Commentary on day 3

Owen Melhuish

Day three has consisted of steady rain and many are hoping that it clears for tomorrow, some are hoping that it keeps raining!

A very early morning for some of us as TV One Breakfast were taking a live feed of The Trusts Waitakere City Brass promoting the events and giving national TV exposure to our sponsors Scenic Circle Hotels. Thanks to the band and TVNZ for some outstanding free publicity for brass bands.

This morning and this evening the A, B and C grade bands performed their sacred item and test piece. An interesting draw for the A grade as Brisbane Excelsior and Woolston follow each other this evening. Each band is the respective champion bands of Australia and New Zealand. The D grade was all over by 2pm with winners by two points being Papakura City Brass (Ian Levien). In speaking to the audience Ian said “See ‘band’ what can happen when you do what you’re told!”

It was not a clean sweep for the newly returned contesting band, who not so long ago was down to eight players. Roxburgh Pioneer Generation Brass (Allan Brown) were worthy winners of the Own Choice playing A Royal Mile Suite.

Music in this section included a brand new composition Et Incarnatus Est by the BBANZ General manager David Dobson which was commissioned especially by the Papakura City Brass.

Above. Camera Challenge!

Below. Kumeu Brass Auxilliary

The Youth Grade had special significance as Pelorus Trust Wellington Youth Brass were on a hat trick having been inaugural winners in 2005 when the Youth Grade began. They have now completed their hat trick, but it was Kumeu Brass Auxiliary Band that won the hearts of the audience at Rosmini College this afternoon. Their band is mostly under 14 years with two eight year olds and Claire Bymolt should be congratulated for her work with over 30 youngsters.

Tomorrow bands look forward to the well publicised Naylor Love Parade of Bands through central Takapuna. Weather report is dodgy at best !

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