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Last updated: 31-Mar-2007

2007 Australian National Band Championships

Preview: D Grade

Congratualations to Victoria for such a fabulous field in D Grade.

Streeton Room – The Ivanhoe Centre
Adjudicator: Chris Earl
Test Music: Glasgow Overture – Alan Fernie
Hymn and Test Selection Saturday 7 April 12.00 pm
Own Choice Selection and Stage March Sunday 8 April 8.00 am

Bairnsdale Citizens, Vic
Conductor: Kees Dogger

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete

City of Bendigo Brass, Vic
Conductor: Andrew Trewartha

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete

Band Personnel:

Soprano: Jason Hague
Principal Cornet: shared by Michael Dobson/Louisa Trewartha
Flugel: Trevor Trewartha
Solo Horn: Daryl Deraugo
Principal Eupho: Peter Darlow
Solo Bari: Aaron Boyd
Principal Trom: Brendan Bartlett
Bass Trom: Anthony Johns
Principal Eb Bass: Julie Murnane
Principal Bb Bass: David Hague
Principal Percussionist: Kit - Jeff Odel/Tympani - Cally Tromans

City of Holroyd Band (No. 2), NSW
Conductor: Shaun Yow

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - D Grade 3rd

City of Frankston Band, Vic
Conductor: Kevin Morgan

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete

Creswick Municipal Brass Band, Vic
Conductor: Lloyd Stinton

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete

Croydon Citizen's Band, Vic
Conductor: Melina Benger

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete

Darebin City Brass-Northern Brass, Vic
Conductor: Andrew Power

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete

Band Personnel:

Principal Cornet: Jason Mears
Soprano: George Meletsis
Flugelhorn: Lewellyn Morris
Solo Horn: Alex Meletsis
1st Baritone: Steven Walsh
Solo Trombone: Robert Clarke
Solo Euphonium: Christopher Lee
Principal Eb Bass: David Morris
Principal Bb Bass: Paul Shurvell
Percussion Leader: Sarah Mears

Rehearsals for Northern Brass in the lead up to the Australian National Championships have been very demanding of the players, rehearsing twice a week, as well as undertaking regular sectionals. Each piece in our program has taken shape well, and as smaller detail improves along with ensemble skills, the band looks forward to providing an enjoyable performance on stage.

The band has taken in the test piece, Glasgow Overture, really well. As an enjoyable piece with some great tunes and quirky rhythmic accompaniments, Northern brass have matured musically as sections and an overall ensemble. The last few weeks prior to the competition the band has been concentrating on the polish and shine!

The bands own choice has provided them with more technical and ensemble challenges. "I chose it because it is something our players are capable of doing a great job of, but requires them to work. It has been a wonderful work to rehearse with many great melodies and genius use of compositional devices. Seeing some of the younger players improve has been most rewarding and giving them the chance to perform great music will benefit them for the rest of their musical lives," Musical Director Andrew Power told 4BRDU.

Echuca Federal Band, Vic
Conductor: Doug Morison

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - D Grade 4th
2006 - did not compete

Latrobe City Brass Band, Vic
Conductor: Cyril Payne

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete

This is the bands first National Contest with the new Logo, name and uniform and the band is very much looking forward to participating.

The band has an enthusiastic committee, a dedicated Musical Director and players of all ages and levels. Preparation and rehearsals have been a challenge as they have recently been relocated to a temporary practice venue. Many of the players have been unable to attend every rehearsal owing to the ‘travel' factor. Never the less, members have put in extra hours of home practice and some section leaders have taken ‘group practice'.

"We think the choice of Test for our grade is appropriate in that it provides us with some positive challenges. Most of our Band enjoy playing this piece. Congratulations should go to the Music Committee," the spokesperson for the band told 4BRDU.

There has been considerable effort put in by all concerned, some of it enjoyable, other parts not so enjoyable. The Band is rising to the challenge and gaining valuable experience in doing so. All in all it is a very worthwhile exercise.

The band would like to especially thank its Musical Director Cyril Payne, Secretary Judy McKenzie and Drum Major David McDonald, all players and supporters.

Mildura District Brass Band, Vic
Conductor: Leigh Penna

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - D Grade Brass 5th
2006 - did not compete

Musical Director Leigh Penna is conducting very well attended weekly rehearsals as the band heads toward the Nationals -

many junior players in the D-Grade band will be getting the (banding) experience of a lifetime. Principal Cornet Bill Warren has been holding weekly workshops with the juniors in particular, for many months now - with pleasing results.

"The band has marched better in the past - but we were B-Grade then - nevertheless we still have some surprises that will impress," the spokesperson for the band told 4BRDU.

Being well and truly a country band, each year the band suffers the loss of several good youth, as they leave for university in the 'big smoke', but the band is fortunate that several music-teaching members continually supply the band with a never-ending array of beginners. Too few experienced players seem to be moving permanently to Mildura these days, which those living in Milduru can't seem to understand why!

Moonee Valley Brass Inc, Vic
Conductor: John Breen

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete

Mornington Youth & Citizens' Band, Vic
Conductor: Marc Nethercot

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete

What does a band do when it's begun to fall apart at the seams? According to the band spokesperson, that's what happened to the Mornington Youth and Citizens Band in late 2006, and this D grade band has suddenly taken on a new lease of life!

Instead of bowing their heads and mourning the past, the players at Mornington have recruited a new musical director fresh out of England. Now the band is competing at the Nationals for the first time in many years. The cobwebs have been brushed off, and despite many obstacles, including the solo horn player resigning and a huge chase for players, you will be hearing Mornington Youth and Citiizens as they return to the competition arena to give it their best shot.

Keep your eyes and ears out for the band in the coming year...

Oakleigh City Band, Vic
Conductor: Hayden Dinse