The New Zealand banding movement has been urged to 'think positively' as bands start to look forward to the National Championships in Wellington in April.

The message has come from Brass Band Association of New Zealand President, John Sullivan in his regular column in the on-line 'Mouthpiece' magazine.

Highest number

Despite challenges that have arisen following the failure to gain grant funding for the National Youth Brass Band, the National Championships will welcome the highest number of competing bands since 1981, whilst the number of bands registered with the BBANZ continues to increase year on year.

Around 1,500 players are set to take part in the 47 bands from New Zealand, Australia and Tonga, whilst the event itself is part of a larger International Music Festival which is set to attract over 20,000 visitors to the waterfront area on the city on the contest weekend.

Street March

Unfortunately, this has meant the cancellation of the popular Street March event due to logistic difficulties.

John Sullivan stated: "We do not make these decisions lightly, and rest assured, we examined all options, as we know many bands look forward to the Street March and will be very disappointed."

However he also added that "things seem pretty positive"after he revealed that the funding shortfall for the youth band had been met by an anonymous donor and that after a two day meeting the BBANZ Board had "moved long-term, sustainable funding to the top of the agenda."

National Band

Also highlighted in the latest issue was the up-coming performance of the National Band of New Zealand at Wellington Opera House on Sunday 12th April (the final day of the Championships) under MD, David Bremner.

The 'Brilliant Brass' concert will also feature guest conductor Glyn Williams and soloists Helen Williams, Celine Wu and Harmen Vanhoorne. Plans are now being considered for a series of Community Collaboration weekends throughout the country.