Emi Jo

Committee Member

Originally from Japan, Emi began playing the euphonium at junior high school in Tokyo and continued throughout high school. Her passion for music led her to study at Tokyo College of Music, where she completed a Bachelor of Music majoring in Music Performance.

During university, Emi decided to take a year away from her studies to learn English in Australia. While living in Brisbane, she joined South Brisbane Federal Band. In her first year in Australia, she performed with the band at the Sunshine Coast Festival of Brass and later competed at her first Australian National Band Championships, performing Johan de Meij’s Extreme Makeover as the test piece. This was also Emi’s introduction to the British-style brass band tradition, having previously played exclusively in concert bands in Japan, and it was during this time that she developed a lasting love of brass banding.

Emi later returned to Australia to undertake postgraduate studies in music and education at Griffith University. After graduating, she relocated to Townsville for work, where she continued her involvement in community banding with Townsville Brass.

After returning to Brisbane, Emi became actively involved with Brisbane Brass Music Association and has played with both Brisbane Brass and Brisbane Brass 2. Her involvement has extended beyond performing, and she has served as Treasurer of the Association since 2024.

In 2025, Emi travelled to Japan with Brisbane Brass 2 for the band’s World Expo Tour. This was a particularly meaningful experience for Emi, bringing together her Japanese background and her involvement in Australian brass banding. In addition to performing, she worked as a liaison between Brisbane Brass, Japanese bands and event coordinators, assisting with communication and coordination throughout the tour.

In 2026, Emi also had the opportunity to perform with Women in Brass and was a member of the Organising Committee for the Australian National Band Championships in Brisbane. She joined the Queensland Band Association General Committee later that year and looks forward to contributing her experience to the wider Queensland banding community.

Outside of banding, Emi is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Korean and English as an International Language. She has also completed a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

Having become an Australian citizen in 2025, Emi is proud to call Queensland home. She looks forward to bringing her musical, administrative and cross-cultural experience to the QBA and contributing to the continued growth of the Queensland banding community.