The Festival of the Bands and East Coast of Australia Band Championships, hosted by the Hunter Regional Band Branch which was held at the Newcastle City Hall on Sunday 7 June, 2009 attracted six entries from three concert and three brass bands.

Entries Down

The six bands participated in the event and competed in three championship sections on a handicap basis.

The Hunter Regional Band Branch presented a very well organised and successful competition which was conducted in a friendly and enjoyable environment.

Adjudicators

The adjudicator for the morning session which consisted of a sacred item and own choice selection was Mr. James Brice.

The afternoon session consisted of an entertainment program presented by each of the competing bands, conducted in two divisions again this year, and was judged by James Brice and Mercia Buck, a high profile musician from Newcastle.

RESULTS: East Coast of Australia Band Championships

Sacred+Hcap+OC+Hcap=Total

B Grade Brass
1. Toronto Brass, 43+0+90+0=133

C & D Grade Brass
1. Newcastle PCYC, 43+2.5+84+5=134.5
2. CNL Brass, 41+0+90+0=131

B & C Grade Concert
1. University of Newcastle, 46+0+94+0=140
2. City of Lake Macquarie, 43+2.5+85+5=135.5
3. Muswellbrook Shire, 44+0+89+0=133

RESULTS: Festival of the Bands

Division 1
1. Muswellbrook Shire Concert Band

Division 2
1. CNL Brass

Sponsors

Deputy Lord Mayor, Dr. Graham Boyd, from Newcastle City Council attended the Festival and the support of the Newcastle City Council in staging the event was gratefully acknowledged. The venue was sponsored by Council and sponsorship was also provided by the Greater Building Society.

Young Musician of the Year

The selection of the Hunter Region’s Young Musician of the year for 2009 was announced at the contest. The winner was Megan Bennett from the Hunter School of Performing Arts.

Acknowledgement

All competing bands were presented with a certificate acknowledging their participation.

The contest was again assisted by members and supporters of the Newcastle P.C.Y.C Band who undertook stage crew, marshalling, catering and a variety of other tasks throughout the day. Their support greatly contributed to the success of the event.

Recording

Performances throughout the day were recorded by Mr. Ray Hugo from Radio 2NUR FM103.7 and highlights will be broadcast in future broadcasts on “Hunter Rostrum”.

Thanks to Phil Mead for providing this report.