News Update

Local Heart, Global Soul...

So says blogger Kiwidutch who happened to encounter a group of our carollers in the Restart Mall while she was travelling in New Zealnad just before Christmas. Kiwidutch wrote "How they have managed to keep going during the upheaval that the earthquakes have presented is nothing short of amazing, but they have been providing musical cheer and support all year as well as winning competitions locally and nationally". You can read the whole post, and see Kiwidutch's pictures, here.

Tickets Available NOW for the Flaxwood Festival!

Woolston Brass will perform at the Flaxwood Festival on Saturday February 18 in the grounds of Flaxton, the beautiful home of our Seat Patrons Carolyn and the late Hans Schuitman. The gates open at 11:30am so bring a picnic lunch to enjoy before the festival concert commences at 1:00pm. Guest artists include The Wolverines, Brendan Dugan, Marian Burns, Peter Nelson and the Castaways, Johnny Campbell and the Detours and many more.

Admission is by pre-purchased tickets at a cost of $35 pp. Children under 13 free!

Tickets are availbale from band members, all of whom have a quota of tickets to sell to cover the cost of thier attending the 2012 National Contest. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Helen Hoy. Your support is greatly appreciated!

For more information about the Flaxwood Festival 2012 visit www.flaxwood.org

Dave Suttie Calls it a Day

Stalwart 1st Horn David (Dave) Suttie has decided to call it a day and step down from the seat he has held in the band for nearly four decades. Dave joined the band in 1976 and has been an anchor man in the horn section ever since. A perennial soloist, Dave represented Woolston in countless solo and ensemble events over his 36 years in the band. In 2009 Dave was awarded the "Bandperson of the Year" Trophy after his magnificent, title-clinching performance with the band at the National Championships of that year. While top honours on the solo platform may have eluded Dave, his effortless range and strong, tuneful sound have always been considered a prized asset of the band's – and a best-kept secret even! Dave's outstanding contribution will be well remembered.

A Tribute to Bruce Wright

We are saddened to record the passing of one-time player and long-time supporter Bruce William Wright who died suddenly on Friday, January 27. Bruce first joined the band in 1978 during the "Water's Era" playing BBb bass. He was a consistent and determined starter in solo and ensemble events throughout the 80's and into the 90's, meeting success as NZ Open BBb bass Champion in 1986 and 1987. Bruce also won the BBANZ veterans trophy in 1987 and 1990. His wife Margaret was an accomplished pianist who accompanied Bruce and a great many other Woolston soloists during their time with the band. Survived by Margaret and their two children Michael (a Woolston cornet player at one time) and Dorothy, Bruce has five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He will be fondly remembered as a cheerful, kind and generous man, a fine musician, and a great Woolstonian.

Pre-Earthquake Serenity

Photo-professional Steve Selwood captured a series of photographs depicting our city council "Summetimes" concert on February 13th last year. Taken just nine days prior to the February earthquake, they make poignant viewing. The pictures form part of Steve's on-line portfolio.

Woolston Academy 2012

The Woolston Brass Academy will resume for 2012 this Tuesday, 31st January. Jill Pears' Junior Band starts at 6.30pm and Steve Chapman's Concert Brass at 7.30pm . The Learners' Group will resume on the 7th of February. 

We are always looking for new players to join these groups. Whether you are new to brass or percussion playing, have been learning for a few years, or are a veteran wanting to make a come-back, the Concert Brass could be the group for you. Contact: info@woolstonbrass.org

Woolston on Eastern Track

In March 2011, Woolston Brass joined other local artists on stage in Hagley Park for the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service. Among our fellow performers that day were Lyttelton band, The Eastern. Adam McGrath, lead singer and songwriter for The Eastern, contacted us recently to say that he and his band found our performance at the service to be really powerful and moving, so much so that they wrote a song about the experience! The Eastern have recorded the song titled Let 'Em Know for their upcoming album Hope and Wire and they have invited us to join them in the studio. Recording of the band's contribution will take place this week. The album will be released in March with all digital royalties from the song being donated to Woolston Brass.

