2007 New South Wales Brass Band Championships - Preview: C Grade

22-Aug-2007

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
Saturday 25 August approx. 12noon

Test: Leadsmen, A Lady & A Lord by David Stanhope

CNL Brass
Conductor: Ron Boaden

CNL Brass have been rehearsing stongly for the NSW Contest.

Rod Boaden told 4BRDU: "The band has found the Test quite a challenge but believe that we have now "belted it into submission" and expect to quit ourselves well at Penrith. We unfortunatly lost one of our BBb Bass players, Peter McCabe, 4 weeks out, due to illness, but Col Haines from Brisband Water Brass (ex NSW Fire Brigade) has willingly stepped into the breach for us."

Jou Gallagher (Soprano Cornet) Merv Gale (Solo Horn) and David Moore (Eupho) are three players in particular, that are really helping the band to lift, giving some excellent examples to shape up to.

Ron is very happy with the way that the Hymn and Own Choice pieces are shaping and believes that the band is showing great sensitivity when needed as well as developing good control in the heavier section of all three charts.

The second and third cornet personnel are really enjoying the lime-light that the Test demands of them and they will benefit from the extra disclipline in their playing that this music asks of them.

The trombone section cannot believe their luck, given what they are asked to produce in the 1st Movement and with Anthony Fowler (principal trombone) leading the section with enthusiasm, they are having a great time.

The section leaders, Bruce Fletcher (Solo & Rep Cornets), "Bluey" Walker (2nd & Thirds), Merv Gale (Horns), David Moore (Euphos & Baritones), Tom Rowell (Basses), Anthony Fowler (Trombones), and Heather Walker (Percussion), have been a huge help in the preparation of the band, encouraging and assisting their players throughout

A great crew this lot and win, lose or draw, they will be proud to take the stage at the Contest, confident in the knowledge that each player will be about to produce their very best.

The band did not compete here last year but came a decent second place to Toronto Brass in Section 2 of the East Coast Championship earlier this year.

Toronto Brass
Conductor: Timothy O'Hearn

A strong performer in this grade with an excellent NSW track record. First here last year and a first in Section 2 of the East Coast Championship just over two months ago.

The band came fourth in C Grade at this years Nationals behind 3 Victorian bands.

Other than that we don't know too much about the band. If anyone from Toronto could fill us in with some more detail please do - downunder@4barsrest.com

Waratah Brass No 2
Conductor: Conrad Curry

Just like the senior band, things have been tough for Waratah 2 in the leadup to this contest, but everything is really coming together now as we approach the contest date. The test piece has proved extremely challenging for the band, who were only regraded from D Grade last year, but challenges aside the band has generally been enjoying it. Combined with an excellent Own Choice, the band is going into this contest confident of giving the best performance they can.

Key players
Principal Cornet: Richelle Myers
Soprano: Heidi McLeod
Flugel: Paul Stevenson
Solo Horn: Rebecca Rosetti
1st Baritone: Gabrielle McNaughton
Solo Euphonium: Jane To
1st Trombone: Hannah Gibbons
EEb Bass: Andrew Falconer
BBb Bass: Kieran Wright
Timpani: Daniel Mudd
Percussion: Andrew Evans