2008 New Zealand Championships - Preview: B Grade

The B Grade contest is alive and well with nine bands entered...

Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium
Adjudicator: Simone Rebello
Test: Renaissance by Peter Graham
Sacred Item and Test: Friday 11 July 9.00am
Own Choice: Saturday 12 July 10.30am

The leaders of the grade, Pelorus Trust Wellington Brass conducted by David Bremner, are clear favourites in this section.  Current Australian B Grade Champions and defending New Zealand B Grade Champions, Pelorus would have handled A Grade this time around without a problem.

Successful C Grade band Eastern Bay of Plenty makes its debut in B Grade, whilst several other bands are making an appearance having had a quiet time contesting at the National level in the past few years.

Own Choice Selections include: Music for the Common Man, Galdhoppigen, Diversions on a Bass Theme, Variations on a Nineth, London Overture, Gothic Dances, Music for  Festival, Trittico, and Parakletos.

Addington Brass
Musical Director: Iaan Wilson

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 5th
2006 1st
2005 DNC

Alpine Energy Timaru Brass
Musical Director: Dwayne Bloomfield

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

Castle Trust Hamilton Brass
Musical Director: Gary Bilton

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 7th
2006 2nd
2005 DNC

Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass
Musical Director: Alan Spence

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

New Plymouth Brass
Musical Director: Trevor Bremner

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 DNC
2006 DNC
2005 5th

Pelorus Trust Wellington Brass
Musical Director: David Bremner

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

Port of Napier Brass
Musical Director: David Oswin

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 2nd
2006 3rd
2005 6th

Titan Hutt City Brass
Musical Director: Mark Carter

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 3rd
2006 4th=
2005 3rd

Trust Porirua City Brass
Musical Director: Kerry Garrett

Past NZ Nationals track record:
2007 6th
2006 =3rd
2005 2nd