2007 Australian National Band Championships - Retrospective: Overall & Parade of Bands

A brief recap of the weekend.

A certain air of buzz and positivity was felt on location at this years Australian National Championships held in Ivanhoe. 

Yes, there were issues leading up to the contest which we always knew were going to influence how the contest ran.  These issues hadn't disappeared yet the players and bands, in general, knew they had a job to do, knew the associated conditions and got on with the job.

Accoustically, the general consensus from the adjudicators and the bands were the venues were well suited.  There were often times, however, when the proximity of the different events within the same building was just way too close - the sense of performance was shattered many times for several performers - both soloists and bands.  The noise filtering from bands in the sign on room to the performance area, and also from the foyers outside the auditoriums were a constant concern for contest supervisors.

The 5 days were extremely busy - the biggest challenge being how to fit in rehearsals, performances, listening to others, and catching up with mates - 24 hours in the day just wasn't enough.  Because most visiting bands were largely accommodated across a wide and scattered area, the opportunities to socialise and mix with our fellow competitors was, unfortunately, wishful thinking.  One of these years, an organising may consider a social event or pre-booked location as they do at the NZ Nationals each year.  These can really only be a success, though, is transport to and from the location is easily achievable.

A picture of concentration - ready to step off.

The weather was brilliant - sunny days, not too cold and not too hot.  Those of us praying for rain on Saturday morning were extremely disappointed.  The street march was held in perfect weather with a modest crowd out to watch the bands in a shopping centre about 3 kms from the main venues. A good feature was the announcement of the band and their march that was played. This certainly helped the ex band players and even some current players who often ask - "played that so many times but can I remember whats its called!"  Unfortunately, the timing of the step off for most bands was much later than the times scheduled.

Andy Snell multiskilling

The Parade of Band winners in each grade were:
A Grade: Cairns Brass
B Grade: Sutherland Shire
C Grade: Royal Hifofua Tongan Brass
D Grade: Mildura District Brass

Best Drum Major in each grade was:
A Grade: Peter Johns, The Trusts Waitakere Brass
B Grade: John Kelly, Box Hill City
C Grade: Paul O'Toole, Geelong West Brass
D Grade: Mike Tobias, Mornington Youth & Citizens
Champion Drum Major: Paul O'Toole, Geelong West Brass

The organising committee had a serious problem with a lack of volunteers to help throughout the course of the 5 days.  Those who did offer their services are to be enormously thanked.  One of the volunteers who was controlling the entry to the main auditorium told us: "I've had a great time this weekend.  People have been so friendly.  I've only been called a 'bloody idiot' once - and he came back to apologise!"

Conspiracy theories were being widely circulated around the venues as news of the theft and arson incidents emerged. The whole of Sunday's cash takings for door, program and souvenir sales (including the gala concert), were stolen from an office in the foyer of The Centre Ivanhoe.  When 4BRDU spoke with VBL President, Ian Douglas, the exact amount stolen was unknown but estimates are in the vicinity of $7000.  The cash takings from the previous days had been secured elsewhere and were not stolen.

The early start for three of the grades at 8am on Sunday was controversial and while undoubtedly many struggled some were sensible and were well rested for the next level of the competition - the Own Choice and Stage March.

A number of players also had personal belongings and money stolen whilst they were on stage performing.

A fire was deliberately lit in one of the upper rooms of The Centre Ivanhoe, during the course of the A Grade test selection.  The timing of the fire alarms occured between bands, and the building was not evacuated.  The disruption to the flow of the session was minimal.

Glamourous lady conductors were also in abundance in A and C grades. Most wore long dresses and one even conducted without her normal high heals. The D grades was characterised by the many young conductors in front of the 14 bands, a refreshing change.

The scratching in the solo events ran at approximately 26% - the most scratchings being in the horn solo where 9 of the 16 entrants withdrew - perhaps a true indication of the difficulty of the test piece.

Presented on Sunday evening, the Spitvalve Youth Development award was won by Jennifer Magoulas from Kew Band Melbourne and Joshua Rogan from Boroondara Brass.  The award is for youth players who show potential as brass players and carried a $150 cash prize.

Spitvalve awardees, Jennifer Magoulas and Josh Rogan with VBL President, Ian Douglas

The 4BRDU reporting team over the 4 days included Owen Melhuish, Adrian Head, Phil Johnston, David Chaulk, Natasha Knopper, Simon Moffat, Brent Hoy, Deb Geayley, Don Callaghan, and Ron Boaden.

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