*
banner

New Zealand reprises test-pieces for 2021 Nationals

Works by Edward Gregson, Fendall Hill, David Woodcock and Fraser Bremner will test bands as they return to the oldest National Championships in the world in Christchurch in July.

New Zealand
  The Championships will return to wonderful city of Christchurch

The Brass Band Association of New Zealand (BBANZ) has announced that the test-pieces initially selected for its 2020 National Championships will now be utilised at the 2021 event to be held in Christchurch in July.

Heart of the city

The 2021 Festival of Brass will take place from the 14th to 18th July based at the restored Christchurch Town Hall in the heart of the city.

The five day event will also include the popular solo and ensemble competitions — including the Blue Riband 'Champion of Champions' contest on the Thursday evening.

The festival will be rounded off with a special concert featuring the joint talents of the National Band and the New Zealand Army Band.

2020 was only the second time apart from the two Word Wars that the oldest National Championship in the banding world had been cancelled, so there is great hope within the banding community that the festival will be a huge success.

Test Pieces

A Grade: Of Men and Mountains (Edward Gregson)
B Grade: Temperamental (Fendall Hill)
C Grade: Fanfares (David Woodcock)
D Grade: 1953 (Fraser Bremner)

2020 was only the second time apart from the two Word Wars that the oldest National Championship in the banding world had been cancelled, so there is great hope within the banding community that the festival will be a huge success4BR

More information:

All other information about the contest can be found at: https://brassbandassociationofnewzealand.rocketspark.co.nz/page/national-championships/

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    


Swoss Open

Result: 2026 Besson Swiss Open

September 21 • Brass Band Treize Etoile regains possession of the Swiss Open title in Lucerne.


York

Report & Result: 2026 Third Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 20 • Let it snow... Allerton claims the Third Section honours in York.


York

Report & Result: 2026 Fourth Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 20 • Wardle Community are the ultimate Heroes of the North as they claim the National title in York.


York Barbican

Report & Result: 2026 First Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Marsden Silver Prize discover the source of a thunderous success in York.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

September 24 • Percussion - East London Brass are seeking an enthusiastic percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious band. Great music, regular rehearsals and a welcoming atmosphere. Interested? Get in touch for more details!


Epping Forest Band

September 23 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Epping Forest Band

September 23 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd