2007 Australian National Band Championships - Preview: A Grade

2-Apr-2007

The major section of these Championships - in more ways than one! Chief Adjudicator, Ken MacDonald will have an enormous task over the two days listening to 32 A Grade performances.

Great Hall � The Ivanhoe Centre
Adjudicator: Ken MacDonald
Test Music: Terra Australis � Martin Ellerby
Hymn and Test Selection - Saturday 7 April 11.30 am
Own Choice Selection and Stage March Sunday 8 April 8.00 am

Brisbane Excelsior, QLD
Conductor: Howard Taylor

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - A Grade 3rd
2005 - A Grade 1st
2006 - A Grade 1st

The current National Champions have their work cut out for them this year in their quest to make it three in a row. There have been significant changes in personnel, particularly within the cornet section in the last 6 months. This, combined with a bit of a slow start to the rehearsal routine, has made the final weeks of preparation for these Nationals very intense.

Principal players:

Principal Cornet: Paula Russell
Principal Horn: Steve Ridler
Principal Euphonium: Ashley Gittins
Principal Baritone: Brad Hosking
Principal Trombone: Stuart Bent
Principal Eb Tuba: Julie Woods
Principal Bb Tuba: Rick Casagrande
Percussion: all of them really

Cairns Brass No 1, QLD
Conductor: Maureen Cameron

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - B Grade 6th
2006 - B Grade 1st

Cairns Brass are very much looking forward to hanging out with the 'Big Boys' at the upcoming Nationals - their first National A grade contest since 1995. The band has been rehearsing very intensively for the past couple of months, in their newly decorated and sound-proofed band hall, and contest fever is hitting hard!

Marching has also been a high priority, but the wet season in the far north has led to a few �indoor' marching practices. . . at the pub!

This year, the band won't be setting up camp, but instead have booked into a hotel. The planning involved in getting the cookers, pots, pans and beds all the way to Melbourne just proved a little difficult to organise, and the thought of sleeping in a bed the night before the performance a bit too tempting!

Cairns Brass is always a band that rises to a challenge, and being a family band, is driven by its community spirit to do nothing but its very best.

Bryan Hurdley has been on hand for sectional rehearsal, meaning the band has been able to double up on the number of rehearsal hours.

MD, Maureen Cameron reports to 4BRDU: "Rehearsals have been very well attended, where full rehearsals are the norm rather than the exception. Total dedication and commitment from one of Australias 'REAL' Brass Bands. We are using our current players only, and are dedicated to working with the players that we have. We will be putting on a true performance showcasing the Bands own capabilities. The music has been a challenge for Cairns Brass, but every player has driven themselves hard to realise their target, and I'm one damn proud conductor!"

Luckily this year no cyclones have hit the area, and despite the constant rain and the hole in the band hall roof from last year's cyclone, Cairns Brass are well prepared and looking forward to performing their best at the Melbourne Nationals. "Res Firme Mitescere Nescit"!

City of Holroyd Band, NSW
Conductor: Mark Strykowski

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - A Grade 6th
2005 - A Grade 12th
2006 - A Grade 8th

Darebin City Brass Preston Band, Vic
Conductor: Jason Mears

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - A Grade 9th
2005 - A Grade 9th
2006 - A Grade 8th

The band has had a busy schedule with two rehearsals per week plus sectionals and weekend rehearsals. Rehearsals have been well supported and as the contest gets close, the enthusiasm has been increasing.

The conductor is happy with the progress and the band has enjoyed the challenge of Terra Australis and is looking forward to performing the piece. The band will be looking forward to giving their very best on stage!

Principal players:

Principal Cornet: Robin Ford
Soprano: Mark Fitzpatick
Principal Baritone: Jess Crabbe
Principal Eupho: Michael Mears
Principal Trombone: Chris Lee
Flugel: Brendan Davies
Principal Horn: Marianna Barker
Principal Eb Bass: Leo Fernandez
Principal Bb Bass: John Hardmen

Footscray Yarraville City Band, Vic
Conductor: Phillipa Edwards

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - A Grade 12th
2005 - A Grade 7th
2006 - A Grade 14th

Footscray Yarraville City band's preparations have gone quite well in the lead up to this year's National Championships.

They have adopted a focused 6 week rehearsal schedule and, MSO auditions not withstanding, have had very well attended rehearsals. They have grown to appreciate the Test Piece, and have loved the challenge of their Own Choice.

With a few key players covering some of the more famous tricky parts in this particular piece, everyone is particularly looking forward to Sunday morning's performance. The band is, as usual, looking forward to both the competing and the socialising aspects of the coming weekend.

Glenorchy City Concert Brass, Tas
Conductor: Dean Hunt

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - A Grade 11th
2005 - A Grade 8th
2006 - A Grade 14th

Rehearsals are going reasonably strong, but the band has had some personnel problems with bad timings. e.g. one top player has to go to China for a paid conference!

The band has formed a strong relationship with Hobart City Band this year to help with resourcing and scheduling to the mutual advantage of both bands. The change in the street march has caused some problems in that the band has to now reverse our practiced turn (and of course scrap the other one).

As always, Dean Hunt has been doing a remarkably dedicated job with the band despite some personal difficulties and the band hopes to do particularly well this year with some good depth through the band.

Hawthorn Band, Vic
Conductor: Peter Sykes

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - A Grade 1st
2005 - A Grade 5th
2006 - did not compete

Kensington & Norwood Brass, SA
Conductor: Bruce Raymond

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - A Grade 5th
2005 - A Grade 3rd
2006 - A Grade 7th

Principal players:

Soprano: Shane Hooton
Cornet: Kevin Joughin
Flugel: Mark Smith
Tenor Horn: Lesley Deanshaw/Katherine Staples
Baritone: Anthony Rogers
Euphonium: David Thornton
Trombone: Peter Doherty
EEb Tuba: Paul Beames
BBb Tuba: Phil Kilford
Percussion: Russell Webb

Kew Band Melbourne, Vic
Conductor: Mark Ford

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - A Grade 4th
2005 - A Grade 11th
2006 - A Grade 10th

Principal players:

Principal Cornet: Jennifer Magoulas
Soprano: Danny Dielkens
Flugel: Michael Mathers
Principal Horn: Charlie Young & Alan Davey
Principal Euphonium: Matthew van Emmerik
Principal Trombone: Mike Fitzpatrick
Principal Tuba: Steve Ford
Principal Percussionist: Broden Ford

Midland Brick Brass, WA
Conductor: Gareth Jones

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

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

Midland Brick Brass has a proud history of competing. They have been the A Grade Champions of Western Australia since 1979. The band last attended the National Band Championships in Sydney, 1996.

Preparations have been going well for this year's competition under the careful direction of Gareth Jones. Gareth has a wealth of experience not only conducting bands but adjudicating bands at a national level. The band has enjoyed preparing the music and is looking forward to competing against the best bands from Australia and New Zealand in Ivanhoe.

This year's test piece, Terra Australis, has Ellerby's familiar style. Many band members likening it to Chivalry. The band is enjoying the rich atmospheric slow sections that conjure up images of the great brown land. However these are contrasted by fast frenetic sections. The cadenza section provides a great opportunity to showcase the principal players within the band.

Principal players:

Principal Cornet - Ben Noonan
Soprano Cornet - Tim Jewell
Repiano Cornet - Glenn Evans
Flugel Horn - Julia Conroy
Principal Tenor Horn - Sarah Ross
Principal Baritone - Martin Bowker
Principal Trombone - Glyn MacDonald
Bass Trombone - Jason Payne
Principal Euphonium - John Kent
Principal EEb Tuba - Ben Bull

Moreland City Brass, Vic
Conductor: Wally Pope

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - A Grade 13th
2006 - A Grade 16th

With new signings on key and secondary positions, the Australian Nationals will test the strength of the band. Musical Director Wally Pope has shaped the Band's energy for contesting at the highest level.

Terra Australis has extended the abilities of both the players and the ensemble. Most players find the tempi markings at odds with the potential musicality of the work.

South Brisbane Federal, QLD
Conductor: Trevor Bremner

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - did not compete
2006 - A Grade 6th

St Marys Band Club Brass Band, NSW
Conductor: Ken Bradley

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - A Grade 8th
2005 - A Grade 4th
2006 - A Grade 13th

St Marys Band Club Brass Band will venture to the 2007 Nationals with determination to make current conductor Ken Bradley's last Nationals as musical director, a memorable one. Ken, appointed Musical director in 1985, has led the band to every Nationals since 1987.

The Band started the year off with an intense rehearsal schedule for the Ern Keller Band of the Year competition under the direction of guest conductor Bryan Hurdley. The band also recently undertook a weekend workshop under the direction of Salvation Army great, Brian Davies.

Rehearsals have been going well, with a distinct commitment from all players.

The band are also excited in having Stephanie Barrett return to the front row for the contest. Stephanie, who grew up with the band, is currently studying at Salford University and is over for a brief holiday with family and friends. It's great to have Steph back and her playing has become first class.

Win, loose or draw, both bands will do the St Marys Band Club, and Ken Bradley, proud.

The Trusts Waitakere Brass, NZ
Conductor: Steven Booth

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

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

The Trusts Waitakere Brass Band, under their new musical director Steven Booth, began the year with a series of successful concerts before beginning the preparations in earnest for this contest.

