Woolston Brass still NZ's best

Woolston Brass is still New Zealand's top band, having achieved an almost "clean-sweep" at the National Brass Band Championships in Auckland.

The Christchurch group took out the Champion Band of New Zealand title for the third year running, and won the Champion Marching Band and Open Ensemble competitions.  

Woolston Brass also achieved top placings in both the 'Test Selection' and 'Own Choice Test Selection' sections of the competition -"a feat rarely achieved by any band", president Tony Lewis said.

The band's cornet section was voted 'Best Section', and principal cornet player Kevin Hickman won the 'Invitation Slow Melody' competition.

The band took out another three solo awards, with Graeme Bremner winning the Champion Drum Major Award, Philip Johnson winning the open section for Bb Bass, and Roanna Funcke winning the open percussion section. Funcke was also awarded the prize for most successful female competitor at the championships.

Lewis said the band's achievements meant it had retained its "iconic" status in Christchurch's musical community, and he praised music director Graham Hickman for his "enormous talent, respect and great musicianship".

"Woolston Brass has again added to its rich 118 year history of musical achievement and excellence - something that all Canterbury can take to its credit in these particularly difficult times for music and the arts in Christchurch," he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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Margaret Murray   #4   06:08 pm Jul 27 2011

Well done Woolston ! Proud of you all.

John Bartlett   #3   03:51 pm Jul 27 2011

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.

Rosie   #2   12:05 pm Jul 27 2011

Well done Woolston! From a very proud ex member!

Bob G   #1   06:40 pm Jul 26 2011

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!

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