2008 New Zealand Championships - Preview: A Grade

7-Jul-2008

Seven New Zealand bands plus three from across the Tasman Sea make for a tightly contested event.

Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium
Adjudicator: Simone Rebello
Test: Ballet for Band by Joseph Horovitz
Sacred Item and Test: Friday 11 July 5.30pm
Own Choice: Saturday 12 July 5.00pm

The withdrawal of Dalewool Auckland Brass from the mix plus fewer top Aussie bands has taken the edge off this section a little this year.

When XLCR took the prized 24ct solid gold Cup back to Australia last year, the New Zealanders were not happy, and won't want it to happen again.

The most favoured band to stop the winning streak of XLCR would have to be Woolston Brass, and Graham Hickman badly wants the prize.

Ballet for Band by Joseph Horovitz could be easily under-estimated by some and will be a fine test.

Own Choice music to be played includes Elgar Variations, Music of the Spheres, Jouney to the Centre of the Earth, Dances & Arias, Albion, Music for Battle Creek, Dances and Alleluias, Harmony Music, and Year of the Dragon.

Test Piece Review:

Ballet for Band will require a light touch and an appreciation of the finer things, what with lads in tights and girls who make Kate Moss look as big as Fern Britten in a tutu. 'It's all in the mind' the composer says...

Joseph Horovitz's ‘Ballet for Band' may on the face of it not provide the contenders with the hardest technical challenge they are ever likely to face, but they would be wrong to underestimate this very clever and very subtle piece of brass writing.

It was written as the set work for the 1983 National Championships, which were won by the Cory Band under the direction of the great little maestro himself, Major Arthur Kenney. The difference that day between his band and just about everyone else was that he genuinely played the score as ballet music – light and breezy with a real emphasis on the imagined characters of the work. And the characters are imagined, as there is no real descriptive footnote to the score from the composer himself.

Horovitz makes the point that it is literally the music for an imaginary ballet, where although the characters it is meant to portray were clear in the composers mind, he preferred to leave the audience use their own thought process to think about what is heard.

"The characters and plot were quite clear in my mind before composing it, but I prefer the audience to exercise its own imagination rather than to be influenced by mine. The work is in three linked sections, the central one being the most lyrical. All themes are directly or more subtly derived from the opening fanfare motive, which is heard at the end."

It is only around 10 minutes long, but it is 10 minutes of wonderful music and if it is approached in the right manner can sound quite magical.

If a conductor can capture the style and sense of wit and freedom in the writing then it all makes wonderful sense – from the opening fanfare and octave jump from the basses and the bass trombone through to the almost comedic tuba duet and lithe filigree work that bursts onto the scene from the soprano, horn and the liberal use of the repiano as a fantastic bridge throughout the whole piece. This is writing for the repiano just as it should be – an artistic solo line in its own right rather than just a ‘add on' for the solo cornets and there can't be too many test pieces even in modern times that uses the instrument in such an unique way.

The main central section is a wonderful exposition of lyrical writing, led by the flugel and then soprano and cornets – all at a dynamic level that will tests even the very best bands in terms of control, balance and tonal quality. The final six bars are marked at the lowest dynamic levels and all at a slow pulse in meter. It is a very stern test of quality musicianship.

After a brief, almost comical introduction, featuring cheeky motifs from the soprano, repiano (again) and flugel, the final section asks for fleet footed precision with a lightness of touch even at higher dynamic markings. It all ends in a reprisal of the opening motifs and a measured accelerando to the superby engineered finish – the only time in the whole work that is played at fff.

'Ballet for Band' is one of the most elegant and eloquent works for brass band, beautifully constructed with a true sense of individual style. It will take some playing even 25 years after it was first performed so memorably by Cory and the little pocket genius that was Arthur Kenney – a man who would have been at home as a character in any ballet production.

Iwan Fox

Ascot Park Hotel Brass
Musical Director: David Gallaher

We don't know too much about how this band is going despite our best attempts to extract some information.

David Gallaher has a pretty impressive record here in Christchurch and his 'home' town band will be doing their very best for him.

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 9th
2006 8th
2005 7th

Brisbane Brass, Aus
Musical Director: Greg Aitken

Brisbane Brass have fond memories of the last time it competed in New Zealand.

The band now, though, is vastly different to that of three years ago.

MD, Greg Aitken, has been challenged in the lead up to this contest with several of his key players unavailable for the trip. Players from the organisation's second band have rallied to fill the void and are doing well.

This band has plenty of determination and are sure to give it their best shot.

Principal Cornet: Mitchell Buckley
Soprano: Josh Young
Repiano: Shannan Lawrence
Flugel: Dani Rich
Horn: Sharn McIver
Baritone: Josh McKechie
Euphonium: Bill Barker
Trombone: Matt Chambers
Bass Trom: John Bryant
Eb Bass: Tim Weal
Bb Bass: Noel Kingston
Percussion: John Christodoulides

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 DNC
2006 DNC
2005 4th

Brisbane Excelsior, Aus
Musical Director: Howard Taylor

XLCR's preparation has been slow leading up to this week and perhaps not as intense as in the past.

The two 'deps' are Jaime Brown on Soprano and Dayne Grindley on Bb Cornet from Waratah Brass - Newcastle.

Also making his contest debut 'downunder' is Peter Younghusband on bass trombone, who has lost none of his playing class.

The bands strength will once again come from the quality of its key players.

Can XLCR re-write the record books...going for 6 National Championships in a row?

