Woolston Brass continued to impose their supremacy on the New Zealand National Championships, with their third consecutive victory at the event, held this year at North Shore in Auckland.

Third hat trick

The band from Christchurch dominated the world’s oldest National Championships, claiming their fourth win since 2006 under the baton of MD Graeme Hickman to repeat their historic hat trick wins of 1974 –1976 and 2000 – 2002. It was their 27th National title success.

Commanding victory

Victory was achieved by claiming first place on the set work, ‘Les Preludes’ as well as their own choice selection of Philip Wilby’s ‘Red Priest’, to go with the second place in the sacred item discipline, where they performed a new commission by Dr Peter Meechan entitled, ‘The Pohutukawa Stands’.

Very proud

MD, Graham Hickman, was understandably very proud of the bands achievement especially giving the circumstances that the members have had to face since February.

He told 4BR: "The two test performances were exceptional and particularly our performance of 'Les Preludes' which will always stick with me as special."

Woolston’s aggregate 375 points tally from adjudicator Steve Bastable saw them gain a commanding six point winning margin over runner up Dalewool Auckland Brass, directed by Howard Taylor, with Marlborough District Brass under Kevin Mossley in third.

Poignancy

The victory was tinged with significant poignancy as the sacred item was commissioned as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent Christchurch earthquake disaster.

Woolston Band President Tony Lewis stated: "The band’s achievement is due in no small measure to the enormous talent and energy of their Music Director Graham Hickman.

His success has been outstanding. Woolston Brass has added to its 118 year history of achievement and excellence — something that all Canterbury can take pride in, especially in this difficult time for the region."

The victory was tinged with significant poignancy as the sacred item was commissioned as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent Christchurch earthquake disaster4BR

Busy week

The championship win capped a busy week of solo, ensemble playing and marching for the band. The Woolston Octet won the Open Ensemble B event, and Drum Major Graeme Bremner led the band to yet another victory in the Street March event, and picked up the Champion Drum Major award along the way.

The Woolston Brass cornet section was awarded the ‘Best Section’ prize in the set work discipline, whilst Principal Cornet, Kevin Hickman won the prestigious ‘Invitation Slow Melody’ competition. BBb Bass virtuoso Philip Johnston, and percussionist Roanna Funcke also won individual awards.

Entertainment victory for Dalewool

There was to be no first victory since 2004 for former champions Dalewool Auckland Brass directed by Howard Taylor, who had to be content with picking up the Scenic Hotels Band of the Year entertainment title the day after the main event.

They performed Bertran Moren's fearsome 'Dreams'as their own choice selection, but despite a fine performance could not snatch victory from their rivals.

Marlborough District Brass who performed 'Stonehenge' under Kevin Mossley claimed third place, just a point behind Dalewool with euphonium star Riki McDonnell taking the ‘Best Soloist’ Award on the set work for the second year running.

Major awards

Other major individual awards went to Dalewool Auckland’s principal cornet player John Lewis who won the prestigious ‘Champion of Champions’ solo title, whilst Byron Newton, who is currently playing with British Open champions Tredegar in the UK, returned home to take the ‘Best Soloist’ Award’ for his performance of 'Harlequin' in the entertainment contest with Pelorus Trust Wellington Brass.

Dominic Longhurst of St Mary’s Club Brass from Austraila claimed the Junior Champion of Champions title.

Hard fought victory

In a closely fought the B Grade contest the Wellington based Hutt City Brass claimed a narrow victory over Hamilton City Brass with Cairns Brass in third.

It also proved to be a battle between three highly talented conducting musicians, with trombonist David Chaulk claiming the honours from flugel star Mason Elliott and former Foden’s cornet player Maureen Cameron.

Stalwart win

Ian Levien, one of the great stalwarts of New Zealand banding, led Papakura RSA Brass to a clear cut victory in the C Grade contest ahead of Smiths Locksmiths Manakau City Brass and Boroondara Harmony Brass, whilst Cambridge Brass Band directed by Michelle Flint took the D Grade honours is a closely fought contest ahead of Roxburgh Pioneer Generation Brass and Hamilton City Auxillary Brass.

Results:

YAMAHA A GRADE
Adjudicator: Steve Bastable
Test: Les Preludes, F. Liszt arr. Bram Gray
Hymn + Test + Own Choice = Total

1. Woolston Brass, Graham Hickman, 90+140+145=375
2. Dalewool Auckland Brass, Howard Taylor, 88+139+142=369
3. Marlborough District Brass, Kevin Moseley, 92+139+137=368
4. North Shore Brass, Mark Ford, 89+136+143=368
5. The Trusts Waitakere Brass, Steven Booth, 89+137+137=363
6. Ascot Park Hotel Brass Invercargill, Russell Gray, 87+134+140=361
7. Pelorus Trust Wellington Brass, David Bremner, 85+135+139=359
8. Brass Wanganui, Bruce Jellyman, 86+132+139=357
9. St Kilda Brass, Peter Adams, 85+133+138=356
10. Leopard Coachlines Canterbury Brass, Tyme Marsters, 88+130+137=355
11. Boroondara Brass (Australia), Daniel van Bergen, 88+128+138=354

Best Soloist in Test: Riki McDonnell, Marlborough Brass
Best Section in Test: Cornet section, Woolston Brass

YAMAHA B GRADE
Adjudicator: Steve Bastable

Test: The Lord is King, Ray Steadman-Allen
1. Hutt City Brass, David Chaulk, 88+138+143=369
2. Hamilton City Brass, Mason Elliot, 92+140+136=368
3. Cairns Brass (Australia), Maureen Cameron, 89+139+138=366
4. Trust Porirua City Brass, Kerry Garrett, 87+134+138=359
5. New Plymouth Brass, Leigh Martin, 82+132+139=353
6. Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass, Alan Spence, 84+133+135=352
7. Tauranga City Silver, Steve Thompson, 85+132+134=351
8. Port of Napier Brass, Vaughan McDonald, 82+135+130=347

VIVACE C GRADE
Adjudicator: John Snowling
Test: The Haslemere Suite, Peter Graham

1. Papakura RSA Brass, Ian Levien, 83+116+139=338
2. Smiths Locksmiths Manakau City Brass, Graeme Brown, 84+113+136=333
3. Boroondara Harmony Brass (Australia), Matthew Pankhurst, 82+109+137=328
4. Levin & Districts Brass, Colin Honey, 80+111+133=324

VIVACE D GRADE
Adjudicator: John Snowling
Hymn + Own Choice + Stage March = Total

1. Cambridge Brass Band, Michelle Flint, 80+126+128=334
2. Roxburgh Pioneer Generation Brass, Allan Brown, 77+125+131=333
3. Hamilton City Auxillary Brass, Blair Stanbridge, 78+124+130=332
4. Kumeu Brass, Marc Nethercot, 77+120+129=326
5. Ikuna Youth Brass, Viliami Telefoni, 76+122+126=324
6. Te Awamutu Auxilliary Brass, Steve Derbyshire, 75+120+126=321

For a complete set of results go to www.brassnz.co.nz