Although they were unable to claim victory at the recent New Zealand National Championships Dalewool Auckland Brass still left the contest happy with the title of 2011 Scenic Hotels Band of the Year.

Quality opposition

Against quality opposition from North Shore Brass and Pelorus Wellington, Dalewool’s American-themed programme took the honours under the baton of Howard Taylor, with the help of compere and resident conductor David Chaulk.

Highlights

Highlights of their winning programme included Lionel Ritchie’s ‘All Night Long’ featuring four screaming trumpets and Foden’s John Barber on trombone, the civil war-themed ‘An American Tale’ with narration from young trumpet star Mollie Comfield.

There was also an outstanding rendition of ‘Georgia On My Mind’ played in front of a montage of images of Afro-American struggle by newly crowned New Zealand Champion of Champions solo winner John Lewis on cornet.

Howard Taylor has a well-deserved reputation for getting the very best out of brass bands, and given the camaraderie and work ethic in the Dalewool bandroom we knew we were taking a special performance on to the stageMurray Carey

Well deserved

President Murray Carey told 4BR: "Howard Taylor has a well-deserved reputation for getting the very best out of brass bands, and given the camaraderie and work ethic in the Dalewool bandroom we knew we were taking a special performance on to the stage."

They added: "The whole team knows the band has a lot more potential to tap and we can think of no one better qualified than Howard to lead us in the right direction."