The Eastern

Back to Band

After a well-earned break, band members will return to the bandroom on Monday night to kick start the rehearsal schedule for 2012. The first event on the calendar is the Classical Sparks Concert with the Canterbury Symphony Orchestra on Sunday 5th of February followed by the Flaxwood Festival on the 18th. In March the band will perform as a "Carnival Ensemble" at the first of the Canterbury Crusaders home games.

Blowing Away 2011

The last performance for 2011 by Woolston Brass was carolling outside Ballantynes. Group leader Sarah Hickman demonstrates her power-conducting style. Merry Christmas everyone!

Woolstonian Newsletter Issue 50

The 50th issue of The Woolstonian will be posted today. These days, our quarterly newsletter is, to some extent, a roundup of the material posted on this website, but we feel it is important to stay in touch with those who are not able to access our on-line content. The hard copy version is posted to around 90 subscribers. Visitors to this site can, of course, download a PDF copy here.

Woolston Concert Brass News

It has been a busy week for Steve Chapman and members of Woolston Concert Brass as they complete their final engagements for 2011. Last Saturday the band played in the Lincoln Santa Parade. This parade is typical of small farming centres where the floats are pulled by tractors and the band sits on hay bales on the back of a truck.

On Tuesday evening the band took centre stage at the Linwood Community Carol Concert accompanying the carol singing as well as performing their own pieces. To finish the year both the Junior Band and Concert Brass entertained family members and patrons at the Heathcote Valley Inn with their favourite pieces from the year as well as more carols.

After a disruptive and trying year, everyone in the band is looking forward to a relaxing holiday, and to starting 2012 with some upbeat music at the Garden City Summertimes Sunday Bandstand concerts in February. See you there!

Radio Spot

Classic Hits 97FM's David Fitzgerald and Jason Gunn with members of the Woolston Brass Carol Ensemble who helped them celebrate their move into new premises in Middleton after nearly ten months of broadcasting from a Riccarton Road motel room after the February 22 earthquake left the 12-storey Radio Network House in Worcester Street uninhabitable. The new premises have six studios and two recording booths. It is the first completely digital radio station in New Zealand.

Ballantyne's Carols

We were pleased to acknowledge the support of J Ballantyne & Co at the weekend, by playing carols outside their store in the revamped Cashel Street Container Mall. The mall was very busy, despite gusty winds that whipped music off stands, and Richard Hogarth's slide off the end of his trombone. Thanks to Danny Kirgan for helping out. Danny was in Christchurch for the National concerto competition.

2011 Christmas Concert

Like thousands of brass bands all over the world, Woolston performed its annual Christmas concert this past weekend (Sunday December 4th) at St Christopher's Church in Avonhead.

The venue for this concert is usually Christchurch Cathedral, and it would have been again this year but for the cathedral being laid waste by the earthquake that devastated the city in February.

Standing in for Graham Hickman (currently honeymooning in Australia), was David Fiu who, amongst other things, mentioned the special significance that this Christmas held at the end of such a difficult year for the people of Christchurch.

What Now!

Well done Josh Saville (cornet) and Emma McMorran (horn) from Woolston Concert and Junior Bands on their performance on What Now! last Saturday morning as members of the Chisnallwood Intermediate School Big Band. This band has been in gold-medal form this year when competing against bands from secondary schools in the Christchurch Jazz Quest, and the National Jazz Festival. Awesome playing!

Carols for the Community

An ensemble from Woolston Brass entertained the residents and guests at the Brackenridge Estate recently. Our own Eugene Puohotaua, who's also a staff member at the centre, lead the carol singing.
The ensemble comprised: Ross Yorkstone, Denis Broadbent, Sam Pinder, Vince Pheloung, Georgia Hoy and Andrew Yorkstone.

Your own copy of our Christmas Concert Programme, right now!

Click here to download a PDF version of the Programme for our Christmas Concert at 2pm on Sunday December 4th at St. Christopher's Church in Avonhead.

You'll see that there's a yuletide feast on offer, but no turkeys, just great sounding, contemporary arrangements of the tunes and songs we all know and love.

Behold, yonder star(s)... Don't miss our special guest artists, The Acappella Fellas.

