2007 Australian National Band Championships - Preview: B Grade

Some regradings last year has taken its toll on the number of entrants in this grade this year - still expecting some strong performances though.

Performing Arts Centre – Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School
Adjudicator: Ray Farr
Test Music: The King of Elfland's Daughter – Rodney Newton
Hymn and Test Selection Saturday 7 April 11.00 am
Own Choice Selection and Stage March Sunday 8 April 8.00 am

Boroondara Brass, Vic
Conductor: Daniel van Bergen

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

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

Principal players:

Soprano: Geoff Payne
Principal Cornet: Joshua Rogan
Repiano: Julie Payne
Flugel: Akihiro Ishimoto
Solo Horn: Caitlyn Dinsdale
Principal Euphonium: Patrick Mudge
Solo Baritone: Stuart McKee
Principal Trombone: Brendan McKee
Bass Trombone: David Wolfe
Principal EEb Tuba: Rhys McKee
Principal BBb Tuba: Jim Thomas
Principal Percussion: Angus Wilson

Boroondara's preparation is going reasonably well with a full complement of players. The band finds the test quite challenging and more difficult than a lot of previous B grade test pieces. The test has a lot of scope for stylistic and interpretative variety and Boroondara has enjoyed this aspect of the piece.

The own choice program is progressing and the band is excited about its performance at the championships. Boroondara is thrilled to see such a large field of competitors and is looking forward to the competition.

Current Victorian B Grade Champions.

Box Hill City Band, Vic
Conductor: David Farrell

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

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

Diamond Valley Brass, Vic
Conductor: Dean Hughes

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

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

Soprano: John Grey
Principal Cornet: Simon Wiltshire
Repiano: Chris McLeod
Flugel: Matthew Calf
Solo Horn: Alexandra Cameron
Principal Euphonium: Kate Wiltshire
Solo Baritone: Emily Reed
Principal Trombone: Trevor Marsh
Bass Trombone: Gordon Ferguson
Principal Eb Bass: Leigh Rich
Principal Bb Bass: Wally Pope
Principal Percussionist: Robyn Cole

The preparation has been very steady for DVBB. An average attendance of 25 at all rehearsals has allowed the band the chance to focus on the development of full band ensemble playing. This ensemble playing has been helped by the quartet and quintet that have entered the nationals as well. A couple of new signings to the band, an instrument change, and a couple of permits have helped in the development of all areas of the band.

Full band rehearsals have occurred once a week with sectionals occurring in other rehearsal time. The band also had a weekend away in Wonga Park working on its on stage and marching requirements. This Band Camp also involved some choir rehearsals which were run by our Solo Horn Alex Cameron. These were a lot of fun!

The band has found the test piece to be quite challenging, particularly the exposed writing.  They are looking forward to demonstrating the hard work that has gone into this difficult piece. The Own Choice has proved to be popular and the band is looking forward to performing it.

City of Greater Dandenong Brass, Vic
Conductor: Colin Lord

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

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

Maroondah Brass, Vic
Conductor: Ron Moore

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

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

Sutherland Shire Brass, NSW
Conductor: Warwick Tyrell

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - B Grade 5th
2006 - did not compete

Hall Village Brass, ACT
Conductor: Aaron Madden

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - B Grade 7th
2006 - did not compete

Salisbury City Band, SA
Conductor: Geoff Meikle

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - B Grade 8th
2006 - did not compete

Hobart City Band, TAS
Conductor: Simon Cawthorn

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - D Grade 3rd
2005 - D Grade 2nd
2006 - did not compete

Principal players:

Principal Cornet: Simon Reade
Soprano: James Scott
Flugel: Ben Summers
Solo Tenorhorn: Robyn Males
Principal Euphonium: Phil O'Riley
Solo Trombone: Emma Gregory
Principal Tuba: Tim Cox
 
The Band has been busy in preparation for the nationals with the Test piece going well.  The test has been a challenge to some of the young players in the band but as a whole they enjoy playing it.  The last nationals the band performed in, the band were D grade which was in 2005. 

Since then the band has significantly improved, winning the C grade State championships, being regraded twice and are looking to secure themselves as a B grade band.

Ulverstone Municipal, TAS
Conductor: Christopher Lusted

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - B Grade 7th
2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete

Soprano Cornet: Simon Turk
Principal Cornet: Peter Johnson
Repiano: Anne Wylie
Flugel:  Shane Willoughby
Solo Horn: Melody Adams
Principal Euphonium: Matthew Duddfield
Solo Baritone: Alysha McCreadie
Principal Trombone: Christine Lusted
Bass Trombone: Kevin Findlay
Principal Eb Tuba: Melinda Weeks
Principal Bb Tuba: Jason Coleman
Principal Percussion:  Tim McClarren/ John Rothwell

Ulverstone's preparation has been solid with a full compliment of hard working players.  After a recent reshuffle in the cornet section, which saw principal cornet Simon Turk take the soprano chair, the section and the band has adjusted well.  The test piece is proving to be quite a challenge, but just shows the healthy direction the B grade bands in Australia are taking.

The band is just as enthusiastic about its own choice selection and is looking forward to performing at the Championships.   Ulverstone is excited about the number of entries in the section and is looking forward to the competition and catching up with old friends, and making some new ones!!

4BRDU Predictions

1. Boroondara Brass
2. Sutherland Shire Brass
3. Maroondah Brass