2008 Australian Band Championships

Preview: C Grade

Brisbane City Hall
Adjudicator: John Thomas
Test Music: The Shipbuilders, Peter Yorke
Hymn and Test Selection Saturday 22 March 12.15pm
Own Choice Selection and Stage March Sunday 23 March 2.00pm

Only four bands in this section - two from home state Queensland and two from New South Wales making it a real 'State of Origin' affair, in what should be a relatively easy task for adjudicator John Thomas.

The number of bands in this section is certainly disappointing.

Own Choice test selections include: Seven Wonders (Bloomfield); A Malvern Suite (Sparke); Music for Festival (Sparke); and Chorale and Toccata (Bulla)

Yellow Cabs Bayside Brass, QLD
Conductor: Major Ivan Cocking

Yellow Cabs should show some improvement under new MD, Major Ivan Cocking.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - C Grade 9th
2007 - did not compete

Waratah Brass Newcastle No 2, NSW    
Conductor: Conrad Curry

This young, emerging band will be difficult to beat in this field.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

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

Surfers Paradise Brass Band, QLD    
Conductor: Gordon Richmond

Consistent performers who should rate well.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - C Grade 4th
2007 - did not compete

Royal Hifofua Tongan Brass Band, NSW    
Conductor: Fredrick Deroy Vi

Always a pleasure to see this band in action - great attitude and style.

Past 3 Year National Track Record:

2005 - did not compete
2006 - C Grade 2nd
2007 - C Grade 5th

4BRDU Predictions:
1. Waratah Brass Newcastle No. 2
2. Royal Hifofua Tongan Brass Band
3. Surfers Paradise Brass Band