Christopher Retter is an Australian conductor, music educator, and trombonist specialising in concert and symphonic band performance. He is Coordinator of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion at Canberra Grammar School, where he has led the band program since 2018, directing ensembles across all stages of development. He is a passionate classroom teacher, teaching Years 7–9 at Canberra Grammar School, and has undertaken professional development focused on the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). In 2026, he also completed his Apple Learning Coach qualification, further developing his use of technology to support teaching and learning.

His conducting centres on clarity of gesture, rehearsal efficiency, and the development of ensemble sound, informed by ongoing study and mentorship.

Christopher studied classical trombone at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under Scott Kinmont, completing a Bachelor of Music (Performance), and later earned a Master of Teaching from the Australian Catholic University. He performs with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

In 2026, he was awarded the inaugural Yamaha Great Start Fellowship, recognising emerging conductors committed to excellence in band performance and pedagogy.

Harrison Merrifield is a music educator, conductor, and trumpet player based in Melbourne. He is passionate about developing young musicians through high-quality music education and meaningful ensemble experiences. Harrison holds a Bachelor of Music (Performance) and a Master of Teaching (Secondary) from the University of Melbourne. As Assistant Head of Music (Cocurricular) at Wesley College, St Kilda Road Campus, he teaches classroom music and directs a range of ensembles, including beginner, intermediate and advanced wind bands and the college’s marching band. Through these roles, he works to foster musical excellence, creativity, and a lifelong engagement with music among his students.

An active conductor within Victoria’s band community, Harrison serves as Musical Director of the Werribee Concert Band and has guest conducted a number of community wind and brass ensembles throughout Melbourne’s western suburbs. He has undertaken conducting studies through the ABODA Victoria Summer Conducting School, where he was mentored by Dr. Nicholas Williams, Amy Wert, and Dr. Andrew Mathers.

As a Yamaha Fellow, Harrison is excited to continue refining his craft, learning from leading conductors and educators, and exploring new ways to inspire the next generation of musicians through ensemble music-making.

Meg McWilliams is a dedicated music educator and conductor. She holds a Master of Teaching from Griffith University, a Bachelor of Music (Double Bass Performance) from the Queensland Conservatorium, and an Associate Diploma of Music (Cello) from the Australian Music Examinations Board. She is also a percussionist with Premier Grade Wind and Brass Bands in Brisbane.

She previously taught in the Catholic school system, where she expanded the strings program at Loreto College Coorparoo. She now works for Education Queensland as an Instrumental Music teacher in North Brisbane.

Meg is committed to providing impactful and meaningful ensemble experiences through her work as a conductor. She has participated in conducting workshops at Northwestern University, Temple University, and UCLA. She is currently a co-conductor of Brisbane Brass 3. A passionate advocate for professional learning, Meg has served on the AUSTA Queensland committee and presented at Education Queensland Professional Development days. She is an active ABODA and AUSTA member.

Meg’s first experience of instrumental music education was in her middle school orchestra through the Wisconsin Public School System. Having benefited from strong school music programs herself, Meg strives to provide students with rich, meaningful musical opportunities that mirror the breadth and quality of her own formative experiences.