MICHAEL MATHERS
Life Member

Married with four children Michael was 'born' into brass banding beginning his musical career at the tender age of 7 with the Kew Junior Band.  His father, Ian Mathers, encouraged Michael and his brothers to pursue a love of brass music after himself having a distinguished career as a percussion player and band administrator.

 

Instantly falling in love with the band scene Michael pursued his brass band career as a cornet player with both the Kew Band and the Victorian State Youth Band.  

 

As a member of the Kew Band he was an active player and administrator holding the various roles of Secretary, President, Treasurer and Drum Major during his 30+ years at Kew.  

 

In addition to his administrative roles, Michael also played cornet, soprano cornet and tenor horn tasting success with Kew in its 1998 and 2000 A Grade National Championship victories.

 

As a player, Michael has been fortunate enough to play under some of the best musicians Victoria has known and nominates his main conducting influences as Doug Trottman, Mark Ford and Steve Bastable.

 

As a conductor, Michael has previously conducted the Kew Youth Band, Box Hill City Band and has assisted at Kew on various occasions. In 2010 Michael was appointed Musical Director of the City of Greater Dandenong Band, a position which he held until January 2019 when he moved interstate. Michael worked tirelessly for the Band and was an incredible leader in so many ways, which is why in he was awarded Life Membership to the City of Greater Dandenong Band in 2018.

 

Michael is passionate about brass band music and the people who contribute to it. "Sharing my time with other like minded people is what gives me most joy in my brass banding life".