George Melitsis began playing Cornet at the age of 8. His first teacher was the legendary Jack Kelly OAM. Jack’s emphasis on sound, hard work and community music has informed George’s musical philosophy ever since.
When George was 14, he joined the “A Grade” Darebin City Brass on 3rd Cornet. A year later, George was encouraged to try Soprano Cornet. He played Soprano for 8 years, before becoming Principal Cornet in 2010.
In his time with Darebin, George has had the privilege performing under some of Australia’s most respected Musical Directors including Grimethorpe Alumni Mr. Andrew Snell and Mr. Tom Paulin. He has won 10 Victorian “A Grade” State Championships, as well as all the sections of competition at the “A Grade” National Championships. George has played Principal Cornet on four albums and has recorded several solos with the band.
In 2015, George became the Principal Cornet of Victoria Brass and he has also performed with the National Australia Brass Band under Professor David King.
George has won numerous solo competitions including back to back “Champion of Champion” titles at the Victorian State Solo Competition in 2022 and 2023.
Away from Brass Bands, George studied Trumpet Performance at the Melba Conservatorium of Music, where he was awarded the “Betty Barwell Scholarship” for delivering the most outstanding performance for his final recital at the Conservatorium.
As a Trumpeter, George has performed with numerous professional and scratch orchestras around Melbourne, including the Australian Pops Orchestra and the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra, however, his true musical passions remain Cornet and Banding.
George lives with his beautiful wife Karman and their two kids Rita and Jack (after the great Jack Kelly) in Melbourne’s South East.
