience the sense of purpose, belonging and community that music has given me. Today, I am Musical Director of Brisbane Brass 2 and an Instrumental Teacher and Ensemble Director at several girls' schools in Brisbane, combining musical excellence with education and community service. Working across school, youth and community ensembles has shown me that conductors do far more than direct rehearsals, they mentor people, inspire future leaders and build thriving musical communities. Throughout my career I have led award-winning ensembles, volunteered with state and national brass band organisations, and worked to preserve the knowledge, traditions and culture that make community music so valuable. In 2025, I led Brisbane Brass 2 as it represented Australia at World Expo in Osaka, Japan, reinforcing my belief that community music connects people across cultures. In 2026, I received the Janice Valma Davey OAM Memorial Award, recognising outstanding service to Australian brass bands.
Through a Churchill Fellowship, I will study world-leading approaches to brass band conducting, leadership and education in the United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland. My goal is to bring this knowledge home and work with local organisations to educate the next generation of brass band conductors by creating accessible development pathways that preserve our traditions, perpetuate musical excellence and community participation, strengthen volunteer organisations, and secure the future of Australia's brass band movement for generations to come.
Project
To investigate brass band conducting, using international models to develop programmes in Australia
Elena Katahanas
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