Adults $20. Children (under 10) Free!
Tickets available Dashtickets.

Birthday Celebration Concert

Woolston Brass took part in a concert to mark Professor John Ritchie's birthday at the CBS Arena last night (24th November). Brian Law conducted Prof Ritchie's own arrangement of Let the Pealing Organ Blow and the final number, Dedication to Dad, by another well known New Zealand composer, Anthony Ritchie, Professor Ritchie's son.

TV Celebs

A cute quintet comprising Emma Caunter, Georgia Hoy, Sarah Hickman, Denis Broadbent and Bob Neil played Christmas carols live on CTV this morning (25th November) in an infomercial promoting our upcoming Christmas Concert. CTV staff were so impressed they gave the band a free live spot next Thursday. Any volunteers?
Pictured above: A make up artist takes the gloss off Bob Neil.

Congratulations Graham and Catherine Hickman

At dawn the grey skies didn't hold much promise, but by noon the clouds had parted and by the time the guests arrived at the Omarino Wine Park in Harewood, the wind had abated (almost) and the sun was shining. It was the perfect setting for the wedding ceremony of our Music Director Graham Hickman and his bride, cornet player Dr. Catherine Neal. The entire Woolston band was included on the guest list, and each and every member (some of whom had scrubbed up extremely well) partook enthusiastically in what was a generous, beautiful and utterly splendid occasion in every respect.

There are more (unofficial) photos available for download here.

John Ritchie Birthday Concert

Thursday 24 November 6.00 pm CBS Arena, Wrights Rd, Addington
Woolston Brass will join various community music groups in a celebration of the life and works of Professor John Ritchie. Hosted by the Christchurch Civic Music Council.

Free admission. See newspapers for details. Tickets are available now from the CBS Arena ticketek office on the south side of the CBS building. Six tickets may be collected by an individual at any one time. Tickets will also be available from 5pm on the day of the concert.

 

Big Week Ahead for Graham and Catherine

MD Graham Hickman and Second Cornet Dr. Catherine Neal are taking a well earned break from band to prepare for their wedding on Saturday the 19th November. David Fiu will conduct the band in Graham's absence. David is a member of the Army Band and is probably best known for his beautiful singing voice. He will direct the band at its Christmas Concert on December 4th.

Canterbury Contest Review

Eight bands completed at the CPBBA Contest in Timaru on Saturday November 5. The adjudicator was Jason Katsikaris from Sydney. Jason is the conductor of the Gunnedah Shire Band, the 2010 Australian Champion Band. From 2006 to 2010 Jason spent time in England conducting the BTM Band (Wales), the Leyland Band and the Desford Colliery Band.

The Woolston Junior Band were unplaced in the D grade, but picked up the Youth Development Cup. After having "stressed-out" their new conductor with some very inconsistent rehearsals, Woolston Concert Brass pulled it together for a delighted Steve Chapman on the contest stage. Although the band was small, they had a very bright, lively sound. Steve was very proud of the band, especially their performance of their Own Choice Seven Wonders with composer Dwayne Bloomfield watching from the wings. The only band to front up in the C Grade, Concert Brass came home with all the C Grade trophies.

Mr. Katsikaris was very impressed by the performance of Woolston Brass, especially the bass section in the Own Choice Dances and Arias. In the entertainment section Caroline Blackmore wooed the audience with her vocals in Orange Coloured Sky, and Richard Hogarth showed he is still cool under pressure with the trombone feature If I were a Rich Man. The band closed their programme with an arrangement by former member Colin Clark, Kiwi Celebration. Trombonist Andrew Yorkstone impressed with his clear confident sound in Slice of Heaven in the first part of this medley. Woolston Brass collected all the A Grade trophies with their compere Eugene Puohotaua winning the Best Compare award as well.

