*This article was written for the British Bandsman Magazine*

​Sydney City Brass, under Jason Katsikaris, have claimed the Australian National A Grade title for 2019, conquering some of the biggest names in Australian banding in the process. Finishing 10 points clear of WA Brass under David Bremner in 2nd place, the newly formed Sydney group left a lasting impression on the banding community, not least of which being Steven Mead in the adjudicator’s box. Brisbane City Hall’s Main Auditorium’s rich reverb proved to be a popular acoustic for the event. 

​At last, the final instalment of my Preview and Prediction series for the Australian National Band Championships for 2019. With a week to go, it has been exciting to go through all the competing bands and recognise their achievements and motivations going into this year's very lively competition. 

The A grade this year is set to be a sensational event, with 11 bands competing for the top spot (after the withdrawal of both Footscray Yarraville City and Holroyd Brass Band). There will be some regular contenders as well as some seemingly new bands to the A Grade competition.

​The Open B Grade Brass will be the largest of all the band events at the Australian Nationals in 2019. There are an incredible 16 bands competing in Brisbane, three more than last year’s Melbourne Nationals. Cairns Brass’ promotion to the Open A Grade leaves the B Grade title open for a new winner in 2019.

In the last few years, we have rarely seen a whitewash of all four of the on stage categories, and the contests have always been close, so every piece will be significant. As a B Grade competitor myself with Northern Brass, I am looking forward to seeing how the B Grade pans out. There's even a premiere or two of my music in the Open B Grade this year, so keep your ears perked for some new music through the weekend! 

​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.