Over the past 125 years the world's oldest National Championship event has seen extended periods of domination by individual bands.
Wanganui Garrison claimed six A Grade titles in seven years at the turn of the 20th century, whilst Skellerup Woolston triumphed on seven occasions between 1971 and 1979 as well as securing four consecutive victories between 2009 and 2012.
Wellington Brass though has rewritten the meaning of hegemony in winning the Championship Gold Cup for an unprecedented 11th time in the past 12 competitive years.
Class apart
In Christchurch they were a class apart under conductor David Bremner — an ensemble that now stands in comparison with the best of elite level Northern hemisphere banding.
Next year they head to the World Championships in Kerkrade where they will compete against European Champion, Brass Band Willebroek and 2024 UK National Champion, Flowers amongst other. It promises to be one heck of a contest.
Their ingrained quality was displayed in full in hoovering up the silverware courtesy of finely structured performances of the set-work, 'A Tale as Yet Untold', their own-choice contest premiere of 'Apokalypsis' by Wellington based composer Jack Bewley, and their scared-item, 'O Magnum Mysterium'.
As adjudicator Frederic Theodoloz later admitted, he felt the overall standard, and from the winner in particular, was impressive.
In addition to the Gold Cup it meant they had to find room in their luggage for the Norman Goffin Trophy for 'Best Test-Piece'; Mervyn Waters Memorial Cup for 'Best Own Choice'; Stalker Globe as 'Champion Band'; KGL Smith Memorial Trophy to winning conductor; Mervyn Waters Trust Cup to winning conductor in Own Choice; Jack McDonnell Shield to their trombone 'Best Section'; the Gil Evans Memorial Cup to Kyle Lawson as 'Best Principal Cornet on Own-Choice', and the 'Best Soloist on Test-Piece' to euphonium star Luke Giri-Spence.
Proud
Speaking to 4BR as he prepared to fly to Tonga to lead their National Youth Band course, David Bremner said: "I'm so proud of the band's efforts in securing a seventh A Grade title in a row. The players put so much work in for this contest and performed exceptionally under so much pressure.
To perform Jack's work was a moment we will all remember for a very long time. Bands in the southern hemisphere don't tend to play a lot of major own-choice works written by local composers, so to champion this brilliant young composer meant a great deal and will hopefully act as a catalyst for others. He is a major talent for the brass band medium."
That work, a reflection of the Biblical 'end of days' that has also inspired the likes of Philip Wilby and Edward Gregson was delivered with immense authority; the nods to the compositional influences subtly marked in the use of clarion call motifs, spatial choreography and the aleatoric ending that summoned the climatic power to bring the work to a triumphant close.
The only blip to complete dominance came as eventual runner-up Woolston Brass pipped Wellington to the Les Francis Trophy in heading the sacred-item category with their tasteful rendition of 'Ave Maria' — although even that was arranged by David Bremner.
Woolston return
Woolston certainly returned to the type of form that has seen become National Champion a record 33 times (the last in 2012), as under Philip Johnston they produced impressive accounts of the set-work and their evocative own-choice 'Vita Destructa'.
North Shore Brass completed the podium inn again displaying their consistency under Harmen Vanhoorne with a mix of inventiveness (especially on their sacred item) and their own-choice of 'Sand & Stars'.
The strong Australian presence at the event this year was headed by Brass Band Newcastle who finished fourth (aided by an outstanding rendition of 'A Brussels Requiem'), with fellow competitors Darebin City Brass — Preston in fifth, with Hamilton City Brass in sixth.
B Grade:
One of New Zealand banding's most famous names returned to the top of a National podium, as St Kilda Brass took the B Grade honours under Prof Peter Adams.
Formed in 1901, the Dunedin band won their first A Grade title in 1929, although their last came in 1992. Dropping down to the B Grade this year, the return of the man that brought them that 1992 success saw them give well-structured accounts of the set-work, 'Sounds' and their own-choice, 'St James- A New Beginning' to claim the title in impressive fashion.
Reflecting on their victory they stated: "We're pretty pleased (understatement) to be walking away from our first contest in the B Grade as champions. Grateful that all the hard work has paid off and allowed us to achieve first place."
Father and son
In addition to taking the Championship Challenge Shield they also took the prizes for 'Best Own-Choice Performance' as well as individual awards for soprano player Jessie Abelia and Harry Porthouse, who emulated the achievement of his father, Ian, who also played with the band in the early 1990s.
Eastern Bay of Plenty came runner-up for the second successive year as they topped the sacred item section with 'Reflections in Nature', whilst third went to Australian visitors Windsor Brass from Queensland. The remaining top-six places went to newly promoted Woolston Concert Brass, Porirua City Brass and Marlborough District.
C Grade:
Although Wellington's top section dominance hogged the headlines, the joy behind the long-awaited success of other National Champions in Christchurch was perhaps even more pronounced.