Perfect Day at Newbery Lodge

On a beautiful day in the picturesque gardens of Newbery Lodge, Woolston Brass acknowledged the support of their Seat Patrons and Life Members by presenting a private concert. Caroline Blackmore opened the programme with Paper Moon, then the band played French Military March. Bass trombonist Richard Hogarth then delighted the crowd with his performance of If I were a Rich Man. The rest of the programme went like this:

All That Jazz*
Orange Coloured Sky*
When the Saints
Kiwi Celebration arr: Colin Clark – featuring the trombone section.
I Only Wana Be With You*
(*Voclalist Caroline Blackmore)

Judging by the amount of toe-tapping, the guests (and the lodge's staff) clearly enjoyed the programme. After an encore, the band and guests enjoyed wine and afternoon tea. This was a very enjoyable function and one that the band committee hope to repeat next year.

A Busy Heartland Banding Weekend Ahead

On Saturday Canterbury bands will compete at the Provincial Contest in Timaru's Theatre Royal on Stafford Street. This will be a great preview for bands and contest administrators alike as the Theatre Royal will be the venue for the A and B Grade events at next year’s National Championships.

Woolston Concert Brass,
under their new conductor Steve Chapman, has been training seriously for the Provincial Contest. The band has had extra practices on Thursday nights as well as two full weekend rehearsals.

Competition gets underway on Saturday at 11:30 am. Bands will perform a Hymn, Stage March, Own Choice Selection and several entertainment items.

Here are the approximate playing times of the competing bands.

11:30 Woolston Junior Band
12:05 New Brighton Silver Band
12:55 Rangiora Brass
01:30 Sumner Silver Band
02:30 Woolsron Concet Brass
03:05 Timaru Municipal Band
04:00 Addington Brass
04:45 Woolsotn Brass

Also on Saturday the Brass Bands Association of New Zealand will be holding its Annual General Meeting in Wellington. John Thorne will be representing Woolston.

Press Release from the Hon. Ruth Dyson

I had the pleasure of attending the Canterbury Apprentices and Industry Trainees Graduation Ceremony last evening - and what a buzz that was! This was the second attempt at holding the event, with the first occasion being called off due to snow. A large number of proud graduates received their certificates from Mayors Bob Parker, Kelvin Coe and David Ayers, backing the strong message from the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs of the need for investment in skills and training, particularly in Canterbury. Woolston Brass provided magnificent entertainment and the evening was acknowledged by one of the graduates, Wayid Yosefi, who was unable to speak English when he came to New Zealand from Afghanistan in 2004. This year he won second place in Baker of the Year, and is now a supervisor at Couplands Bakery in Hornby. He gave a generous and thoughtful speech in impeccable English. The whole audience was bursting with pride that we gave this young man a home and a future, which he has grasped with both hands and worked hard to make a success. Great night!

Seat Patrons' Function

We are extremely fortunate to have the support of a marvellous group of people known as our Seat Patrons. These sponsors are local business leaders, members of the arts community and heads of trusts who support the band financially, attend its concerts and follow its progress. To acknowledge this support, Woolston Brass will host a Garden Party at Newbery Lodge on Sunday 6 November. This event is an opportunity for patrons, band members and Life Members to enjoy afternoon tea while they mix and mingle in pleasant surroundings away from the stress of a concert venue or our cramped band room!

Jottings

The band is busy preparing its programme for the Canterbury Provincial Contest which is to be held in Timaru on November 5. Edward Gregson's "Dances and Arias" will feature as the band's major work. With some on the sick list and others unavailable, we are grateful to out-of-towners Kyle Lawson, Nick Garrett and Nick Johnson for assisting with this project.

Ballantyne's department store, laid waste by the February 22 earthquake, will be re-opening on November 6. Ballantyne's are a generous sponsor of our band.
We will be joining the celebrations by providing live, in-store Christmas Carols on Saturday the 10th and 17th December.

With the retirement of Ray Blampied, our mates down by the seaside, Sumner Silver Band, are looking for a new conductor. If you have any suggestions or you think you can help, please contact us.

The Christchurch Civic Music Council has invited Woolston Brass to be part of a musical birthday celebration for Professor John Ritchie on Thursday 24th November. The Council plans to involve a large number of performing groups and individuals including choirs, orchestras and bands. The venue is the CBS Arena and it is hoped that sponsorship and funding will allow free admission to the concert.

