2006 Victorian Championships

Retrospective: D Grade

The strength and standard of both the C and D Grade bands in Victoria seemed to be generally very high, particularly in comparison to bands in the same grade in other Eastern states.

D Grade
Adjudicator: Eric Anderson
Test: Pacific Dreams by Jacob de Haan

To have so many bands in the lower grades and to see, in most instances, all the chairs occupied, albeit with the odd permit player or two, is an encouraging sign for Victorian banding.

Certainly an upgrade or two could well be warranted but this movement may be withheld until after the Nationals. Victorian bands in C and D grade at the 2007 Nationals will most likely be a dominant force.

For the bands at this contest the task of capturing all the required effects called for in de Haan's Pacific Dreams presented a challenge. Particularly when, more often than not, these effects revolved around the percussion section.

Despite some of the problems the bands faced in the contest lead up, the attempts and efforts made were quite remarkable. The test piece was enjoyable to listen to, and bands appeared to enjoy playing it.

The feedback adjudicator Eric Anderson gave to the bands at the conclusion of the session was constructive and helpful. Basics which need to be developed included, intonation, stopping and starting together, dynamic range, and rhythmic control.

There was no sign of disagreement with the result in D Grade. Darebin were of a higher standard than the other bands and arguably in the wrong grade. City of Bendigo and Moonee Valley were closely matched, and not too far behind were Daylesford and Echuca. A very solid grade indeed.

Latrobe City Brass chose to play an unregistered player on stage, and consequently performed for critique only. Based on this performance, it would have been expected for this band to have ended in the lower order.

Bands chose their own choice items with sensibility.

Results:
Hymn, Test, Concert, March
1. Darebin City - Northern Brass 38, 77, 40, 40
2. City of Bendigo Brass Band 35, 75, 37, 39
3. Moonee Valley Brass Band 35, 75, 38, 37
4. Daylesford & District Municipal 34, 74, 36, 39
5. Echuca Federal Band 33, 72, 38, 39

Darebin Northern Brass members - winners of the D Grade

Daylesford & District Municipal
Conductor: Jenny Jordan

It is been over ten years since this band has taken to the contest platform. The band performed Granada Overture (Pastore),

Blaenwern (Rowlands arr. Kerwin), and chose well with the march Barnard Castle by Goff Richards.

Daylesford & District Municipal
Daylesford and District Municipal

The ensemble was mostly quite tight with the occassional early entry sneaking in. Intonation was often an issue. Playing was confident and stylistic. Some missing percussion parts weren't really a huge problem in the scheme of things. There was some fine playing from the tuba section, snare drum, 2nd/3rd cornets - particularly during the test piece.

This was an enjoyable well chosen program which suited the band well.

Darebin City - Northern Brass
Conductor: Andrew Power

After hearing this band, the word 'burgler' springs immediately to mind - said with the utmost respect, of course! Well done to Andrew Power and the band for having advanced so quickly.

Darebin City - Northern Brass paid careful attention to detail such as dynamics, had good sounds and tight ensemble mostly.

Darebin City Brass - Northern Brass

Sometimes over enthusiasm almost allowed tempos to push but control was regained quickly.

Without being too picky, the bands performance certainly wasn't without flaws. There were intonation problems at times, frequently in the back row cornets, and three of the four pieces had unsure, rough starts but soon settled.

The band chose Floral Dance, Lloyd by Cuthbert Howard, and McArthur Glen by Darrol Barry.

Echuca Federal
Conductor: Doug Morison

As with other bands in D Grade, Echuca also were sensible with its programing. Own choice items included Don't Cry for Me Argentina arr. Sebregrts, The Day Thou Gavest arr Wilby, and The Vanished Army by Alford.

Echuca Federal

The band, with members covering a huge range of ages, made a good attempt of the test, with the percussion team at maximum concentration and effort - well done! There were obvious technical limitations but this didn't dampen the audience response and appreciation for the band's efforts.

City of Bendigo Brass Band
Conductor: Andrew Trewartha

Andrew Trewartha had his players in extremely tight band formation. This combined with sheer numbers helped to produce a well-rounded, balanced sound. The ensemble was usually tight, and the musical nuances and flow were evident. Intonation issues didn't escape this band, however.

City of Bendigo Brass

Particularly noticable was the quality of the trombone section - with great bass trom colour in just the right places.

The athleticism of the percussionist in catching the triangle stand was an amusing side-track.

Certain exposed sections tended to highlight weaknesses - tutti playing definitely suits this band the most. A very solid performance possibly comparable to several of the C Grade bands.

Latrobe City Brass
Conductor: Cyril Payne

The program for Latrobe included Fanfare and Flourishes by Curnow, Abridge by Kent, and Starlake by Ball.

Latrobe made a good attempt with the test and achieved some good sounds - particularly in the louder tutti sections.

Latrobe City Brass Band

However, there were some ensemble issue where players simply weren't watching the conductor.

The band seemed most comfortable with the march which was seemingly well suited to its ability. Attention to dynamics was well done, and percussion was clean with good rhythmic drive.

Moonee Valley Brass
Conductor: John Breen

A lovely looking bright band!

Moonee Valley were another strong competitor in this section. The closely seated ensemble was mostly together and balance generally good. Intonation problems however were detracting, as was the occassional harshness in sound that crept in during some of the louder sections.

Moonee Valley Brass