The last time Levin & Districts Brass from the west coast had claimed the C Grade title was back in 2009, so little wonder they enjoyed their celebrations (aided by MD David Mass also taking the prestigious Invitation Slow Melody title for a fourth time) helped along by over 40 travelling supporters.
Levin for the Win!
In what was the largest field in the C Grade for many years, Levin triumphed at the James Hay Theatre thanks to second place finishes on the set-work, 'The Lost Village of Imber' and their sacred item, 'Be Still' by Dorothy Gates, and a super rendition of their own-choice topping selection 'Albinus Variations'.
Reflecting on the success they stated: "'Levin for the Win' had become a catchphrase during the week's competition. After the band's successes, this became 'Levin got the Win!'".
In a closely fought battle for the prizes, Rolleston Brass (who topped the set-work element) was runner-up for the second successive year with newly promoted Rangiora Brass in third (placed first in the sacred item).
The remaining top-six places went to defending champion Matamata Brass ahead of Whitehorse Brass and Timaru Brass.
D Grade:
If Levin had waited for what seemed a long time to celebrate an overdue National title success, then celebrations for New Brighton Silver had been on ice for an incredible 110 years.
Originally formed in the seaside suburb of Christchurch in 1908, their won the C Grade title in 1915. The nearest they had come to emulating the feat was coming runner-up in 2023.
Now though they can finally celebrate as they gave super renditions of the set-work, 'Be Still' as well as their march 'Star Lake' and their own-choice of 'I Daedalus' under conductor Lachlan Grant.
Awesome day
Reflecting on their victory the band stated: "What an awesome day! With loads of placings over the years, the band has finally broken a 110-year drought.
The buildup to this fantastic event has been a very enjoyable one, thanks to our amazing MD, Lachlan Grant, who was also awarded Champion Musical Director for D Grade — a thoroughly deserved accolade for his positive leadership and direction in our journey to the Nationals."
In a contest that also showcased the youthful foundation base of New Zealand banding, second place went to Mosgiel Brass with third place going to debutants Addington Workshop Band.
There were also highly encouraging performances to enjoy from Nor'west Zephyrs, Ascot Park Hotel Development Brass, Summer Silver and Buzzing Brass Wellington.
Youth and other events
Unfortunately there was just the one entrant in the Youth Section this year as Box Hill Academy Brass led by Lauren Innes took the award. The regaining Australian Junior B Grade champion gave a fine overall display of musical confidence in playing 'A Malvern Suite' plus, 'That I May Love', the march 'The Victorian Rifles' and 'The Floral Dance'.
The popular Parade of Bands through the streets of Christchurch took place on the Sunday this year with Woolston Brass taking the A Grade title.
Solo and ensemble titles
As always at the Championships there was equally keen competition in the various solo and ensemble events, with Keina Rollinson of Woolston Brass taking the Blue Riband 'Champion of Champion' solo title (first held in 1927) to become the first percussionist to take the accolade since 2017.
The Masters title went to Kevin Hickman with the Invitation Slow Melody won by David Maas. The Junior Champion of Champion (first held in 1957) was won by Eb tuba player Kilian Casey of Auckland City Brass.
With 37 bands from both sides of the Tasman Sea, the excellent local organisers ensured the smooth running of the event as it returned to Christchurch for the first time since 2021. The 2026 event will take place in Invercargill.
Iwan Fox
I'm so proud of the band's efforts in securing a seventh A Grade title in a row. The players put so much work in for this contest and performed exceptionally under so much pressureDavid Bremner
Results:
A Grade:
Set Test: A Tale As Yet Untold (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicator: Frederic Theodoloz
Sacred item/Set-test/Own-choice = Total
1. Wellington Brass (David Bremner): 48.5/96/98 = 242.50
2. Woolston Brass (Phil Johnston): 49/95/96 = 240.00
3. North Shore Brass (Harmen Vanhoorne): 47/94/96.5 = 237.50
