It was the first time the band had played at the Epsom Girls Grammar venue and the concert drew a large and enthusiastic audience.

The main feature of the evening was the world première performance of a concerto written and performed by Soprano Cornet champion Fendall Hill.

The programme also included another première performance – an arrangement of Meatloaf’s ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ by musical director Steven Booth, which included the addition of a synthesizer, motorbike effects and film projection.

Other highlights of the night included solos by Principal Cornet Carolyn Ramsbottom, Euphoniums Bari Thomas and Sean Whyte, and Principal Trombone player Stuart Richie, with film projection complementing many of the evening’s pieces.

Guest singer-songwriter Sarah Marlowe kept the audience captivated with her smooth vocals and sensitive guitar accompaniment.

‘The Trusts’ Waitakere Brass is preparing to compete in the New Zealand National Championships next month, followed by the Australian Open in October.

Thirty three bands and over 200 soloists will compete in this years New Zealand National Brass Band Championships, to be held in Christchurch 9-13 July.

Bands to travel across the Tasman include Brisbane Brass, defending champions Brisbane Excelsior, and Moreland City Band from Melbourne.

There is strong representation in all grades with the exception of Junior Grade which this year, disappointingly has no bands entered.

Dalewool Auckland Brass advised contest organisers late last week of its intention to withdraw from the championships.

Chief Adjudicator is Simone Rebello from the UK.

4BRDU will once again be providing pre-contest coverage, as well as live coverage of the A Grade events and all results.

The bands competing are:

A Grade
Ascot Park Hotel Brass
Brisbane Brass, Aus
Brisbane Excelsior, Aus
Canterbury Brass
Marlborough District Brass
Moreland City Band, Aus
North Shore Brass
St Kilda Brass
The "Trusts" Waitakere Brass
Woolston Brass

B Grade
Addington Brass
Alpine Energy Timaru Brass
Castle Trust Hamilton Brass
Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass
New Plymouth Brass
Pelorus Trust Wellington Brass
Port of Napier Brass
Titan Hutt City Brass
Trust Porirua City Brass

C Grade
Ascot Park Hotel Auxiliary Brass
Levin and Districts Brass
Mosgiel Brass
Palmerston North City Brass
Papakura City Brass
Smiths Locksmiths Manukau City Brass
Te Awamutu Brass
Westport Municipal Brass
Woolston Concert Brass

D Grade
Motueka Municipal Band
New Brighton Silver Band
Rangiora Brass
Roxburgh Pioneer Generation Brass
Sumner Silver Band

4BRDU has been asked by the BBANZ to withhold naming the musical directors of each band.

For more detail on the contest go to http:/­/­www.brassnz.co.nz/­chchmain.html

'The Trusts’ Waitakere Brass had a very successful day at the Auckland Bands Association Solo and Ensemble contest, held 25 May.

With 10 players from the band competing in 7 different classes, the depth of talent in the band was highlighted, and for the second consecutive year the band were awarded the ‘Conductors Cup’ for the highest aggregate winners scores.

Successes of the day included Waitakere gaining 1st to 5th placings in the Any Age Slow Melody, all three top placings in the Any Age Not Slow Melody, a 1st placing in the Open Quartet, and 2nd placings in the Under 19 Slow Melody and the Open Duet.

Waitakere was also well represented in the Championship classes, with 5 players being invited to compete in both the Slow and Not Slow Melody classes.

Musical Director and 2008 Australian Baritone Champion Steven Booth again showed his class by convincingly winning the Not Slow Melody title, and being placed 2nd in the Slow Melody event.

Prinicpal Cornet player Carolyn Ramsbottom and Soprano Cornet Champion Fendall Hill were also placed 2nd and 3rd in the Not Slow Championship class.

An enjoyable day was had by players and supporters alike, and Waitakere Brass would like to thank the ABA committee for their work in making the day run so smoothly.