The Nelson Marlborough West Coast Band Association recently held its contest in Nelson, New Zealand.

Nelson City Brass, runner-up in the A Grade at the 2024 National Championships, warmed up nicely for the 2025 event in Christchurch next month with a commanding victory led by Nigel Weeks. They took home with them the overall Championship Charlie Ross Trophy as well as the Abrahams Beaumont Cup as the Champion A/B Grade Band.

Double

Their performances of 'Connotations', the march 'Ravenswood' and the sacred item, 'Swedish Folk Song' saw them take the honours for the second time in three years from Westpoint Municipal, with Motueka District Brass in third.

Nelson also made it a 'double' by winning the separate entertainment competition, taking with them the Nicholas Family Cup, whilst their star tenor horn player Mike Ford added yet more silverware to his name by taking the 'Best Soloist Award.

In the open competition, Westport Municipal Brass claimed the Gordon Russell Memorial Cup as the Champion C/D Grade Band thanks to their performances of 'The Lost Village of Imber', the march 'Pendine' and the sacred item, 'Blaenwern'.

Open Section:

Adjudicators: Mark Carter; Cameron James
Hymn/March/Test piece = Total

1. NBS Nelson City Brass (Nigel Weeks): 92/90/93 = 275
2. Westport Municipal (Nathan Keoghan): 82/82/83 = 247
3. Motueka District Brass (Kaie Scott): 79/84/80 = 243
4. Greymouth Municipal Band (Lynn Welsford): 75/78/75 = 228

Festival of Brass: Entertainment

Adjudicators: Mark Carter; Cameron James
Entertainment: Rachel Boyack
Music/Entertainment = Total

1. NBS Nelson City Brass: 65/29 = 94
2= Westport Municipal: 47/25 = 72
2= Motueka District Brass: 50/22 =72
4. Greymouth Municipal Band: 41/21 = 62

Best Soloist: Mike Ford (horn) — NBS Nelson City Brass