2005 Australian National Championships

B Grade retrospective

4BR Downunder takes a look back at the 2005 B Grade Australian National Band Championships held at the Adelaide University in South Australia at the end of last month.

The standard of B Grade this year was particularly impressive, with many bands playing own-choice selections that are usually considered to be A Grade. As seems to be the flavour for this competition, our Aussie bands are really starting to get serious and the gap between us and the rest of the world is getting smaller!

Thanks to the many brass band enthusiasts who gave comments and feedback to assist in compiling this account of the B Grade.

The adjudicator, Ken McDonald was indeed complimentary of the B Grade bands this year, and was particularly impressed with the way that the bands managed the difficult Test, ‘A Vision of the Lost' (Broadstock). He was genuinely pleased and impressed with the bands' singing abilities – a requirement in this work. In contrast to these comments, he thought that quite a few of the bands let themselves down with their own-choice selections: either the works weren't suitable and didn't showcase the band, or they just ‘lost it' on the day.

The B Grade competition was won by Gunnedah Shire Band (NSW), under the leadership of Jason Katsikaris. They won with a total of 484 points – 10 points ahead of the next band and 48 points ahead of the band placed at the end. This band has been climbing steadily as a result of Jason's enthusiasm and obvious affinity with the group of young players, and are now nudging A Grade.

Gunnedah's performance of the Test was tidy and tight with sound intonation and balance. Their Hymn tune, ‘The Day Thou Gavest' (Wilby) demonstrated a mature quality of sound, good ensemble playing and much musicality. Sparke's ‘Tallis Variations' was a challenging own choice selection, but Gunnedah proved their worth and really did make an impression with an enjoyable and quality performance. Their march was ‘Ravenswood' (Rimmer) was full of energy and enthusiasm. To top off their fantastic efforts, Gunnedah was also placed second in the Street March.

This vibrant group is an outfit to keep your eye on as they are making a huge impression and are bound to continue to do so in the future.

Warringah Concert Brass (NSW), conducted by John Saunders was placed second with a total of 474 points.  Their interpretation of the Test was excellent, demonstrating a very controlled and disciplined approach to this piece. Their sound tone quality and intonation was evident in the hymn tune, ‘I Know Thou Art Mine' (Ballantine), but a particularly pleasing performance was to be heard in their own choice, ‘Land of the Long White Cloud' (Sparke). Warringah's performance was a pleasure to listen to and definitely one of the more solid performances for this band over the last few years.

Moorabin Brass (VIC), also conducted by Jason Meers, put in a superb effort this year and was placed third with a total of 463 points. With a good quality of sound and tidy ensemble playing, Moorabin made their mark with their work on the Test and own choice, ‘Endevour' (Sparke). Jason has indeed been busy this year!

Booroondara Brass (VIC) under the conductor Wally Pope was placed fourth with a total of 461 points. Whilst their performances in this year's Nationals didn't produce a win, they demonstrated good quality in the overall sound and some fine ensemble playing.

Sutherland Shire Brass (NSW), conducted by Scott Vinmont, was placed fifth overall with a total of 459 points. Perhaps their demise can be attributed to the lack of real dynamic contrast throughout their selection. Their volume was frequently too loud, resulting in a poor quality of sound in general.

Cairns Brass No 1 (NT) under the baton of Maureen Cameron really put in a great effort, but unfortunately for them it just didn't come together on this occasion. They were placed sixth with a total of 458 points, but their efforts in the Street March resulted in a first placing! It's fantastic to have a group of people so passionate about banding travel this huge distance to participate. Thanks Cairns Brass.

Hall Village Brass Band (ACT), lead by Thomas Burge were placed seventh with 452 points overall. At times they produced some nice touches and their interpretation of ‘The Year of the Dragon' (Sparke) is worthy of note, but unfortunately on this occasion not a winning performance.

And finally, Salisbury City Band (SA), conducted by Geoff Miekle found themselves at the bottom of the list with 436 points. This band had a go, despite many young inexperienced players and really struggled this year to maintain a B Grade standard.

The high standard attained in B Grade for 2005 certainly helped to define a new standard and expectation for this grade.  There may well be some new A Grade bands as a result of the weekend's efforts and undoubtedly banding in Australia is heading in a new direction.