2006 NSW State Championships

C Grade Retrospective

This was an enjoyable section to listen to with one of the greatest classic lower grade test pieces of all.

Test:  Sinfonietta (Gordon Langford)

Toronto Brass

All of the bands appeared to enjoy the piece.  Toronto Brass, ably led by Waratah flugel player, Tim O'Hearn, were the ultimate winners on the day, even though they only won one of the three sections.  This band had a solid bass foundation and a fine percussion team (despite a couple of early entries from the side drum!) 

Yagoona District with MD, Norman Short

Other bands to share in the wins were Yagoona District in the sacred item, and Blacktown City – winners of the own choice section by 4 points.  Blacktown City chose a more difficult work in the form of Three Saints (Goff Richards), played it well, and were suitably rewarded by the adjudicator.  They were a very tuneful band with a great sound in the tutti sections.  Yagoona were generally well balanced and MD, Norman Short, did well to create atmosphere and style and chose an own choice which definitely suited the band.

Blacktown City

Fourth and fifth placed bands were not too far behind the standard with Bankstown picking up third place in the test and Royal Hifofua Tongan Brass third in the sacred item.

Bankstown City

It was a special occasion for the Williams clan with 4 family members on stage with Bankstown.   The band put on a solid show in all pieces – with Laudate Dominum providing the most challenge. 

The Royal Hifofua Tongan Brass

It was such an awesome sight to see the Tongan band in cultural dress - what a cool bunch!  No nerves evident at all.   With clear direction from their MD, Fredrick De-Roy Vi, the band moved well together, and there was nice treatment in some of the slower movements. 

Adjudicator, Mr Kevin Jarrett, commented to the audience, as he did for all sections, about the importance of listening to each other, breathing together, and having plenty of air support to ensure quality of sound.

Each of the bands Own Choice items were:
Toronto Brass (Tim O'Hearn)
Sacred item:  I Know Thou Art Mine (Leonard Ballantine)
Own Choice:  Oregan (Jacob De Haan)

Blacktown City (Bill Belcher OAM)
Sacred:  Lloyd (Cuthbert Howard arr. Bramwell Coles)
Own Choice:  Three Saints (Goff Richards)

Royal Hifofua Tongan Brass (Mr Fredrick De-Roy Vi)
Sacred:  St Clement (arr. Darrol Barry)
Own Choice:  Oregan (Jacob De Haan)

Bankstown City (Dennis Williams)
Sacred:  I Know Thou Art Mine (Leonard Ballantine) 
Own Choice:  Variations on Laudate Dominum (Edward Gregson)

Yagoona District (Norman Short)
Sacred Item:  Nothing Do I Bring (William Broughton)
Own Choice:  Music From Kantara (Kenneth Downie)