The Test Piece Terra Australis has received a very positive reaction from the band and MD. Steven called it "an excellent choice; an exciting, relatively new, and challenging piece with particular relevance to Australia, which will make an ideal test for the bands".

The band have several new signings for the competition, as well as the return of some past members. As they are still seeking a full time principal cornet to replace Alex Kerwin, the band are delighted to have procured the services of Leon Renilson, former principal player with YBS, Black Dyke, Leyland and countless other top bands.

The band have an extremely positive attitude to rehearsals and spirits in the camp are high. Rehearsals are challenging, hard work, but always progressive, fun and interesting.

The last time Waitakere visited the Australian Nationals was in 2003 where they were crowned Champions.

Willoughby Band, NSW
Conductor: Andrew Snell

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - did not compete
2005 - A Grade 6th
2006 - A Grade 11th

Willoughby has had a busy start to the year with a number of concerts and the appearance at the Ern Keller Band of the Year competition.

Preparations are well in hand with great attendance at all rehearsals, with a number of sectionals having been completed in addition to extra full band rehearsals.

The band is very excited about the imminent arrival of Kevin Crockford from Grimethorpe to play soprano. His presence should really help on Terra Australis, which is proving popular with the players, although extremely tiring to rehearse due to the �stratospheric' nature of a number of parts!

Warringah Concert Brass, NSW
Conductor: John Saunders

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2004 - B Grade 3rd
2005 - B Grade 2nd
2006 - B Grade 2nd

Warringah Concert Brass is out to make it's mark at this years National Championships. The Nationals this year will see WCB return to A grade with the band being in a stronger position than in recent years.

All sections have a wealth of experience. The new look Warringah is sure to stamp itself as a real force in the A grade arena. John Saunders has continued to improve the band and has lead WCB to nine victories out of the past 11 contests being runners up on two occasions - hence the upward movement from B Grade last year.

Although we classify all our players as "key players", our people on corner position are as follows:
Simon Sweeney on Soprano cornet, Scott Marsh as Principal cornet with Michelle Stewart as bumper up. Former principal cornet, Jeremy Lysaght, has made a return to the band and will be playing Repiano. Vaughan Price on flugel with Jeffrey Markham on solo horn. First baritone will be Kevin Dallas from Brass Downunder, with Robert O'Brien on principal euphonium. Darren Cole takes over the solo trombone chair with Colin Burrows on Bass Trombone. The tuba section is very solid with Dianne Frazer on EEb and Scott Frankcombe on BBb. Anthony Brahe heads up the percussion team.

4BRDU Predictions:

Due to Amanda Casagrande being a player with XLCR, 4BRDU asked an eminent retired conductor to predict the result.....

1. Waitakere
2. Brisbane Excelsior
3. Kew
Dark Horse - Cairns

Past National A Grade winners:

1950 - St John Ambulance, NSW
1951 - St John Ambulance, NSW
1952 - Maryborough Federal
1953 - St John Ambulance, NSW
1954 - not contested
1955 - St John Ambulance, NSW
1956 - St John Ambulance, NSW
1957 - Tanunda
1958 - South Brisbane Federal
1959 - Malvern, VIC
1960 - Maryborough Federal, QLD
1961 - Barrier Industrial Unions, NSW
1962 - Malvern Municipal, ViC
1963 - Barrier Industrial Unions, NSW
1964 - Malvern Municipal, ViC
1965 - South Brisbane Federal, QLD
1966 - Wollongong City, NSW
1967 - Kensington and Norwood, SA
1968 - Melbourne Fire Brigade, VIC
1969 - Malvern Municipal, VIC
1970 - Melbourne Fire Brigade, VIC
1971 - Malvern Municipal, VIC
1972 - Footscray-Yarraville City, VIC
1973 - Footscray-Yarraville, VIC
1974 - Footscray-Yarraville, VIC
1975 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1976 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1977 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1978 - Willoughby Municipal, NSW
1979 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1980 - Skellerup-Woolston, New Zealand
1981 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1982 - Willoughby Municipal, NSW
1983 - Continental Airlines Auckland Brass, New Zealand
1984 - Willoughby Municipal, NSW
1985 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1986 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1987 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1988 - Tenderkist Wanganui, New Zealand
1989 - Willoughby Municipal, NSW
1990 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1991 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1992 - Kensington and Norwood, SA
1993 - Hawthorn City, VIC
1994 -
1995 -
1996 - Fosters Auckland
1997 - Fosters Auckland
1998 - Kew Band, Vic
1999 - Hawthorn City, Vic
2000 - Kew Band, Vic
2001 - Dalewool-Auckland Brass
2002 - K & N City, SA
2003 - Waitakere City "Trusts" New Zealand
2004 - Hawthorn Band, Vic
2005 - Brisbane Excelsior, Qld
2006 - Brisbane Excelsior, Qld