By AIDAN KNIGHT
LOCAL musician Caitlyn Dinsdale has added another impressive chapter to her already distinguished resume, winning major brass championships and representing Gippsland on both national and international stages.
At the recent Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod, Caitlyn claimed the coveted C & D Lord Perpetual Trophy by topping the Latrobe Open Brass Championships. She also took out the Victorian Open Tenor Horn Championship in July at the State Solo & Ensemble Championships, marking a standout year for the Traralgon-based musician.
Caitlyn plays with the City of Traralgon Band, who secured first place in the Eisteddfod’s C Grade, as well as the Darebin City Brass-Preston Band, which clinched the Victorian A Grade champions title this year. Both bands have given her opportunities to perform at the highest level, including appearances at the NZ National and the Australian National Championships.
“This year has just been an amazing run of music-making, not just solo but everywhere from the Latrobe Valley to Melbourne to stages across the world,” Caitlyn said. Her band Preston was even featured in the prestigious The Monthly magazine in June, highlighting their impact within the national brass scene.
Internationally, Caitlyn’s journey with music has taken her to England, Denmark, France, Belgium, and further afield as a soloist and band member, and she has also performed with the BBC Areal Orchestra and the London Repertoire Orchestra during her years aboard. Next month, she is set to perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre with the Preston Band in the much-anticipated family concert of Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas.
In addition to the Tenor Horn, Caitlyn is equally accomplished on the French Horn, performing recently with the Renaissance Revival Orchestra for the collaborative concert I’ll Be There For You, which featured top musicians from across Gippsland and Melbourne.
Caitlyn traces her passion for music back to the City of Traralgon Band, which encouraged her from an early age.
“The band taught me for free, let me try all sorts of instruments, and has continued to support me throughout my career,” she said.
“Many of the juniors from that time, like Melanie Wilkinson and Nelson Woods, have also gone on to make names for themselves in music.”
Mentorship and community involvement remain at the heart of Caitlyn’s career. A trained music teacher, she has taught at the classroom and instrumental level, and relishes the chance to encourage the next generation.
“Mentoring in music is a passion of mine,” she said.
“There’s something really special about solving musical puzzles together, learning new repertoire, and building friendships and community through banding.”
It won’t be long before Caitlyn returns to the contest stage. Rehearsals are already underway for the 2026 Australian National Championships in Brisbane, where she will compete with Preston Band and as a soloist.
Caitlyn studied Music Performance at both the Victorian College of the Arts and Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium, and credits her sustained support network, family, teachers, and fellow musicians, with shaping her musical achievements.
Supporter David Mirtschin, in particular, is often seen cheering on local talent, while Caitlyn herself is now a role model for upcoming musicians.
With a trophy cabinet quickly filling and a reputation for generous mentorship, Caitlyn Dinsdale continues to make a lasting mark on her community and beyond.
