The 2015 New Zealand National Championship will take place in Rotorua, starting on Wednesday 8th July and running through to Sunday 12th July.
The oldest National Championship in the world will be returning to the city on the southern shores of the Bay of Plenty for the fourth time since 1969, with 27 bands competing in the four main sections.
Judges
The highly respected New Zealand musician David Gallaher is flying over from his home in Geelong, Australia to take on the role as Chief Adjudicator alongside the equally respected Assistant Chief Adjudicator David Chaulk.
Eight New Zealand A Grade Bands, led by defending champion Wellington Brass will be joined by Kew Band from Melbourne to compete for the Championship Gold Cup.
Set works
The set work in the Championship A Grade section this year is 'Vita Aeterna Variations' with the B Grade bands tackling 'Festival Music' by Eric Ball. The C Grade bands will perform 'Majesty' by Kenneth Downie with 'As the Bridegroom to his Chosen' by John Rutter the set sacred item in the D Grade.
All the 2014 championship winning bands are returning to defend their titles, whilst there is sure to be the usual keen battles to enjoy in the various solo, ensemble and Champion of Champion categories that lead up to the band contests.
Free workshops
On the Wednesday and Thursday players are invited to attend a number of free workshops, thanks to sponsors Yamaha/Music Works, ABI Music Besson and Geneva Brass Australasia, given by international artists Yoshiko Tsuruta (marimba), Russell Gray (cornet and conducting), Glenn Van Looy (euphonium) and Harmen Vanhoorne (cornet).
The traditional Parade of Bands will also take place on the Friday with the contest weekend rounded off by the Band of the Year event featuring Dalewool Auckland Brass, Waitakere Auckland Brass, Hamilton City Brass and local band Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass.
We can promise a great location, fantastic venues, wonderful accommodation and an absolute world class tourist destinationStephen Clayton
Excited
Speaking about the forthcoming contest, spokesperson Stephen Clayton remarked: "We are really excited to be hosting this year's New Zealand Brass Band Championships in Rotorua.
We can promise a great location, fantastic venues, wonderful accommodation and an absolute world class tourist destination."
Live streaming
The event will once again be streamed live on www.brassbanned.com
For more information on the event go to: www.brassbanz.org.nz
