One of the brass band world's finest tuba players has won the the first major title at the 136th New Zealand National Championships.

Phillip Johnstone of Woolston Brass was crowned Invitation Slow Melody Champion after giving a stunning EEb tuba rendition of 'Nocturne' by Strauss, specially arranged for him by his friend and New Zealand Army colleague Callum Hewson.

Glowing terms

Chief adjudicator Dr Robert Childs described his playing in glowing terms: "As my father once told me, it was playing that could 'fetch a hungry bird off a crumb', he said. "His playing had that X factor — playing from the heart, and his control of the soft dynamics in particular was wonderful. It was something special."

In a high quality competition between the ten competitors, Byron Newton of Wellington Brass was a fine runner-up, after he produced a classy rendition of 'Peace' by John Golland, whilst third place was claimed by defending champion, David Mass of Palmerston North Brass, who played 'My Love is like a Red, Red Rose'.

Highly commended in fourth place was veteran euphonium performer Riki McDonnell who very nearly added to his remarkable tally of titles victories at this event going back as far as 1972, with an innovative montage arrangement from 'West Side Story'.

Textured lyricism

According to Dr Childs the top four rivals stood out from the rest of the field with their ability to bring a sense of textured lyricism to their repertoire.

Understandably, the new champion was thrilled to have won the Kevin Jarrett Cup for a second time — especially as he was accompanied on victory by his partner Jill Pears on piano.

to be able to win the trophy for a second time and to do it with Jill accompanying me with the family on hand to support meant a great dealPhillip Johnston

Team effort

"This is special," he said. "Kevin was something of a legend, so to be able to win the trophy for a second time and to do it with Jill accompanying me with the family on hand to support meant a great deal. The piece was specially arranged so I have to thank Callum Hewson as well — it was a real effort!"

Phillip will now perform in the Champion of Champions event on Thursday evening when he hopes to make it a solo double.