*
banner

Hamilton raises NZ National bar

The recent New Zealand National Championships have been hailed as a huge success.

Wellington
  Wellington Brass rounded off a memorable Championship with their sixth victory on seven years

The New Zealand Brass Band Association has reflected on the success of the recent National Championships which were held in Hamilton.

It proved to be a wonderful return to the city for the first time in 40 years with the excellent organisation and warm welcome providing the foundation for a memorable week of music making — topped by Wellington Brass claiming the Championship Section title for the sixth time in seven years under MD David Bremner.

Raised the bar

In the latest edition of 'The Mouthpiece' newsletter, Brass Band Association of New Zealand President, John Sullivan wrote: "The Hamilton Contest Committee has raised the bar on how to organise and manage a contest. With their meticulous planning and 'Green Army' of volunteers, everything ran incredibly smoothly.

Huge congratulations go to Malcolm Barr, Marilyn Edgecombe and everyone involved in making this contest such a success. Also a big thank you to Helen Lee and all the adjudicators, supervisors, scribes and comperes."

The Hamilton Contest Committee has raised the bar on how to organise and manage a contestBBANZ President, John Sullivan

Memorable

Helen Lee, BBANZ Contest Manager added: "Thank you to everyone who made this a memorable contest for all those who attended.

Hooray for Hamilton and I'm sure the contest will be back in Hamilton before you know it."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Foden's Band

Report & Result: 2026 British Open Championship

September 12 • Foden's led by Russell Gray claim the 172nd British Open with music making of the richest emotion.


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band

September 15 • BBb Bass - We're a First Section band, looking for a BBb Bass with the musical ability and commitment to perform at that level. Are you the rock solid foundation, to compliment our amazing Bass team?


Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band

September 15 • Principle Euphonium - We are looking for an accomplished soloist within Wokingham and surrounding areas, with the confidence and expression to take on the bands prominent Euphonium features and solos. . If this is you, please get in touch.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require a percussionist. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall, with a wide array of percussion instruments permanently set-up, have a growing schedule of concerts, contests and social events.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd