The picturesque Wollongong Conservatorium was the backdrop for the 2010 New South Wales State Solo and Party Championships over the last weekend of June.

Tough Competition

Competitors from as far away as Armidale and as close as Wollongong prepared solos of their own choice to perform in the toughest competitive arena of any state solo and party event in the country.

Keller Veterans

Just how tough it was was reflected in the Open Brass Champion of Champions event which boasted four Ern Keller veterans. Phillip O’Neill, principal cornet of Gunnedah Shire Band, played an absolute blinder and was virtually unbeatable as he claimed his second victory in as many outings. Matthew Hurditch, Euphonium with Warringah Concert Brass, won the Junior (under 19) Brass Champion of Champions and fourteen year old Dominic Longhurst (Newington and Holroyd) continued to impress with his performances on Flugel and Cornet in the open and junior sections as well as a clear victory in the Juvenile (under 15) Brass Champion of Champions.

Brass Band Domination

Brass bands dominated the weekend with 12 community brass bands, 6 school concert bands, and 4 community concert bands represented. The slow melody events continue to be very popular with 18 senior, 18 junior, and 19 juvenile competitors won respectively by Ossie Jellyman (Waratah Brass), Christopher Moran (Sutherland PCYC), and Katelin Bush (Gunnedah Shire). The association has expressed concern about a decline in overall entrants but has struck a winner with this event.

Socially Important

The contest is just as important socially as it is musically and those present enjoyed catching up with each other over the weekend and shared all sorts of stories to pass the time, of which there was plenty to pass.

Sharing

Competitors performed enthusiastically in the spirit of the event and encouraged their fellow competitors by listening to performances, sharing advice, and exchanging repertoire. Willing and cheerful volunteers made the weekend work and were to be seen everywhere as hall announcers, writers, recording technicians, registrars, and runners.

Controversy

There were a few gentle controversies over the weekend concerning time limits and the delay in announcing results but nothing that harmed the general good mood of those present.

Wollongong Conservatorium proved a good venue but presented significant logistical problems for some regional competitors who will think twice before making the trip again.

Overall though, the NSW Band Association organised an event that brought the banding community together in a spirit of fellowship and musicianship which was a pleasure to be part of.

OPEN
Champion of Champions and Cornet – Phillip O’Neill, Gunnedah Shire Band
Soprano Cornet – Steven English, Warringah Concert Brass
Flugal Horn – Brian McGuinness, Sutherland PCYC Concert Band
Tenor Horn – Bruce Myers, Gunnedah Shire Band
Baritone – Jonathan Gatt, St Marys Band Club Brass Band
Tenor Trombone – Andrew Sambell, Willoughby City Band
Euphonium – Matthew Van Emmerik, St Marys Band Club Brass Band
Eb Tuba – Iain Fisher, Gunnedah Shire Band
Bb Tuba – John Foster, Sutherland Shire Brass

JUNIOR
Champion of Champions and Euphonium – Matthew Hurditch, Warringah Concert Brass
Cornet – Dominic Longhurst, Newington College
Flugal Horn – Dominic Longhurst, City of Holroyd
Tenor Horn – Benj Porter, Gunnedah Shire Band
Baritone – Jeremy Lloyd, Warringah Concert Brass
Tenor Trombone – Charlotte Pettet, Gunnedah Shire Band
Bass Trombone – Siobhan McGuinness, Willoughby City Band
Eb Tuba – Angus Pettet, Gunnedah Shire Band

JUVENILE
Champion of Champions, Cornet and Flugal Horn – Dominic Longhurst, City of Holroyd
Tenor Horn – Benj Porter, Gunnedah Shire Band
Baritone – Bryce Fairweather, City of Wollongong
Tenor Trombone – Adam Valanidas, Castle Hill RSL Youth Wind Ensemble
Euphonium – Rhys Little, Willoughby City Band
Eb Tuba – Angus Pettet, Gunnedah Shire Band
Bb Tuba – Emily Turpin, Gunnedah Shire Band

For full results see www.bandnsw.com