Principal Cornet: Paula Russell
Soprano: Jaime Brown
Repiano Cornet: Genevieve Smith
Flugel: Amanda Casagrande
Horn: Steve Ridler
Baritone: Brad Hosking
Euphonium: Ashley Gittins
Trombone: Adrian Head
Bass Trombone: Peter Younghusband
Tuba: Dean Morley

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 1st
2006 DNC
2005 DNC

Canterbury Brass
Musical Director: Shane Foster

Canterbury Brass has been working hard under Shane Foster, formerly of Drighlington in the UK. A year ago the Band were close to folding and are happy just to be able to compete.
The Band is enjoying the Horowitz work and looking forward to the contest.

Principal Cornet: Kevin McMorran
Principal Euphonium: Steve Griffin
Soprano: Marcus Salone
Solo Horn: Chris Foster
Flugel: Tyme Masters
Solo Trombone: Brian Eckersley
Tuba: Bob Grimwood
Baritone: Dwayne Bloomfield
Percussion: Todd Turner

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 DNC
2006 7th
2005 11th

Marlborough District Brass
Musical Director: Kevin Moseley

A spirited lot is Marlborough, and none more so than its MD, the dynamic Kevin Moseley.

The band has had an active lead up to the contest with plenty of concerts and fund-raisers as well as its Regional contest.

A couple of intense weekend rehearsals have helped bring the team together. With some fine players amongst the ranks, this band just oozes potential.

Principal Cornet: Steve Rudhall
Soprano: Graham Moseley
Flugel: Hannah Cunningham
Horn: Mike Ford
Baritone: Denis Teeling
Euphonium: Riki McDonnell
Trombone: John Greenwell
Eb Bass: Nic Sharpe
Bb Bass: Adrian Raven

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 7th
2006 5th
2005 9th

Moreland City Band, Aus
Musical Director: Wally Pope

Principal cornet: Jeff Steele
Soprano: Scott Beckman
Flugel: Sarah MacDonald
Solo Horn: Nicole Pernice
Solo Euphonium: Dean Hughes
Solo Trombone: Cameron Lobb

The Moreland City Band has had busy year leading up to its first international tour under MD Wally Pope. Preparation for contest has been slotted in around recording a CD as well as many engagements as the calendar could handle.

Many of the players taking the stage in Christchurch will do so for the first time in a leading role.

This young at heart band boasts several family groups and the youngest member on tour will be Wilbur Pope, all of 11 weeks old!

Keen to maximise the enjoyment and experience of the New Zealand Nationals, Moreland City Band heads east to take on Horovitz and the best of Kiwi hospitality and musicianship.

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 DNC
2006 DNC
2005 DNC

North Shore Brass
Musical Director: Brent Large

North Shore Brass has enjoyed a very smooth and steady contest build-up and feel well prepared for its fourth start back in the A Grade after winning the NZ B Grade Championship in 2003.

The band has enjoyed getting into the detail and music of Ballet for Band and is looking forward to the boost it is sure to receive with the addition of its two professional players, Martin Britt on Soprano from Desford, and Matthew van Emmerik on Euphonium from Kew Band Melbourne.

With real strength in all chairs this year North Shore Brass is excited to be able to measure its progress against New Zealand and Australia's best brass bands.

Principal Cornet : Vaughan McDonald
Soprano Cornet : Martin Britt (Desford)
Flugel : Kate Wright
Solo Horn : Carol Goss
1st Baritone : Rebecca Lewis
Principal Euphonium : Robert Simpson
Solo Tenor Trombone : Dave Wright
E Flat Bass : Denis Spurdle
B Flat Bass : John Mann
Percussion : Kerry Wood/Simeon Cheeseman

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 8th
2006 6th
2005 DNC

St Kilda Brass
Musical Director: Steve Miles

Build up for the 2008 National contest has been very late for the St Kilda Brass Band due to the bands busy schedule.

The Saints have recently completed their first ever CD recording at the Albany Street Studios in Dunedin.

Steve Miles told 4BRDU: "The three week rehearsal period for this years contest has been made possible by the selection of Ballet for Band as the set test. This test is musically very demanding however technically the work is reasonably straight forward and calls upon delicate solo playing in areas which St Kilda are currently very strong."

Principal Cornet: John Lewis
Soprano Cornet: Ralph Miller
Flugel Horn: Marty Kibble
Solo Horn: Murray Borthwick
Solo Trombone: Tim Walsh
Solo Euphonium: Ian O’Malley
Solo Eb Bass: Amy Walsh

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 5th
2006 9th
2005 6th

The "Trusts" Waitakere Brass
Musical Director: Steven Booth

The Trusts Waitakere Brass Band has been gaining in strength over the past 12 months, with several new signings.

Musical Director, Steven Booth has high musical standards and enormous enthusiasm, and will have prepared the band well.

Featured soloists:

Soprano: Fendall Hill
Principal Cornet: Carolyn Ramsbottom
Euphonium: Bari Thomas
Trombone: Stuart Ritchie

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 4th
2006 DNC
2005 8th

Woolston Brass
Musical Director: Graham Hickman

Woolston are ready.

Its preparation has been being helped by having full rehearsals for the last month, with the band on track for some exciting performances.

It was the test selection that let the band down last year - let's see if the 'imaginary ballet' is their thing.

Soprano: Colin Clark
Principal Cornet: Kevin Hickman
Repiano: Brent Hoy
Flugel: Thomas Eves
Horn: Roseanna Dale
Euphonium: Dave Boyes
Trombone: David Bremner
Bass: Phil Johnston
Percussion: Roanna Cooper

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 3rd
2006 1st
2005 2nd

4BRDU Predictions

1. Woolston Brass
2. Brisbane Excelsior
3. St Kilda Brass

Dark Horse: Marlborough