CHAMPION BRASS ON THE SHORE PREVIEW

by Owen Melhuish

Jennifer Hutchison of  

North Shore Youth Brass

The 127th NZ National Brass Band Championships commence this week in North Shore City with over 1200 musicians converging on the city’s hotels and motels meaning that the local economy will be boosted by over $1mil and hardly a bed available.

The current holder of the rugby’s treasured Ranfurly Shield is North Shore NPC rugby team and “Shield fever” has already begun with an unsuccessful challenge by Thames Valley this past weekend.

While we will not have “shield fever” here in North Shore City this week there is a definite rugby analogy in the Bledisloe Cup as three Australian A grade bands, out of ten total competing, and one B grade band travel across the “ditch” to attempt a raid on our silverware.

I was visiting the “Shore” last weekend and you certainly know that there is a big event on as the city is adorned with a large banner across Lake Road plus dozens on street lamp posts in a bright blue colour throughout the seaside city. The Bruce Mason Centre venue is top class and has many eating places and bars surrounding it, and the picturesque beach is only 100 metres away with wonderful views across to Rangitoto Island, which is the Euphonium solo composed by Goff Richards to be played by some of the 23 contestants in the Open Euphonium event. Shops and other services are along the road about 100 metres. Other band venues are all walking distance or you can be transported in the “Gold Coin” shuttle bus, which runs every half hour and includes the Spencer on Byron Hotel which is accommodating eight bands – this will no doubt be the late night venue to analyse the days results.

Competition in the A grade is expected to be at a new level of intensity with our visiting friends from Victoria (Kew Band Melbourne and Darebin City Brass Preston) and Queensland (Brisbane Excelsior – thrice Australian Champions) providing an extra level of competition not seen for many years. Our Nationals are featured in 4barsrest-downunder. The A grade will provide lots of interest with many bands having a sprinkling of overseas based players, both British and Kiwis.

I got a taste of the A and B grade competition today with a pre-contest concert at Cashmere High hosted by Addington Brass (Iaan Wilson) and Woolston Brass (Graham Hickman). Both are reigning champions in their respective grades and the standard of both bands was outstanding. Many are closely watching Woolston under new MD Hickman and they will not be disappointed – he has them in top form.

As media liaison person for BBANZ we have had some minor successes with television. TV One Breakfast will take a live feed on Friday morning between 8.30am and 9.00am with The Trust Waitakere City Brass on stage performing.

The local contest committee, ably led by Bob Davis, should be congratulated for some very fine organising. The standard of information including maps, tips and the little details that make a good contest “great” are all there for bands people. Band Managers have been kept informed in great depth via the “Champion Brass on the Shore” very full website and also Contest Manager Helen Hoy.

Watch this website for a daily commentary of highlights, controversy, comments and analysis of results.

[ Contests page ] [Commentary Day 1]