The Australian Government has recognised the outstanding contribution to music by conferring the OAM of the Order of Australia on Melbourne businessman, Reynold Gilson who has led the Advent Brass Band since 1987, following in the footsteps of his father, Bruce Gilson and grandfather, William Gilson who founded the band in 1925 with a view to fostering loyalty and musical purpose among the young people within the Victorian Conference. Remarkably, 95 years later, Reynold Gilson has maintained the original purpose of the band, a community achievement recognised by the Federal Government of Australia.
Under Reynold’s baton, the Advent Brass Band has performed in many parts of Australia and has won competitions at the highest levels. More significantly, the band openly admits to primarily exist to present a picture of Jesus through music.