2006 NZ Central District Contest

The Central Districts Brass Bands Association held its’ annual contest over the weekend 2nd/3rd September 2006 in Hawera. This small South Taranaki town proved an excellent venue, with ideal weather for a street march competition, a very sound Memorial Theatre for stage events, and a thoroughly prepared and receptive host committee.

Unfortunately this contest was down a little on band attendance, with one band from each sections 1 and 2 absent. Both Brass Wanganui and Hastings Citizens found themselves unable to field a band for the event.

In section 1 Port of Napier very nearly achieved a clean sweep, pipped at the post in the Entertainment (stage presentation) section by New Plymouth City. Dennis Maunder, of Port of Napier, collected the Don Lipp Memorial Trophy for Champion Drum Major. The champion band is now decided over the events of both days and Port of Napier achieved a significant margin in taking out the section 1 championship. Congratulations are due to Musical Director David Oswn, and to his wife Jacqui Oswin who won the solo with band accompaniment trophy.

In section 2 Fielding Brass achieved the same result. Host band Hawera Brass collected the Entertainment prize, with Fielding achieving the section 2 Championship.

Section 3 was keenly competed this year among 3 bands. Brass Wanganui Auxiliary were judged champions, while New Plymouth Jay took out the Stage event.

Adjudicators Simon Kerwin and Graham Hickman complimented the bands on their performances. Both had constructive criticism, and the weekend will have helped bands to evaluate their performances in a way which encourages development and improvement. Chief Drill Judge John Everitt spoke of the declining standard in drill and marching generally, which sadly reflects changing attitudes among bands and bandsmen.

This was a successful contest, despite some unfortunate scheduling clashes which saw some bands unable to attend. Administrative staff will now be working overtime to avoid future clashes, but at the end of the day all accolades go to one of the Districts small bands – Hawera Brass, who put on a great show and competed well.

Results:
Hymn and Test
Hymn, Own Choice, Aggregate**
Section 1*
1. Port of Napier Brass 78 91 130
2. New Plymouth City Brass 76 86 124
Section 2
1. Feilding Brass 73 81 117.5
2. Hawera Brass 72 79 115
3. Palmerston North Brass 70 74 109
Section 3
1. Brass Wanganui Auxiliary 70 72 107
2. New Plymouth Jay 68 69 103

Street March
Drill, Music, Aggregate
Section 1
1. Port of Napier Brass 348 73 = 421
2. New Plymouth City Brass 329 76 = 405
Section 2
1. Feilding Brass 336 74 = 410
2. Hawera Brass 306 71 = 377
3. Palmerston North Brass 301 70 = 371
Champion Drum Major: Denis Maunder (Port of Napier)

Concert and Overall Championship
Presentation, Solo, Concert Programme, Concert Aggregate**, Champion Band Aggregate**
Section 1
1. Port of Napier Brass 71 82 89 260 260
2. New Plymouth City Brass 76 79 81 241 244.5
Section 2
1. Feilding Brass 72 75 81 237 236
2. Hawera Brass 74 69 78 225 227.5
3. Palmerston North Brass 70 61 75 211 214.5
Section 3
1. Brass Wanganui Auxiliary 70 65 74 213 213.5
2. New Plymouth Jay 72 - 70 140 173
3. Rangitikei College Youth Brass 71 55 73 201 100.5

*section 1 = B Grade; section 2 = C Grade; section 3 = D Grade and unregistered bands
** weighting system applied

GE Mitchelmore
Secretary
CDBBA