The final preparations are starting to be put in place for the 2019 New Zealand National Championships — the 139th event taking place in the historic city of Hamilton from 10th to 14th July.

Best attended

It promises to be the best attended championships in more than a decade with 31 bands competing in the various sections. The A and C Grade bands will compete at Claudelands Event Centre, with the B, D and Youth grades at the Southwell School Performing Arts Centre.

In addition there will also be a numerous entrants for the prestigious solo and ensemble events which form the prelude to the contest weekend on the 10th and 11th July.

The Chief Adjudicator is the respected Belgian conductor Luc Vertommen with the assistant, NZ Army Band Director of Music, Major Graham Hickman.

Memorable contest

Marketing Coordinator Memorie Brooky told 4BR: "Being able to create a memorable contest for our brass banding peers is of course a high priority for our committee. However, being able to involve the whole community is just as important.

Having opportunities to showcase the different musical facets of brass banding is a must and we know that these championships are going to do that absolutely!"

Having opportunities to showcase the different musical facets of brass banding is a must and we know that these championships are going to do that absolutely!Marketing Coordinator, Memorie Brooky

Highlights

Championship highlights include:
Wednesday 10th July (8.00pm): Brass Direct Invitation Slow Melody
Thursday 11th July (7.30pm): New Zealand Army Band Champion of Champions
Friday 12th July (12.30pm): Parade of Bands
Sunday 14th July (1.00pm): Gala Concert
featuring Chicago Brass Band (USA), Hamilton City Brass and will showcase the absolute brilliance of soloists; Trevor Bremner (NZ), Murray Borthwick (UK/NZ) and Harmen Van Hoorne (Belgium)