Yamaha Youth Brass Artist for 2012 - Dominic Longhurst

At 15 years of age, Sydney cornet player Dominic Longhurst already has a long list of extraordinary achievements. At the 2011 Federation of Australasian Brass Bands in Coolangatta, Yamaha Music Australia awarded Dominic the Youth Brass Artist award for 2012. His achievements are best described in his own words:

When did you first start playing?

When I was eight years old my dad took me to band for my birthday and I sat up and played a slide trumpet that I had played for a few months.  We went to Blue Mountains Brass Band and the conductor, Lindsay Smith, gave me a cornet to take home.  The next week I returned having practiced all of the parts.  From then on I played cornet and six months later I played with the band in my first National Band Championships in Adelaide.  I’ve had fun playing in bands ever since.

What have been your big achievements this year? 
 
Australian Junior Brass Champion of Champions
New Zealand Junior Brass Champion of Champions
Playing as soloist with ‘National Australia Brass’.

Tell me about your most memorable musical highlight.

My most memorable musical highlight was being awarded the ‘Adrienne, Lady Stewart Performance Bursary’ which has provided me with musical opportunities including lessons with David King.

What do you like about your Yamaha cornet?

I really like the sound of my Xeno cornet.  It has a lovely warm sound that really appeals to my ear.  I have always played on a Yamaha flugelhorn as my dad had one so I was lucky enough to be able to use it.  I have won many solo events on that instrument.  The feel of the ‘flugel’ is more comfortable to hold than any of the other brands I’ve tried.

Who are your inspirations?

David king is a great mentor and teacher, as well as being a brilliant musician and I think I will probably look up to him forever.

I received one of James Morrison’s CDs for Christmas 2004 and have loved his music ever since.  I see him play as often as I can. I also read his autobiography, which was really intriguing and funny.  I was lucky enough to be asked to play for him a few years ago in his studio.  It was great fun!

Anything else you would like to share?

I have been so lucky with all of the experiences I have had over the past 6 years.  Sometimes I can hardly believe all of these things have happened to me.  I have played many solos such as the National Rotary Conference, Musica Viva concerts, National Australia Brass, FABB, Pollard Awards, Federated Music Clubs of Australia and many different brass bands.  I play flugel with the St. Mary’s Band Club Brass.

Playing in a concert with Jane Rutter and Simon Tedeschi was pretty special.  Especially as my accompanist was unable to attend at the last minute and Simon became my accompanist.  He is really nice and, yes, once again we had a lot of fun doing that one! 

Moving back to Sydney from the Blue Mountains in 2009 to take up a music scholarship at Newington College was also a big change for me.  Being back in Sydney I have been able to go to so many more musicals, concerts and band events. 

I am so appreciative of Yamaha for awarding me the “2012 Yamaha Music Australia Youth Brass Artist” award. This is a great honor for me!