​This year's Australian Nationals see ten bands compete in the Open C Grade Brass. The C Grade competition is the only Open Brass contest where a reigning champion (Wonthaggi Citizens’ Band) can reclaim their National title, but there will be nine other bands looking to spoil the party!

For whoever is crowned champion, B Grade contesting will surely not be far away. The C Grade competition has proven in the last 7 years to be a strong predictor of formidable B Grade bands, with Marion City (2012/2013 Winners) and Northern Brass (2014/15 Winners) both winning back to back C Grade titles, prior to Latrobe Federal’s 2016/2017 success. Could this year's winner go on to be another strong B Grade contender in years to come? Only time will tell!

​The 2019 Australian National Band Championships have quickly come upon us, so I am once again preparing some preview and prediction articles for each open brass event of the weekend. First up are the Open D Grade Brass, which will see three competitors contend for the National title. While tight on competitors, each band is quite capable of success and could make for an interesting competition.