2008 Australian Band Championships

Preview: D Grade

Brisbane City Hall
Adjudicator: Dr Peter Morris
Test Music: Anglian Dances, Alan Fernie
Hymn and Test Selection Saturday 22 March 10.00am
Own Choice Selection and Stage March Sunday 23 March 9.00am

With representation of bands from Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, this section should give a reasonable indication as to the comparitive standard from state to state.

The D Grade section was originally a field of twelve bands but is now down to eleven following the withdrawal of Maryborough Excelsior City Band.

Own Choice selections include: Four Cities Symphony (Newton); Legends in Brass (Curnow); Labour and Love (Fletcher); Diamond Heritage (Barry); Oregon (de Haan); The Young in Heart (Ball); The Seasons (Wilby); Dimensions (Graham).

Pimlico State High School Band

Pimlico State High School Brass, QLD
Conductor: Craig Millar

From Townsville, this is the first National Championships for this young group of musicians.

New Zealand ex-pat, Craig Millar, will have the band well prepared and firing on all cylinders.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete
2007 - did not compete

Nambour & Maroochy District Brass Band "Sunshine Brass", QLD
Conductor: Kevin Brown

Only recently regraded to D Grade, the Sunshine Coast band may well be turning up the heat under new MD, Kevin Brown.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - C Grade 8th
2007 - did not compete

City of Holroyd

City of Holroyd, NSW
Conductor: Shaun Yow

This band has gone ahead in leaps and bounds in the past 12 months and will be tough opponents.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - D Grade 3rd
2007 - D Grade 3rd

Narrabri Shire Band

Narrabri Shire Band, NSW
Conductor: Stephen Moore

The first showing for this country band at the Nationals since 2004, when they came 2nd in C Grade at Launceston.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete
2007 - did not compete

Brisbane Brass No 3 Brisbane Brass 3, QLD
Conductor: Bill Barker

The busy Bill Barker will lead Brisbane Brass 3 onto the stage. Largely members from the Junior Band with a few adult additions, BB3 should put up a good showing in this field.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - D Grade 2nd
2007 - did not compete

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

Success has followed success for this band in recent times. Defending champions, many would argue that this band should be in C Grade. Time will tell.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete
2007 - D Grade 1st

Gladstone Municipal Band, QLD
Conductor: Leanne Christensen

Always consistent performers in D Grade.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete
2007 - did not compete

Brolga Brass, QLD
Conductor: Kim Lofthouse

The second band for Townsville Brass, Brolga Brass could be considered the dark horse of this section. Under the leadership of UK brass leader, Kim Lofthouse, this North Queensland band could well surprise many.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete
2007 - did not compete

Boroondara Brass Boroondara Harmony Brass, VIC
Conductor: Daniel Van Bergen

Newly formed Boroondara Harmony Brass is making its Nationals debut in Brisbane.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete
2007 - did not compete

Shepparton Brass Band, VIC
Conductor: Bill Scott

Had a fair showing in the Victorian State titles last year and demonstrated lots of potential. Will be interesting to hear them under new MD, Bill Scott.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - did not compete
2007 - did not compete

Beenleigh Brass Band, QLD
Conductor: Gordon Beitz

Beenleigh Brass Band has not contested a great deal recently and will be looking forward to getting back into the contesting arena.

2005 - did not compete
2006 - D Grade 5th
2007 - did not compete