Invitation Slow Melody

The Invitation Slow Melody on Wednesday evening (4th July) lived up to its expectation of being one of the most popular events at the 2007 New Zealand Championships. This year's field included three Australians, two former UK residents, and some of the most successful New Zealand players ever. 

The winner was Riki McDonnell who plays Principal Euphonium for the Marlborough District Brass. He was chosen by the panel of three judges Kevin Jarrett, David Gallaher and Nigel Boddice.

Riki played 'the second Welsh national anthem' Myfannwy (Parry) with a unique combination of piano (Petula Patey) and Harpist (Melody Lin). Ricky played number 12 of 12 and this was worth the wait as he won the Kevin Jarrett trophy for the second time.

Second place was Trevor Bremner (Bb Cornet) playing Saturday Sereande from Manhattan (Philip Sparke) accompanied by his wife Betty.

Third placed was Philip Johnston (BBb Bass) played a sensitive Rusulka’s Song to the Moon (Dvorak) with accompanist Jill Pears. 

Below is the line-up in alphabetical order, not playing order which was drawn a little before the event started. The 12 strong field is indeed  strong as you have to be a great player and a superb entertainer just to take part.

This event was proudly sponsored by
Simon Hocking House of Travel.

	Steven Booth - Baritone Steven previously played in the UK with major bands such as Black Byke,when they won the UK and European Championships, and toured Japan. His is now Music Director for The Trusts Waitakere Brass Band.
	Trevor Bremner - Cornet Trevor plays for Pelorus Trust Wellington Brass and counts winning the Errol Mason International brass Musician or the Year for the third time as a real highlight.
	Luke Christiansen - Trombone Luke was recently selected for the 2007 National Band of New Zealand, having previously excelled in the NYA. He plays for the Smiths Locksmiths Manukau City Brass of Auckland. Earlier this year he was invited to perform Rimsky-korskoff’s Trombone concerto with the Auckland Youth Symphony, and has recently revisited the work with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra from New York, whilst on tour.
	Mike Ford - Tenor Horn Mike plays Principal Tenor Horn for the Marlborough District Brass. The has won the Open Tenor Horn championship 8 times, and was winner of the Champion of Champions in 2002.
	Kevin Hickman - Cornet Kevin is the current New Zealand Champion of Champions. Originally from Fielding, he has played in the Hillingdon Brass band near London, but for the last 14 years has been Principal Cornet for the Woolston Brass Band. he has won quite a number of Championship titles, either solo or in small groups.
	Phil Johnston - BBb Bass A member of the NZ Army, Phil regards playing in the British Open Band contest with his own Woolston Band a career highlight, and doing the same last year with the Desford Colliery Band. Personal highlights are winning the Champion of Champions, and also the Ern Keller  Memorial competition.
	John Lewis - Cornet This former New Zealand and Australian Champions of Champions is the principal cornet St Kilda Brass and of the National Band of NZ. Has played extensively in NZ and overseas, including 5 years with Brighouse and Rastrick.
	Riki McDonnell - Euphonium Riki plays Principal Euphonium for the Marlborough District Brass, but is also well known for his concerts, having played with the NZSO and other orchestras. He was awarded International Player of the Year in 2002 at the Albert hall, and has won more NZ  Open titles than any other player ever, on flugel, tenor horn, baritone and euphonium.
	Jennifer Magoulas - Cornet Jennifer earned her place in this competition by winning the ISM vote we ran last month. She earned an set of fans whilst winning the 2006 New Zealand and both the 2006 & 2007 Australian Junior Champion of Champions. Only 18, she rates becoming the Principal Cornet for the Kew Band Melbourne at 17 a real career highlight.
	Steve Packer - EEb Bass Formally from Australia, Steve now plays for Dalewool Auckland Brass and is a full time musician in the Royal New Zealand Navy Band.  The winner of the 1997, 2006 & 2007 Australian National EEb Bass Solo titles, he also won the Bass Trombone in 1999.
	Steve Ridler - Tenor Horn A born and bred Londoner, Steve now plays Tenor Horn with Brisbane Excelsior.  His personal highlights range from the NBC Cornet Champion of Britain in 1978 to the New Zealand Tenor Horn Champion in 2006.
	Matthew van Emmerik - Euphonium This 2007 Australian Champion of Champions is a member of the Kew Band Melbourne. Following a period in Britain that culminated in him playing Principal Euphonium with the central band of The Royal Air Force, he returned to Australia, there completing a Masters at Sydney University and has now begun a Ph.D.