The Hunter Central Coast Regional Wind Ensemble has cemented its reputation as one of Australia’s leading concert bands.

The group of 81 Year 5 to Year 12 public school students trumped the nation’s best bands last term to win the open A grade final in the Australian National Eisteddfod’s concert band section.

The group’s executive director, Lyn Cook, said the win was an important stepping stone for the ensemble, currently on tour in Europe. The ensemble includes 10-year old Booral Public School student Oliver Wheeler, who plays the B-flat tuba – the largest brass instrument.

“[We] swap his instrument with our trumpet player (when setting up) … because he just physically cannot lift it,” Mrs Cook said.

She said the band had a “contrasting repertoire” and an ability to play “loud, boisterous” pieces down to very “atmospheric” quiet ones.

While on tour, the travelling group of 62 students would participate in Vienna’s Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival and play in The Musikverein concert hall – home to the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra.

“They’ll take that with them for the rest of their lives,” Mrs Cook said.