The latest edition of the 'Mouthpiece', the official journal of the Brass Band Association of New Zealand has just been published.

In it the test-piece for the 2022 National Championships, plus the solo works for its prestigious series of solo events which take place in Wellington from the 13th-16th July have been announced.

Test pieces

Bruce Broughton's 'Heroes' will test the elite A Grade band, whilst the B Grade contenders will be faced with Philip Sparke's 'Aotearoa: Land of the Long White Cloud', written for the centenary of the New Zealand Brass Band Association in 1980.

The C Grade bands will perform Philip Harper's dramatic 'Napoleon on the Alps', whilst the D Grade bands will be faced by a brand new work from the pen of composer Jack Bewley, entitled, 'Kinloch' — inspired an area on the shores of Lake Taupo.

Set works:
A Grade: Heroes (Bruce Broughton)
B Grade: Aotearoa: Land of the Long White Cloud (Philip Sparke)
C Grade: Napoleon on the Alps (Philip Harper)
D Grade: Kinloch (Jack Bewley)

Determined

However, with the 2022 Australian Championships, which were due to take place over this Easter weekend, cancelled due to ongoing Covid-19 issues, BBANZ President John Sullivan stated that although challenges remain the association was determined that it would go ahead.

"Understanding the commitment and desire of New Zealand bands to attend the 2022 Wellington contest will be one of the decision elements for BBANZ regarding the viability of this event,"said.

"If the last two years have taught us anything, it's that things change quickly, and that means decisions often need to be made with incomplete information. We are working in a fluid environment, and although it is the strong desire of your Association to hold the National Contest, it must be safe and practical to do so."

Vision and courage

He concluded: "It is essential we develop a National Contest model that can meet our needs and requirements without creating disproportionate financial pressure on bands and with the flexibility required to work in a COVID world.

We, too, must have the vision and courage to adapt if we want our movement to survive and prosper."