*
banner

Kew take NSW honours

Kew Band Melbourne travel interstate to clinch victory in New South Wales.

Tim Curnow — KBM President
 

The intensity and commitment the players of Kew Band Melbourne (KBM) have given to rehearsals over the past few months, under new MD Steve Bastable has paid off, as they returned to their home state of Victoria as New South Wales champions.

Close contest

KBM were awarded first place in the Sacred and Own Choice events, and were second to Waratah Brass — Newcastle, under the direction of Matthew van Emmerik, in the Test.

Choices

Interestingly, KBM decided not to compete in its own state championship this year and had also declined an invitation to compete in the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands "Australasian Open" being held in October.

Standards

Whilst KBM were overall winners on the day, and Waratah were closely matched, the standard of playing wasn't quite the 'new benchmark in banding downunder' expected by some.

That being said, adjudicator Mark Ford commented to 4BRDU that the first three placed bands in the test, and first four in the Own Choice were impressive in terms of National standards.

I was looking for a performance that would take Spectrum into the 21st Century, and only one band really did that.Adjudicator, Mark Ford.

Mark Ford said, "I was looking for a performance that would take Spectrum into the 21st Century, and only one band really did that. Ultimately, the final decision in the test was one based on interpretation."

Bad day

Sadly, it was not a good day for defending champions St Mary's Band Club who had an unfortunate mishap with the crash cymbal strap breaking in the final bars of Spectrum resulting in a domino effect of other unwritten percussive sounds.

Added to this, earlier in the day, one of its players was withdrawn from taking to the stage following the discovery of an unsigned registration document. In what was essentially an administrative oversight, the band were fully co-operative with the Band Association of New South Wales.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd