*
banner

Report & Results: 2024 New Zealand National Championships — Champion of Champions

Mike Ford of NBS Nelson City Brass claims a second Blue Riband solo title in south Auckland.

Mike Ford
  Mike Ford (with judges) claimed the trophy for a second time

Mike Ford, one of the foremost soloists in the New Zealand banding movement has been crowned 'Champion of Champions' for a second time, in a competition packed with "world class playing"according to the Chief Adjudicator Dr Brett Baker.

The tenor horn player of NBS Nelson City Brass had earlier claimed the 'Masters' category title and was making his 22nd appearance at the Blue Riband solo event. He had previously claimed the Errol Mason Memorial Trophy in Invercargill in 2002.

His wonderfully portrayed performance of 'Festive Praise' by Kenneth Downie topped the impressive challenges of Amateur Cornet Champion, George Melitsis of Marion City Band from Australia ('Carnival of Venice'), with former champion and Open Flugel Champion Kevin Hickman of North Shore Brass ('Jubilance') in third.

World class playing

In his pre-results remarks, Dr Brett Baker said that the judges had enjoyed "world class playing"from all the competitors and that it had been a "very tight at the top"to separate the podium prize winners. Each of these had "the wow factor"in their playing that was more than just outstanding technique and confidence.

Also taking part in a high-class field of 13 competitors were former champions Murray Borthwick (horn) and Anthony Smith (cornet) alongside Chan Chak Hong (BBb bass), Raphael Harvey (soprano), Luke Spence (euphonium), Aishah Leitner (trombone), Jeshua Oram (Eb bass), Mark Bingham (bass trombone), Charlie Garcia-Gill (percussion) and Steven Booth (baritone).

Triple success

It proved to be a successful first couple of days at the event for Mike Ford, who is an airline pilot training manager and a member of the National Band of New Zealand.

He earlier performed alongside his friend Ross Gerritsen to win the Open Duet title playing 'Devil's Waltz' and was part of the winning Ensemble A team from NBS Nelson City Brass who performed 'Variations on a Theme of Paganini'.

Pride

The popularity of the solo competitions is a source of great pride for New Zealand banding with no fewer than 33 competitors taking to the stage for the Junior Slow Melody event and eight in the bass trombone category.

Earlier the Junior Champion of Champions award went to Walter Hughes of Hamilton City Brass, whilst the hard fought Invitation Slow Melody title went to Anthony Smith of Wellington Brass playing 'Memory'.

Champion of Champions:

Adjudicators: Dr Brett Baker; Lt Cdr Michael Dorwick; Howard Taylor

1. Mike Ford (NBS Nelson City Brass)
2. George Melitsis (Marion City Band)
3. Kevin Hickman (North Shore Brass)

Invitation Slow Melody:

1. Anthony Smith (Wellington Brass)
2. Kevin Hickman (North Shore Brass)
3. Steven Booth (Waitakere City Brass)

Junior Champion of Champions:

1. Walter Hughes (Hamilton City Brass)
2. Emily Sullivan (North Shore Brass
3. Matt Donaldson (North Shore Brass)

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd