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Champion Brass On The Shore 2007

More than 40 brass bands will be descending on North Shore City next July, when the New Zealand National Brass Band Championships are held in Takapuna. As one of the major events in the international music calendar, it ranks in size and importance among the top ten brass band gatherings in the world.

This is the first time that this high profile, five-day festival has been held in North Shore City. The main events will take place at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, with other elements at Rosmini College, St Peter’s Church and St George’s Church. The bands, including four from Australia and possibly others from overseas, will compete in their respective grades. Hundreds of individuals will also compete in solos, duets and ensembles. More than 1,200 musicians are expected to take part, and many supporters
will come too.

The chief adjudicator will be Nigel Boddice MBE from Scotland, who is known throughout the UK and Europe as an experienced adjudicator, conductor and music educator.

Apart from the main contests, major features of the Championships will include the Junior and Open Champion of Champions, and the Scenic Circle Band of the Year, which is held on the final afternoon. The traditional street march by all of the bands will take place on Lake Road, Takapuna on Saturday morning 7th July. North Shore City Mayor, George Wood, will be there to enjoy this splendid free spectacle.

Auckland will have a strong representation in the contest, with eight senior bands and up to five junior bands taking part. Of the seniors, Dalewool Auckland Brass (runners-up in Dunedin at the year’s Championships in July), North Shore Brass and Trusts Waitakere Brass will be competing for the overall national title.

Chairman of the Organising Committee, Bob Davis, says that they are well advanced with their planning, and are determined that the North Shore will present a memorable event for all concerned. He has praised the support and encouragement from North Shore City Council and the excellence of the facilities at the Bruce Mason Centre.

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