2006 Victorian Championships - Retrospective: C Grade

The C Grade section fielded a strong list of competitors and was closely contested.

C Grade
Adjudicator:  Bruce Armstrong
Test:  Inspiration by Jan de Haan

Similar to the D Grade, this section too was of a high standard relative to the grade.  The test piece was probably the most enjoyable to listen to of the whole contest.  Technically the piece was not too challenging for the bands, but the piece provided enough substance stylistically to be able to sort the bands.

Matt Pankhurst, adjudicator Bruce Armstrong, and Chris Smith

Results:
Hymn, Test, Concert, March
1. Sunshine Community Brass Band 41, 82, 39, 42
2. Marion City 42, 80, 40, 38
3. Advent Brass 39, 80, 42, 39
4. Marist Brothers 40, 79, 41, 43
5. Geelong West 40, 79, 38, 40
6. Greater Bendigo 39, 78, 43, 39
7. City of Ballarat 38, 78, 42, 37

Popular winners, Sunshine Community Brass, were awarded the championship based on having the highest score in the test - two points clear of its nearest competitors.  The closeness of the section became clear as the highest scores in each category were shared across four bands with Marion City winning the Hymn, Greater Bendigo the concert item, and Marist Brothers the march. 

Marist brothers were the winners of the Royal South Street Society trophy which is awarded to the band with the highest aggregate of points of all items except the test i.e. from the Hymn, March and Concert item.

For us, Geelong West were unlucky not to have finished higher up in the test.  We hasten to add though, the standard of the bands in this section was extremely close.

Sunshine Community Brass conductor, Chris Smith with the C Grade Championship trophy

Marion City Band
Conductor:  Veronica Bowman

It was terrific to see Marion City travel to Ballarat from its home state of South Australia.  Capably led by Veronica Bowman, conducting throughout without scores, the band had great stage presence, and genuinely looked like they were really enjoying themselves.

Apart some intonation problems in some of the exposed sections and the occasional over-enthusiastic early entry, the band played well together, were stylistic with plenty of character and were very rhythmic.  The dynamic contrast was very good but the softer playing did result in some insecurities. 

Marion City Band

The percussion had a ball in Birdland by Josef Zawinul, and James Bowman on trombone was confident with plenty of flair!  Unfortunately the band was a little too loud to fully appreciate James' impro.

The march was Aces High arr. Frank Bryce and the chosen hymn, Amazing Grace arr Himes.

Sunshine Community Brass
Conductor:  Chris Smith

The 'big fella' and his team showed no signs of the recent stress and tension following the recent fire which destroyed the band's hall and all contents.

The band was very tuneful, confident and had a great sound.  The quieter dynamic didn't really happen, however, and when it did balance and intonation suffered.

Sunshine Community Brass

Jason Mears played the position of principal cornet for the second time today and did so with great style.  There was some lovely euho playing in the test, as well as some technically very neat playing from the cornet section.  The soprano did well and the bass section was strong.

The march, The Viking by Arthur Cartledge, was a good choice.  The band got carried away at times and tended to rush and become unrhythmic but MD, Chris Smith, quickly regained control. 

Sunshine Community Brass chose Caroline by Dibb as the Hymn, and St Lawrence by CA Miller as the concert item.

Geelong West
Conductor:  Jeff Steele

Geelong West are a very strong and competent band.  Perhaps what didn't do the band's final result any favours was the choice of Windows of the World (parts) and The Jaguar, both by Goff Richards.  These are both demanding pieces.  The band made a great attempt of both but came undone technically at times.  As well, the band was sounding tired towards the end of the march and seemed to want to rush to the finish.

Geelong West

The test piece, whilst it had its moments, the overall performance was very convincing.  The softer dynamic was lacking, but the band had a balanced, full sound in the louder, tutti passages.  

Advent Brass
Conductor:  Reynold Gilson

This is another band that was right up there with the leading pack.  Apart from a few insecure moments in the Hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness by Runyan, the playing was sensitive and well controlled.

Advent Brass

Much more dynamic contrast was needed in the test, but the performance was well executed and had character.

The mute drop by 'someone' in the Cartoon Classics was indeed unfortunate!

Red and Black by Middelberg was the march, which was well chosen and sat comfortably, but possibly lacking sparkle.

Marist Brothers
Conductor:  Matt Pankhurst

Larger than life personality, Matthew Pankhurst, did a great job of leading this group.  The tutti 'f' sounds from the band were excellent.

The test was played with character and flair, and had well controlled tempo and dynamics.  Occasionally, intonation problems were creeping in, particularly in the softer passages. 

The Hymn tune, Holy Holy Holy arr. Curnow, was a gorgeous arrangement.

Marist Brothers perform Be A Clown

The march, Viva Birkinshaw (VB for short) by Rimmer, got off to a loose start, but soon settled.  The trombone work in this piece was superb.

Concert item, Be a Clown arr. Fernie, was short and sweet but effective.  The crazy wigs and noses worn by Matt and the percussionists were effective and fun.

Marist Brothers award of the Royal South Street Society Trophy was well deserved.  Matthew Pankhurst acknowledged the help of mentor Ken McDonald in his acceptance speech and encouraged bands to adopt a mentor - just not theirs!

Greater Bendigo Concert Brass
Conductor:  Colin Wellard

Like other bands in this section, the tutti sounds were very good, but weaknesses and insecurities developed in the softer more exposed areas.

The band generally does need to watch the conductor more closely as too often there were too many individuals either not watching, not listening, playing at their own tempo, or all of the above. 

Greater Bendigo Concert Brass

The own choice items were Crimond by Goff Richards, When the Saints go Marching In also by Richards, and the march, Contest Day by Fernie.

Again - a strong, competent C Grade band, whose program was well chosen and thoroughly entertaining.

City of Ballarat
Conductor:  Brian Milkins

This was a tight and well-balanced ensemble who obviously took care with their stage set-up to ensure a close seating arrangement.

Softer passages exposed some insecurities and parts were not always together.

City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band

The concert item was well chosen and the audience were appreciative.

The own choice items were Breezin Down Broadway by Richards, Deep Harmony arr Downie, and the march, California by Soderstrom.