Local bands march to victory
The Central Districts Brass Band contest was held in New Plymouth late last month.
Nine brass bands from Napier to New Plymouth took part in the event held at New Plymouth Girls High School. The contest is strictly regulated with each competing band having to play three separate pieces, a sacred Item, usually a hymn, a test piece, which is played by all bands, and an ‘‘own choice’’ piece. In addition, at lunchtime on Sunday, the bands participated in a street march. Fortunately, the weather was fine.
For local fans, to say nothing of the band members, the best result possible was achieved. The Devon Hotel New Plymouth Brass was placed first of all the bands, something that has not been achieved by New Plymouth Brass for many years.
Musical director Leith Martin was full of praise for the effort of his band, which had been practising up to three times a week to prepare themselves.
The band also won the street march and its Drum Major Amanda Bolland added to the successful weekend by taking out the Champion Drum Major title.
The New Plymouth JAY (Junior Adult Youth) Band also won its division of the contest and participated proudly in the street march. Players in this band, which is under the direction of Morrine Martin, are trained to a point where they can join the senior band.
Almost 100 players participated in the solo and ensemble competitions and it was a credit to New Plymouth players that 15 of them won or were placed in their category.
The event chairman, Bryce Gordon, said visitors and adjudicators had praised the arrangements and facilities. He was delighted that the hard work he and his team had put in for several months, preparing everything, had paid off.
New Plymouth Brass is the oldest brass band in New Zealand and is recognised as one of the top musical groups in the region.
The players from New Plymouth who came either first, second or third in the individual or duet competitions were: Lottie Moffat, Wesley Richards, Samuel Hudson, Anna Lee-Sanderson, Alex Eggers, Tom Poulgrain, Daniel Chow, Drew Wood, Hannah Goodhue, Anna Duynhoven, Raynor Martin, Fraser Bremner, Angela Martin, Ray Farrow, Angela Martin.
All in all a great weekend.