Street March, Saturday morning

Owen Melhuish

This was a loooooong march folks ! Evidenced by the fact that three bands were on the same stretch of Lake Road at the same time !

Many bands rested their top end chair players today for the Naylor Love Parade of Band through central Takapuna.

The weather was a little cooler but a good crowd came to see 27 bands including two D grade bands Kumeu Brass and Papakura City Brass who have an option to march or not.

The local police provided excellent co-operation with road closures etc according to Chief Drill Judge Brian MacKay.

It was great to see some innovation in music from Auckland City Brass playing YMCA and Brisbane Excelsior, Walzing Matilda, meanwhile we saw two Drum Majors’ toss their mace in the air which pleased the crowd.

Innovation went a bit far on the final left turn for Boroondara Brass (of Australia) as they decided to do a special movement that meant the next band, Tauranga City Silver, were required to mark time for over 20 bars – sore lips and muscles all round.

Winners in the A grade were first timers Marlborough District Brass who have clinched their first marching prize in this grade. Traditional performers in this grade, Woolston, were back four points, with Invercargill third. Champion Drum Major is Ron Abelson (Marlborough District Brass)

The B grade winners were Port of Napier Brass, and C grade Levin and Districts Brass.

The rain held off til this evening.

(Full results and points in the Bands results)
(Photos will be added once the camera, which is now so clever it has opinions and undue possessiveness, has been made an offer which will allow it to flaunt its pictures - Webmaster)

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