The Woolston Band from Christchurch has been reflecting on the success as well as the near miss disappointment that they came away with from the recent New Zealand National Championships held in Blenheim in July.

Although the band was unable to add to its record of top section victories under MD Tyme Marsters, they took a great deal of encouragement that they just missed out on the title by the narrowest of half point margins from rivals Wellington Brass — topping the set-work discipline of the contest along the way.

The leviathan tuba team of Phil Johnston, Nigel Seaton, Sam Pinder and Matthew Toomata claimed the 'Best Basses' award, whilst the band also won the separate 'Best Street' march title. The Drum Major accolade went to Todd Turner.

Success

There was also success to enjoy in the prestigious solo and ensemble competitions that were held over the National weekend, with Tyme Marsters and Phil Johnston winning the Open flugel and EEb tuba titles and the Woolston Trombone and percussion sections also claiming ensemble victories.

The next generation of Woolstonians also showed their talents, with Woolston Concert Brass coming runner-up in the C Grade championship, and a host of talented youngsters claiming awards.

Their future is also being secured following the news that the band has been granted the go ahead to build a $2.5 million (NZ) rehearsal facility in its home suburb in the city4BR

New bandroom

Their future is also being secured following the news that the band has been granted the go ahead to build a $2.5 million (NZ) rehearsal facility in its home suburb in the city.

The band's historic home was severely damaged during the 2011 earthquake which hit Christchurch and has already been earmarked for demolition.