2007 Ern Keller Memorial

Preview and Predictions

Nine solo representatives from each of the States of Australia, and the National Champions of Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain, will perform on Sunday, competeing in the 33rd Ern Keller International Soloist of the Year.

Sunday 18 February.
Doors open 1pm
St Mary's Band Club, Sydney.

Each of the representatives have won their respective State Championships with the exception of Andre Carpenter. Qld did not hold a State championships in 2006 due to the National Championships being held in this state during the year.

Brent Hoy was identified by the adjudicators of the Champion of Champions event as being the Queensland representative. However, following Brent's decline of the invitation to compete in the Ern Keller this year, Andre was selected by the Queensland Band Association as the representative based on his win in the 2006 National Euphonium championship.

Performers and music:

• Melody Adams (Tenor Horn), Tasmania, "Variations on a Welsh Theme", Peter Kneale
• Andre Carpenter (Euphonium), Queensland, "Introduction and Tarentella", Pablo de Sarasate
• Danny Dielkens (Soprano), South Australia, "Variations on a Welsh Theme", Peter Kneale  
• Mason Elliott (Flugel), Australian National (NZ), "Trilogy for Flugel", William Broughton
• Steve Ford (Eb Bass), Victoria, "From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific", Herbert Clarke
• Kevin Hickman (Bb Cornet), New Zealand National, "Concerto I", Willy Brandt
• Mark Howcroft (Euphonium), New South Wales, "Concerto I", Willy Brandt
• Katrina Marzella (Baritone), Great Britain, "Largo Elegaico and Scherzando", John Golland
• Matthew Walker (Trombone), Western Australia, "Sonata for Trombone and Piano", Eric Ewazen

Adjudicator for this event is International Euphonium Soloist, Riki McDonnell.

Band of the Year

At approximately 4pm the Band of the Year Entertainment contest will commence. The interest in the line-up this year is heightened with three of the four competing bands using guest conductors. As well, several bands will be using 'guest' players within the ranks, taking advantage of the ability to use unregistered players.

Although there is a very firm cloud of secrecy over some of the players appearing with the bands, 4BRDU believes the audience should look out for the likes of Brenden Wheeler, Jen Magoulas, Matthew van Emmerick, to name just a few, filling particular vacancies.

Waratah will be looking to regain its title, which was taken from them by Gunnedah at last year's Band of the Year. In 2006, Waratah were looking at its 10th win in a row, only to have glory stolen from them with a win by Gunnedah conducted by Howard Taylor. This year, Howard Taylor is conducting Waratah, and the competitive instinct has never been stronger.

However, the journey to victory will not be one sided. Gunnedah will be conducted by Mark Ford, who will without a doubt, deliver a great show. And just to keep things really up tempo, Bryan Hurdley will be appearing with baton in hand at the front of St Mary's. Bryan is one of the best in the brass band business and has already spent a couple of weekends with the band - a fine, tight package for sure.

Further, Andy Snell has been working hard with Willoughby and is more than keen to regather the title which the band has won on four previous ocasions.

Adjudicators for the Band of the Year are Riki McDonnell, Amanda Casagrande, and Ray Buttsworth.

4BRDU Predictions:

International Soloist of the Year: Katrina Marzella
Band of the Year: St Mary's