There was a very special victory claimed by Warringah Concert Brass at the 2017 New South Wales State Championships in Penrith on the weekend.

Under the direction of John Saunders, the band based in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney secured a victory dedicated to their late founder and John's father, Jack, who started the band back in 1979 and who passed away on Boxing Day last year.

Classy

Classy performances at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre of the hymn tune, 'I Know Thou art Mine' by Leonard Ballantine and the set-work, 'Fraternity' by Thierry Deleruyelle, provided the foundation of their success, backed by a strong rendition of their own-choice selection of Philip Sparke's 'Partita'.

It gave them a close two-point winning margin over current Australian National Champion, Central Coast Brass with Willoughby City and City of Holdroyd in third and fourth.

Paid off

Speaking to 4BR, John Saunders said: "It was a special victory this year. My father formed the band nearly 40 years ago and passed away last Christmas. The band took a break from attending the National Championships earlier this year, only the second time we haven't taken part since 1990, but it paid off.

That gave us such a focus for this event — and that dedication in more ways than one. We gave three very consistent performances and it was an emotional victory for everyone."

He added: "'Fraternity' as a great test piece and I'm sure it will be enjoyed by everyone at the British Open in a few weeks time."

Pushed

Central Coast Brass under Ben Crocker certainly pushed Warringah all the way to the finishing line, with their fine rendition of 'Music of the Spheres' to close, whilst both Holroyd and Willoughby showed quality on their own-choice selections of 'Music of the Spheres' and 'Breath of Souls'.

However, none could quite match the eventual winners as they reclaimed the title for the first time since 2009.

In the B Grade contest there was a victory for Parramatta City Brass, with Newcastle PCYC Brass, Brisbane Water Brass and City of Wollongong Junior Brass also picking up deserved titles

It was a special victory this year. My father formed the band nearly 40 years ago and passed away last ChristmasWinning MD, John Saunders

Results:

Open A Brass:

Adjudicator: Mark Ford
Test Piece: Fraternity (Thierry Deleruyelle)
Hymn/Test/Own Choice

1. Warringah Concert Brass (John Saunders) — 235
2. Central Coast Brass (Ben Crocker) — 233
3. Willoughby City (Josh Mann) — 220
4. City of Holroyd Brass (Richard Sandham) — 217

Open B Brass:

The Flight of the Wild Geese (Robin Dewhurst)
Adjudicator: Mark Ford

1. Parramatta City Brass (Jonathan Gatt) — 222
2. Toronto Brass (Tom O'Hearn) — 217
3. Manly Band (N/K) — 214

Open C Brass:

Vizcaya (Gilbert Vinter)
Adjudicator: Mark Ford

1. Newcastle PCYC Brass (Teena Wallace) — 220
2. South West Sydney Brass (Eddie Claxton) — 212
3. Maitland City Brass (Luke Bradbery) — 210
4. Bankstown City Brass (Ken Bradley) — 207
5. City of Wollongong Brass (Robert Read) — 200

Open D Brass:

Hymn to the Fallen (John Williams arr. Klaas vander Woude)
Adjudicator: Mark Ford

1. Brisbane Water Brass (Michael Forsyth) — 205
2. Gosford City Brass (Rowen McBride) — 204
3. Blue Mountains City Band (Volker Schoeler) — 199

Junior C Brass:

Adjudicator: Mark Ford

1. City of Wollongong Junior Brass (Des Cannings) — 182