*
banner

Set works confirmed for New Zealand National Championships

The works that will challenge the bands at the oldest National Championship in the world have been announced.

New Zealand
  The championships take place in Christchurch this year

The organisers of the 2025 New Zealand National Championships have announced the test-pieces that will used at their event in Christchurch in July.

The Festival of Brass, which will also incorporate the keenly fought over Solo Championship competitions will be held at Christchurch's Town Hall Complex from Wednesday 2nd to Sunday 6th July.

The chief adjudicators are Frederic Theodoloz, the Musical Director of the current European and British Open Champion, Brass Band Treize-Etoiles. The Assistant Chief Adjudicator is SSGT Nick Johnson, Bandmaster of the New Zealand Army Band.

Test pieces

The A Grade Championship Section bands will be faced with 'A Tale as yet Untold' by Philip Sparke.

In addition, the bands must also perform a sacred work plus their own-choice test-piece in their bid to claim the NZ Gold Cup Trophy. The defending champion is Wellington Brass who will be seeking a seventh consecutive title success.

The contest format is the same for the B, C and D Grade bands, with the Youth Grade bands having to play an own-choice programme.

Golland, Bond and Evans

The B Grade contenders will be faced with John Golland's evocative 'Sounds', used at the European Championships in 1993, whilst the C Grade contenders will have to perform 'The Lost Village of Imber' by Christopher Bond, which was the Third Section National Final set-work in the UK in 2023.

The D Grade bands will perform 'Be Still' by David Evans arranged by Stephen Tighe.

Set Works:

A Grade: A Tale As Yet Untold (Philip Sparke)
B Grade: Sounds (John Golland)
C Grade: The Lost Village of Imber (Christopher Bond)
D Grade: Be Still (David J Evans arr. Stephen Tighe)
Youth Grade: Own choice

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Croy Silver Band

July 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but always welcomes enquiries for any section of the band.


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd