Toronto and District Brass Band was formed in 1962 by Doug Treloar OAM, with funds from the Toronto RSL sub-branch to purchase instruments. In the mid 1970’s the band acquired instruments from West Wallsend Band. Subsequent conductors included Dennis Babbage, Ian Wilson, Michael Bell, Richard Anderson and our current conductor, Timothy O’Hearn.

In 1994, with help from Dennis O’Hearn, the band acquired a disused building on the shores of Lake Macquarie, part of the Rathmines RAAF base as a regular rehearsal venue. This venue had seen better days and with a lot of hard work and donations of time from friends and family it was cleaned up and repaired and has become the Westlakes Music Centre. The band is currently rehearsing in the Rathmines Theatre as the Westlake Music Centre undergoes renovations.

Toronto Brass has a strong contesting history and has had great success at regional, state and national level, taking out the Open B Grade Championship title on several occasions. Many individual solo titles have also been held by band members.

In 2017, Trish O’Hearn and Atticus Anderson, both Toronto Brass members and graduates of the Newcastle Conservatorium, worked towards the re-establishment of a junior training band. Catalina Brass commenced rehearsals in October 2017 and it’s focus is on nurturing young brass and percussion players in the area, giving them opportunities to engage in the performing arts.

The band actively contributes to the wider community, participating in ANZAC Day services at Speers Point Park, Teralba and Toronto, holding regular carols throughout December, and organising Bunnings BBQs and trivia nights. Toronto Brass regularly present an annual concert series at theatres and other venues around the Hunter region.