Our Team

Phill O’Neill - Trumpet

After spending nearly 20 years as Trumpet Soloist within Australian Defence Force Bands, Phill has continued to find success at the highest levels as a freelance trumpet player and educator. His ongoing focus on development has seen him perform with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra & Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, Southern Cross Orchestra, St. George Chamber Orchestra. Phill has a passion for solo performance. He has performed as a guest soloist for Southern Brass, Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and the St. George Chamber Orchestra to name a few. Phill’s solo career saw him winning the inaugural ICTUS International  Trumpet Solo Competition. The ongoing dedication towards trumpet performance and education globally has seen Phill a sponsored artist with instrument manufacturer Stomvi. 

Phill’s album “The Operatic  Trumpet” found on Spotify & Apple Music is a  dedication to his late father who started Phill’s trumpet  journey. “I am super thankful to my late father who started my musical journey. Without him none of this would have been possible” 


Phill has a deep passion for performing as a soloist however, his love of collaboration within chamber music groups saw him become the Founding Artistic Director of Outback Brass.

Jonathan Baker - Trumpet

Jonathan Baker is a multifaceted musician known for his prowess in trumpet performance and composition, particularly in the realm of digital music where he operates under the alias Anatole. His musical journey began at Penrith Academically Selective High School, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for music that would shape his future endeavors. Fueling his dedication to his craft, Jonathan pursued higher education at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he delved into the intricacies of music theory and performance, earning a Bachelor of Music Performance. Throughout his studies, his proficiency in trumpet playing became evident, showcasing his talent and dedication to mastering his instrument.

Jonathan's creativity extends beyond performance, as he seamlessly transitions into the realm of composition, particularly in the digital sphere. Under the pseudonym Anatole, he crafts innovative and immersive musical landscapes that captivate audiences worldwide. His compositions blend traditional elements with modern techniques, reflecting his diverse musical influences and boundless imagination.

Adrian Hallam - Horn

Adrian has redefined Beginner Band music with his highly innovative and energetic approach. His works Stadium Rock, Haunted and Kung Fu have become some of Australia’s most popular performance pieces. Adrian has also published many Horn and Piano works across all grade levels. His compositions have been performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago and shortlisted in the American Band Association’s Young Band Composition Competition, the Singapore Wind Band Composition Contest, as well as the UK Songwriting Contest. In 2015 Adrian was commissioned to write “Blockbuster” for the International Horn Society conference in Los Angeles. This work for 4 horns and Wind Band featured soloists from the Berlin Philharmonic,

the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the London Symphony

Orchestra. In 2020 Adrian won the 3rd Annual Davidson Wind

Ensemble Composition Competition. As a professional French Horn player, Adrian has performed on studio recordings and soundtracks. He has also worked with many orchestras and diverse performers such as comedian Eric Idle, Jose Carrera, John Farnham, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Bootleg Beatles, The Paper Kites, Horrorshow, Daleks from Dr Who, and Grammy

nominated hip-hop artist Ryan Leslie.

Gareth Lewis - Trombone

Gareth Lewis is an experienced and versatile Sydney Trombonist who freelances in commercial and classical ensembles. His highlights include playing Berlioz’ Requiem with the SSO, recording jazz with Selah Ensemble and Spike Mason, Mahler’s Fifth Symphony with The Metropolitan Orchestra, Verdi’s Requiem with the NCOA, Bravo Cruise of the Performing Arts, Joy Division Orchestrated Australian tour, 2019 ACE Awards house band and NIDA’s major musical theatre productions. He has held positions with NSW Police Band for 10 years; The Metropolitan Orchestra (2017 to present) and National Chamber Opera of Australia (1995-1996), both as Principal Trombone. Gareth is a lifelong member of the Salvation Army where he learnt music as a child, leading him to study with SSO Principal Ron Prussing and Associate Principal Scott Kinmont for his Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance (Sydney University) in 1995. Outside of the Trombone he is a working Conductor and Brass Instructor with student and community groups and arranges music for small and large ensembles.

Scott Frankcombe - Tuba

Scott Frankcombe is Sydney based freelance and educator working both locally and abroad, encompassing all forms of brass music. Scott has performance engagements with many of the foremost orchestras and ensembles in the region, and has experience with a multitude of genres ranging from chamber to jazz, orchestral to pop and cabaret to street marches. Having been fortunate to study the art of brass playing with many exceptionally patient musicians, Scott can continue to cite an endless list of influences, but would start with the combined faculties of the Queensland Conservatorium, the Canberra School Of Music , The Sydney Conservatorium and the DePaul University School Of Music, all places where he studied. A passionate fan of the Philip Jones Brass and the many brass ensembles that have followed their pioneering leadership, Scott has been an eager participant in chamber music collaboration in any format. Open to the concept of music for the masses, some of Scott’s past performances can be found on his youtube channel, SGFTuba.