Buzz at the Nationals

While tonight's RWC semifinal between Wales and France may be uppermost in our minds, we'll be sparing a thought for Buzz Newton, Principal Euphonium with Tredegar Town Band, as he takes the stage at London's Royal Albert Hall for the 2011 National Championship of Great Britain on Saturday 15th October 2011. Proudly regarded as one of our own, Buzz is in Great Britain furthering his studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Full coverage of the event will be covered on 4barsrest. Go Buzz!

MP3 Downloads Now Available

Full album and/or single track mp3 downloads from our recordings: Rhythm 'n' Brass, Sacred, ANZAC and Millennium are now availble at CD Baby.com. We are currently working towards distributing mp3s and hard copy CDs through CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon. At this stage Millennium is our only title offering mp3 downloads through iTunes and Amazon. Check out our recordings page too!

Band Dinner Review, and other Titbits

These days, band dinners are a world away from the decorous, restrained, Working Men's Club affairs they once were. Those who did brandish the band's monogrammed blazer at Chinwag were misfits for sure at what's obviously a Friday night hot spot for Christchurch's wannabe glitterati, where a mouthful of house sauvignon will set you back NZ$9! It was a good night though, and the food was plentiful and very tasty. It was worth the expense (and, for some, a blazer fashion disaster) just to see the faces of some of our more frugal fellows when the appetiser was served, – a single scallop. Painstakingly decorated and garnished, granted. And served in a shell atop a stack of no less than three plates of various sizes, but it was still a single scallop. One. Uno. So funny.

Our second man down (and if need be, Principal Cornet) Anthony Smith is off to the United States of America for 18 months. Accountancy whizz Anthony will continue to work for his employer, Deloitte, but in New York rather than New Zealand. We wish Anthony and his wife Helen all the very best for their travels.

Good luck to Phil Johnston and the NZ Army Band who are right this minute on their way to Auckland to perform marching displays at the Rugby World Cup semi-final and final. A case of the NZAB taking to the field before the NZABs!

Hans Schuitman

We were deeply saddened to hear that Hans Schuitman died suddenly on September the 28th, – the day after he and his wife Carolyn accepted appointments as Vice Patrons of Woolston Brass. Hans and Carolyn are Seat Patrons and generous supporters of the band through their Flaxwood Festival initiative. We extend our deepest sympathy to Carolyn and to the couple's children: Kim, Eric and Glenn, and to their grandchildren, Madeleine and Amelie.The band was privelaged to play at Hans' funeral. He was 67 years old.

From the AGM

After 23 years as Woolston Brass' Patron, and one day shy of his 90th birthday, Professor John Ritchie has stepped aside, and Adrenne Lady Stewart has acceded to the position. Professor Ritchie was on top form as he directed the band at an open rehearsal prior to the AGM. Todd Turner and Catherine Neal joined the incumbent members on the Band Committee.

Band President AG (Tony) Lewis making a presentation to Professor Ritchie

Radio NZ Review of Arts Festival Memorial Concert

Big Crowd Enjoys Arts Festival Concert (Sept 25th)

Part of the large crowd that turned out for yesterday's Christchurch Arts Festival "Memorial" concert. This combined concert (Strike Percussion and Woolston Brass) featured the work of Australian Elena Kats-Chermi and New Zealand composer Gareth Farr.

Strike Percussion in full flight with their Music Director Murray Hickman at right.

A low flying Harvard makes a swoop over the gathering audience.

The Wigram Museum makes an interesting concert venue. The acoustics in the converted aircraft hangar are surprisingly good!

Professor John Ritchie on Concert Radio

Radio New Zealand's Concert programme 89.7 FM will feature Professor John Ritchie, who turns 90 this month, as their "Composer of the Week" from the 25th of September.

Professor Ritche has been Patron of Woolston Brass since 1988.

The Radio New Zealand programme will include a talk at 9 am on Sunday (repeated 7 pm Monday), with selections of his music played from
9 am each day of the week.

 

Strike Arrive in Christchurch

New Zealand's premiere percussion group, Strike has arrived in Christchurch and will be rehearsing with Woolston Brass this week in preparation for their joint concert this Sunday. The Christchurch Memorial Concert will be held at 3 pm on September 25 at the Wigram Air Force Museum, Main South Road, Sockburn. Tickets are $20.00 and still available from the Arts Festival website www.artsfestival.co.nz

Moving Up the 4br Ranking

According to the number crunchers at 4barsrest.com we're now the 49th best band in the world. We also rated a mention on the site's front page news...
"Also making a considerable impact is the 2011 New Zealand Champion, Woolston Brass, which rises 29 places following its recent victory".

September Newsletter

Sarah Hickman, Catherine Neal, Cathy Biddington, Emma Caunter and Caroline Blackmore wearing silly hats – and still looking hot! This and other scintillating stories in the latest issue of our newsletter, The Woolstonian.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Woolston Brass will hold its Annual General Meeting in the Bandroom, 37 Dampier Street on Wednesday 28th September. There will be an open rehearsal from 7.30 pm followed by the meeting at 8.30 pm. All welcome.

National Secondary Schools Band Announced

A very strong field of candidates was auditioned for the 2011 National Secondary Schools Brass Band. The course will be held in the Nelson area from October 20 – 26 under the musical direction of Nelson musician Nicholas Sharpe, who has built a formidable reputation as one of New Zealand's best brass band tutors. Mr. Sharpe will be assisted by other leading brass musicians from a number of disciplines including performance, composition and conducting.

Mainland Foundation Renews Support

Yet again we are the grateful recipients of financial support from the Mainland Foundation. Remuneration for our Music Director and Marketing Manager has been extended through to the end of July 2012. This a huge boost to the financial welfare of the band in times when paid engagements are not the reliable source of income they once were. Thank you Mainland Foundation.

Busy Band

(Updaged 24 August 2011) The band is working hard at the moment in preparation for its performance with Strike Percussion at the Christchurch Arts Festival. They will be performing, amongst other things, two original Gareth Farr compositions, Onslaught (formally titled Gallipoli) and Warriors from Pluto. Both pieces are challenging and avant garde in style – very exciting arts festival fare indeed!

Musical Chairs

Principal Euphonium Davey Boyes has resigned. Dave made a great contribution to the band in recent years and his invaluable input will be sorely missed. Ben Cuff has stepped up to the mark as Davey's replacement. Callum Hewson is back in the horn section after a 15 year absence. Welcome back Callum! Welcome too, to Georgia Hoy who has moved up from the Woolston Academy to join us on baritone.

New Marketing Manager Appointed

Helen Hoy has recently been appointed as the band's Marketing Manager. Helen has a strong family connection with the band that goes back many years, so there will few surprises for Helen as she establishes herself in her new role. Helen's well-honed organizational skills are the stuff of legend. A qualified school teacher, Helen has managed band contests both at home and in Australia. We welcome both Helen and Georgia into the band where they will see plenty of band Secretary Colleen Hoy – Georgia's Grandmother!

Frosty the Snowman...

This award-winning snowman (or should that be snowperson?) is the work of the Hickman family at their creative best. He makes a very fitting winter mascot!

Britt Returns as Woolstonian

Follow this link to 4barsrest aticle about “our” Martin.

Favourable Comment

A recent column in The Press inspired some very flattering comment from readers...

“Well done Woolston! Proud of you all.” ~ Margaret Murray

“In tough times true talent and professionalism prevails. The artistic merit of this fine band of musicians is without peer in this city and in its genre on the national and international stage. Worthy of support... I think so! Thank you Woolston.... you just keep doing it.” ~ John Bartlett

“Well done Woolston, from a very proud ex member!” ~ Rosie

“Well done Woolston Brass - a magnificent achievement - yet again. Consistently top grade, always inspirational, dedicated and resolute - take the bow, Christchurch, indeed New Zealand, is proud of you all. No doubt the Band must have been affected at the personal level after months of destruction, uncertainty and sadness in hometown yet collectively you claimed the pinnacle. Well done! At a time when we see society plagued with so many social misfits driven by personal interest, it is heartening to see the dedication and community spirit of this great Band. March proud!” ~ Bob G

