2005 Australian National Championships - C Grade retrospective

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

The standard of C Grade this year was, like the other grades for this competition, particularly impressive.

Many of the own-choice selections were quite difficult for this grade, with several choices usually considered as B Grade.  Particularly pleasing was the large number of entries for C Grade, and it's fantastic to see so many bands traveling such long distances.

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

The adjudicator for this grade, Bill Broughton, was extremely encouraging in his comments of the bands. He made remark of the usual areas that are apparent problems for lower grade bands: intonation, ensemble playing, balance, accuracy, and of course his favorite quote ‘dynamics make the music dynamic"! It was fantastic to hear him stressing the importance of enjoying playing and having fun – it's all too easy to get bogged down in Nationals preparation and forget that it's supposed to be a fun hobby!

Gosford City Brass Band (NSW), under the direction of Phillip Rutherford, gained the C Grade title for this year with a total of 459.5 points – 28.5 points ahead of the bottom band. Their performance of the Test, ‘Dancing in the Park' (Graham) was interpreted with much musicality – as the adjudicator commented, the band had a good grasp of the music and certainly knew what they were doing. Their hymn tune, arranged by the conductor himself, was challenging yet the band demonstrated quality in the overall sound and good intonation.

Gosfrod City Brass Band (NSW): Winners

Gosford's own choice selection, ‘The Conquerors' (Ball) was favorably received by many, including Bill Broughton, who was pleased with the choice of work and  praised the band for their flair, passion and musicality. Their quality of sound, ensemble playing, dynamics and musicality won this band an array of admirers over the Easter weekend.

Sunshine Community Brass (VIC), under the baton of Chris Smith was placed second with 457.5 points. This band has been achieving pleasing results over the last year or so, and this competition was no exception. Their musical interpretation of both the Test and their own choice, ‘Triptych' (Sparke) really did make and impression on both the adjudicator and listeners. This band is certainly gaining momentum and it will be great to observe their future successes.

Greater Bendigo Concert Brass (VIC), conducted by Colin Wellard, put in fine effort to be placed third with 450 points. Their performance was indeed tidy, consistent and quite a pleasure to listen to. Their own choice, ‘Music for a Festival' (Sparke) was approached with musicality and fine ensemble work was heard throughout. The success of their weekend also included a second placing in the Street March.

Marist Brothers Brass Band (VIC), under their conductor Brian McMennemin gained 444 points to be placed fourth overall. They are to be commended for their efforts with the challenging own choice, ‘Oceans' (Goff Richards). Their extremely loud volume throughout and minimal dynamic contrast was possibly their main downfall.

Hahndorf Town Band (SA), conducted by Kevin Cameron was placed fifth with a total of 443.5 points. This band certainly put on a solid show, with a great sound, good intonation and some lively playing. The band definitely looked like they were enjoying their performance!

Enfield Brass (SA), led by Geoff Magin was placed next with 439 points. Unfortunately for this band, the quality of sound was a problem and it was a struggle at times to hear some of the detail coming through.

Toronto Brass (NSW), conducted by Timothy O'Hearn was placed seventh with 436 points. The main struggle for this band seemed to be lack of players – with only two tubas on stage they really had their work cut out for them, but what an admirable effort given these circumstances.

Cairns Brass No 2 (NT), conducted by the lively and bare-footed Maureen Cameron was placed eighth with 435.5 points. This band was quite musical, but the intonation was a problem throughout. They were certainly exciting to watch though, as their conductor kicked off her shoes and danced to the music!

Bankstown Brass (NSW), led by Dennis Williams, was the next placed with 434 points. Whilst this band put in a good effort overall, it didn't really happen for them on this occasion. Lapses of intonation and untidy playing contributed to their lower placing.

Blue Mountains City Band (NSW), conducted by Lindsay Smith, was placed tenth overall with 434 points. This was a very small band – described by some as ‘gutsy' and ‘full of blowers'. With only five cornet players, and a tenor horn playing the first trombone part, they are to be congratulated for their tenacity.

Marion City Band (SA), conducted by Veronica Bowman, was placed last in the field with 431 points. This band is new to C Grade, and despite trying their hearts out, they just weren't quite up to the standard.
An extremely challenging and successful competition was held at the Nationals for C Grade and the bands were no doubt pleased to have such a strong field of contenders. As mentioned with the higher grades, the standard was indeed a step up and the advancement of bands here in Australia is certainly exciting.

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