 Source: Australian National Band Championships Website 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. Test Piece – ‘Vengeance' by Jared McCunnieI was very fortunate to have my work ‘Vengeance’ set for this year’s Open D Grade competition. ‘Vengeance’ aims to be engaging and tuneful to the band and audience’s content! As a through composed work, the band who ensures the main theme is well-heard throughout the piece, while maintaining the basics of rhythmic unity, balance and consistent tuning will be likely to take home the trophy! ‘Vengeance’ is not without its tricky moments though. The brisk 6/8 at the opening will pose rhythmic challenges - musical directors should be mindful not to let their band take off too quickly! Keeping a close eye on dynamics and the role they play within the scope of the entire piece will also demonstrate a high level of musicianship that should be well-received by the adjudicator. The slow section features the majority of the soloistic passages, but a relaxed performer on top of a secure band accompaniment can earn some valuable points. Finally, the last 10 bars pose the greatest challenge of all; silence! After roughly ten minutes of playing, the ending will test the band’s self-control and the conductor’s drive to the conclusion! ‘Vengeance’ is designed to test this grade in its basic musical building blocks, as well as offer the opportunity to make some great music. On a personal level, I am really looking forward to what this grade will offer! PredictionsThis year’s competition features three bands, which is a quantitative drop from last year’s 9-band competition, making the contest all the fiercer! Far Northern Brass will be backing up their efforts at the Nationals last year with their second ever Nationals appearance. Still a fresh face in Queensland banding, I am sure the band has plenty of exciting things to showcase. A victory at the Nationals could well put them on the track to future success. Also from Northern Queensland are Thuringowa Brass Band. Affected earlier this year by the Queensland floods, the band will be looking forward to returning to competitive banding having not competed since the 2015 Queensland State Band Championships. Certainly a wildcard to keep your ears peeled for. Rounding off the competition are the Victorian based Eaglehawk Citizens’ Brass Band. They come to the Nationals with the current D Grade title from the Blue Lake Brass Band Contest, as well as a respectable 6th place finish at the Nationals last year. With less competitors, this could be the band’s first opportunity to seal gold at the Nationals since 1997! With their histories and recent form in mind, here are my predicted top three bands: 1) Far Northern 2) Eaglehawk Citizens’ 3) Thuringowa *This article has been kindly edited by Annie Pirotta* Tune in next Sunday for the Open C Grade Brass Preview and Predictions! You might also like...
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AuthorJared has written articles for the British Bandsman, as well as local community radio stations 3MBS and Radio Monash. 
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