The major honours at an exciting Yamaha sponsored FABB Australasian Open Festival at the Twin Towns Services Club in Coolangatta, were shared on the weekend, with Brisbane Excelsior and Gunnedah Shire Bands celebrating success in the Open and Entertainment contests respectively.

Thrilling

Conducted by UK based Paul Andrews, Brisbane took the $5,000 top prize in the test piece competition with a thrilling performance of the set work ‘Psyche’ by Swiss composer Ludovic Neurohr – a work that sets out to explore what he called, '…the element which we do not master and which makes us a prisoner of our feelings.'

Gunnadah Shire conducted by Jason Katsikaris was second, with principal cornet player John Lewis picking up the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award, whilst Kew Band Melbourne, under the direction of Mark Ford Melbourne came third.

Concern

Although the adjudication team of Russell Gray, David Gallaher and Bruce Broughton were unanimous in their selection of the winners, Russell told the audience that they found concern in all the performances on the day.

In a constructive analysis Russell pinpointed the tuning, dynamic, tempo and continuity problems that affected each band4BRDU

Miserable sod

In a constructive analysis Russell pinpointed the tuning, dynamic, tempo and continuity problems that affected each band.

"I sound like a miserable sod," he said – although the vast majority of the audience fully appreciated his candour in highlighting what was good and not so good about the overall level of performances on a very demanding set work.

Mention

Russell took time to congratulate the level of solo playing, with a special mention to the fine efforts of the soprano players in particular.

However, he also highlighted the need for better tuning, ensemble precision and dynamic contrast – although he felt that one band in particular was able to show ‘transparency’ in the triple piano dynamics. Not many were able to ‘change gear’ between contrasting sections of the work ‘smoothly and elegantly’ though, he said.

Entertainment

The Yamaha Australasian Open Entertainment contest saw Gunnedah Shire take the $5,000 top prize thanks to a programme that adjudicator David Gallaher said, 'had everything' — 'well shaped and crafted'.

With a theme of ‘My Country’ and aided by multi media presentation and the Mayor of Gunnedah giving an introduction about the band and their community, Jason Katsikaris opened with Peter Graham’s ‘Amazonia’ from ‘Windows of the World’.

Remarkable

This was followed by ‘Salt of the Earth’ by Andy Scott and a remarkable ‘Best Brass Soloist’ Award winning contribution from baritone player Kristy Rowe on ‘When Sparks Fly’ arranged by Welsh composer Tom Davoren, who was in the audience to hear Kristy perform.

Kristy will now go on to compete at the 2012 Ern Keller Competition.

Sensitive

A sensitive rendition of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ was contrasted by another Tom Davoren arrangement of the upbeat ‘The Heat Is On’ before the band closed with a third Davoren contribution with his three movement ‘Visions of Gunnedah’, which brought their 35 minute programme to a stunning close.

It proved to be more than enough to repel the challenge of Kew Band in second place, whose classy dance inspired programme under Mark Ford featured the trombone solo skills of Black Dyke’s Brett Baker.

Innovative

Meanwhile, Brisbane Excelsior couldn’t quite make it a Coolangatta ‘Double’, although they certainly had a great deal of fun in trying.

With considerable use made of the multi media video screens, the innovative ‘New Technology’ prize was won by Glenorchy Brass conducted by Howard Taylor.

High class

On what proved to be another FABB Contest weekend of high class test piece playing and entertainment fare, the ‘Brass on Broadway’ inspired Solo Competition was won by the outstanding Paula Russell with a sublime performance ‘And This is My Beloved’ arranged by Michael Forsyth.

Results:
Yamaha Australasian Open Championship:
Test: Psyche (Ludovic Neurohr)
Adjudicators: Russell Gray, Bill Broughton & David Gallaher

1. Brisbane Excelsior (Paul Andrews)
2. Gunnedah Shire Band (Jason Katsikaris)
3. Kew Band Melbourne (Mark Ford)

Best Soloist: John Lewis (Gunnedah)

Yamaha Australasian Entertainment Championship:

1. Gunnedah Shire Band (Jason Katsikaris)
2. Kew Band Melbourne (Mark Ford)
3. Brisbane Excelsior (Paul Andrews)

Best Soloist: Kristy Rowe (Gunnedah)

Best AV Presentation: Glenorchy Concert Brass

Solo Championship: Brass on Broadway:

Winner: Paula Russell