“Woolston Brass. They were there, largely unheralded, at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park, as they were there sounding the first notes at the Christchurch Town Hall opening ceremony in 1972. I don't doubt they can be counted on to be there yet again when this stricken building is resurrected and re-opened. Their civic contribution has been constant in Christchurch for over a century. One day the barricades will be cleared and this mighty band will thunder down Colombo Street once again. Tohea kia kaha.” ~ Arthur

Don't Forget the Marching

(27 July) At right is Adrienne, Lady Stewart attending to some last-minute adjustments on band Chairman Gary Pinker's uniform at the mustering point of this year's "Parade of Bands". Lady Adrienne's patronage extends much further than this preening of course. Indeed, the band's appearance at the contest might not have been possible without her generous support. What a treasure she is, she even marched behind the band carrying its banner! Pictured below are from left: Sarah Hickman, Graham Hickman, Adienne, Lady Stewart, Gary Pinker and Graeme Coomer.

Adrienne, Lady Stewart flanked by band Treasurer Graeme Coomer and band President Tony (AG) Lewis.

Drum Major Graeme Bremner demonstrates his winning way.

Press Release (23 July)

Woolston Brass are, for the third consecutive year, the Champion Band of New Zealand having almost achieved a clean sweep in all A Grade events at the National Brass Band Championships held on Auckland's North Shore over the past week.

From the eleven competing A Grade bands, Woolston took first place in the set Test Selection and the Own Choice Selection, and second place (to Marlborough Districts Brass) in the Sacred Item, to accumulate the winning aggregate points and the title. Dalewool Auckland Brass were runners-up in the championship.

This achievement was a significant one considering the difficulties faced by all residents of the earthquake-stricken Canterbury region. The band's Sacred Item, The Pohutukawa Stands by English composer Peter Meecham, was especially commissioned by the band as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Christchurch earthquake.

Band President Tony Lewis was delighted by the result.

"The band has maintained its iconic status amongst Christchurch's music fraternity. Their achievement is due in no small measure to the enormous talent and energy of their Music Director Graham Hickman. Graeme is in his fifth year as the band's Music Director and already his success has been outstanding. Woolston Brass has added to its 118 year history of achievement and excellence - something that all Canterbury can take pride in, especially in this difficult time for the region.”

The championship win capped a busy week of solo, ensemble playing and marching for the band. The Woolston Octet won the Open Ensemble B event, and Drum Major Graeme Bremner led the band to yet another victory in the Street March event, and picked up the Champion Drum Major award for himself along the way. 

Woolston Brass' cornet section were awarded a special "Best Section" prize. This paid tribute to the outstanding leadership of Principal Cornet, Kevin Hickman, who last thursday won the prestigious "Invitation Slow Melody" competition.

The band's other National solo winners were BBb Bass virtuoso Philip Johnston, and Roanna Funcke, who won the Open Percussion section. Roanna was also awarded a trophy as the championships' most successful female competitor.

Graham Hickman's Hat-Trick Dream Comes True

YAMAHA A GRADE
Adjudicator: Steve Bastable
Test: Les Preludes, F Liszt arr. Bram Gray
Hymn + Test + Own Choice = Total
1. Woolston Brass, Graham Hickman, 90+140+145=375
2. Dalewool Auckland Brass, Howard Taylor, 88+139+142=369
3. Marlborough District Brass, Kevin Moseley, 92+139+137=368
4. North Shore Brass, Mark Ford, 89+136+143=368
5. The Trusts Waitakere Brass, Steven Booth, 89+137+137=363
6. Ascot Park Hotel Brass Invercargill, Russell Gray, 87+134+140=361
7. Pelorus Trust Wellington Brass, David Bremner, 85+135+139=359
8. Brass Wanganui, Bruce Jellyman, 86+132+139=357
9. St Kilda Brass, Peter Adams, 85+133+138=356
10. Leopard Coachlines Canterbury Brass, Tyme Marsters, 88+130+137=355
11. Boroondara Brass (Australia), Daniel van Bergen, 88+128+138=354

Best Soloist in Test: Riki McDonnell, Marlborough Brass
Best Section in Test: Cornet section, Woolston Brass

A Grade Street March Result

1. Woolston Brass
2. Brass Wanganui
3. Leopard Coachlines Canterbury Brass