4. Brass Band Newcastle (Aus) (Conrad Curry): 47.5/92/97.5 = 237.00
5. Darebin City Brass (Aus) (Andrew Snell): 48/93/95 = 236.00
6. Hamilton City Brass (Todd Smith): 46/89/94 = 229.00
7. Hutt City Brass (Matthew Stein): 45.25/90/92 = 227.25
8. Ascot Park Hotel Brass (Joe Thomas): 45.5/88/90 = 223.50
9. Auckland City Brass (Mark Close): 45/87/87 = 219.00
10. Brass Whanganui (Bruce Jellyman): 44.5/85/88 = 217.50
Best Soloist (Set Test): Luke Giri-Spence (euphonium) — Wellington Brass
Best Section (Set Test): Trombones (Wellington Brass)
Best Principal Cornet (Own Choice): Kyle Lawson (Wellington Brass)
B Grade:
Set Test: Sounds (John Golland)
Adjudicator: Frederic Theodoloz
Sacred item/Set-test/Own-choice = Total
1. St Kilda Brass (Prof. Peter Adams): 43.5/93/94 = 230.5
2. Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass (Andrew Leach): 46/88/93 = 227.0
3. Windsor Excelsior (Aus) (Dale Hosking): 45/92/89 = 226.0
4. Woolston Concert Brass (Matt Toomata): 44.5/89/88 = 221.5
5. Porirua City Brass (Nicholas Garrett): 42.5/87/92 = 221.5
6. Marlborough District Brass (Robin Randall): 43/86/91 = 220.0
7. Addington Brass (Adrian Dalton): 44/85/89.5 = 218.5
Best Soloist (Set-work): Jessie Abelia (soprano) — St Kilda
Best Principal Cornet (Own-Choice): Harry Porthouse (St Kilda)
C Grade:
Set Test: The Lost Village of Imber (Christopher Bond)
Adjudicator: Nick Johnson
Sacred item/Set-test/Own-choice = Total
1. Levin & Districts Brass (David Mass): 48/95/97 = 240.00
2. Rolleston Brass (Raynor Martin): 47.5/96/95 = 238.50
3. Rangiora RSA Club Band (Dwayne Bloomfield): 48.5/93/96.5 = 238.00
4. Whitehorse Brass (Aus) (Broden Ford): 47/90/96 = 233.00
5. Matamata Brass (Glenn Richards): 46.5/89/95.5 = 231.00
6. Timaru Brass (Catherine Anderson): 45.5/93/89 = 227.50
7= Maamaloa Brass (Kalino Pongi): 44.5/89/93.5 = 227.00
7= North Shore Brass Academy (Billy Middleton): 46/89/92 = 227.00
9. Nor'west Brass (Nicholas Scott): 44/90/92 = 226.00
10. Te Awamutu GoBus Brass (Sarah Carroll): 44.5/90/91 = 225.50
11. Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass (Ben Rickerby): 42/86/90 = 218.00
12. Westport Municipal (Nathan Keoghan): 43.5/86/88 = 217.50
D Grade:
Set Test: Be Still (David J Evans arr. Stephen Tighe)
Adjudicator: Nick Johnson
Sacred item/Set-test/Own-choice = Total
1. New Brighton Silver (Lachlan Grant): 93/91/94 = 278
2. Mosgiel Brass (Philip Craigie QSM): 90/92/92 = 274
3. Addington Workshop Band (Matthew Harris): 90/89/92 = 271
4. Nor'west Zephyrs (Joel Williams): 91/90/89 = 270
5. Ascot Park Hotel Development Brass (Aaron Herman): 87/89/91 = 267
6. Summer Silver Band (Vickie van Uden): 89/89/88 = 266
7. Buzzing Brass Wellington (Byron Newton): 86/88/90 = 264
Youth Section:
Adjudicator: Victoria van Uden
Own Choice/Entertainment:
1. Box Hill Academy Brass (Lauren Innes): 97/96 = 193
Parade of Bands:
A Grade: Woolston Brass
B Grade: Marlborough District Brass/Addington Brass (tie)
C Grade: Rolleston Brass
D Grade: Mosgiel Brass
Solo Championships:
Champion of Champions:
1. Keina Rollinson (Woolston Brass) — Percussion
2. Tyme Marsters (Westport Municipal) — Flugel Horn
3. James Blackford (Darebin City) — Euphonium
Masters:
1. Kevin Hickman (Woolston Brass)
2. Mike Ford (NBS Nelson City Brass)
3. Kevin McMorran (Rangiora RSA Club Band)
Junior Champion of Champions:
1. Kilian Casey (Eb tuba) — Auckland City Brass
2. Mia Yee (Flugel) — Addington Brass
3. Matt Donaldson (Bass Trombone) — North Shore Brass
Highly Commended: Marcus Guo (Baritone) — Box Hill Academy Brass
Invitation Slow Melody:
1. David Maas (Levin & Districts Brass)
2. Keina Rollinson (Woolston Brass)
3. Aishah Leitner (North Shore Brass)
Highly Commended: Aaron Ford (Whitehorse Brass)
Open Champions:
Championship Cornet: Raynor Martin (Woolston Brass)
Open Soprano: Jake Krishnamurti (Auckland City Brass)
Open Flugel: Tyme Marsters (Westport Municipal Band)
Open Tenor Horn: Nicky Abkiewicz (Brass Band Newcastle)
Open Baritone: Steven Booth (Waitakere Auckland Brass)
Open Euphonium: James Blackford (Darebin City)
Open Tenor Trombone: Aishah Leitner (North Shore Brass)
Open Bass Trombone: Matt Donaldson (North Shore Brass)
Open EEb Bass: Adam Arnold (Brass Band Newcastle)
Open BBb Bass: Adam Arnold (Brass Band Newcastle)
