More than 400 musicians in 15 community brass and concert bands will take to the stage later this month as part of this year’s South Australian Band Association (SABA) State Band Championships.

The Events

Competition across nine grades, Junior and Open, gets underway next Saturday 29 August just after 9am in the Chapel at Scotch College, Torrens Park, and concludes with the afternoon results at 5pm.

The Bands

Among bands competing will be three from regional South Australia – Tanunda Town Band, Mount Gambier City Brass and Victor Harbor High School Band, one of three junior bands taking part.

All bands will be aiming to impress a screened adjudicator by playing three pieces of their own selection – a hymn, a major work (or ‘test piece’) and an entertainment item.

Community showcase

“The South Australian Band Association is excited to be presenting this full day of some of our state’s finest community musicians, not least from regional South Australia, all on the one stage,” SABA president Dr Kevin Cameron said today.

“Our brass and concert bands help develop some of the finest professional players for orchestral and other ensembles, but are also excellent community organisations in their own right and will be on show today."

“Championships such as these are an opportunity for our bands – conductors and players alike – to challenge themselves and strive for their best possible performance."

The Adjudicators

“We’re also very fortunate to have secured the services of Mr Barrie Gott, Principal Conductor of the Queensland Pops Orchestra, and Associate Professor Stephen Boyle, Acting Head of School Management at the University of South Australia’s Division of Business, as our adjudicators."

“Of course, while the bands will have the adjudicator in mind, it’s also nice to play to a good audience and those who come along will be hearing bands pushing to play at their very best.”

What: SABA 2009 State Band Championships
When: Saturday 29 August, 9.00am-5.00pm
Where: Chapel, Scotch College, Carruth Road, Torrens Park
Admission: $10, children under 12 free

Event details can also be found on the SABA website at http://sabandassociation.org

For more information, please contact:
Kevin Cameron (SABA president) on 0419 496 894, or
Anthony Rogers (SABA media liaison) on 0413 157 663