1 May 2005

Outstanding performance at Sydney Metropolitan Solo Competition

An amazing result particularly for our junior members... results are as follows...

UNDER 11
GRITCHING, Jackson Any Instrument – Unrestricted 2nd
Slow Melody 3rd

HURDITCH, Daniel Any Instrument – Restricted 6th
Any Instrument – Unrestricted 5th

KING, Stephen Any Instrument – Restricted 3rd
Any Instrument – Unrestricted 1st

LLOYD, Jeremy Any Instrument – Restricted 1st
Any Instrument – Unrestricted 4th
Slow Melody 2nd

UNDER 13
POWERS, Adam Combined Brass Instruments 2nd

UNDER 15
GRITCHING, Hayley Slow Melody 3rd
Combined Brass Instruments 2nd
Any Brass Instrument 4th

HURDITCH, Matthew Slow Melody 5th
Combined Brass Instruments 3rd
Novice Euphoniums 1st

LLOYD, Angus Novice Cornets & Trumpets 1st

UNDER 19
LOVELL, Kim Tenor Horn 2nd
Any Brass Instrument 2nd
Slow Melody 4th
YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR – WINNER

LOVELL, Kim Duet 2nd
RAE, Christie

KENNEWELL, Mark Novice Trombone 2nd

OPEN
O’BRIEN, Bob Australian Composition 3rd
Concerto 6th
Slow Melody 4th

25 Mar 2005

Nationals results: 2nd in Junior C grade

25 Mar 2005

Nationals results: 2nd in Open B grade

12 Mar 2005

WCB enjoys a Professional Workshop day

With great planning by John Saunders and the support of some of the finest professional musicians in the business, WCB made their final preparations for the National Band Champions at a workshop day held at the NSW Police Band centre followed by a concert at the Hunter Baillie Presbyterian Church in Annandale.

The team of professionals included Ron Prussing (Conductor and Trombone), Steve Rosse (Tuba), John Saunders (Horns), Christina Bowden (Cornets), and Anthony Brahe (Percusion).

After a full rehearsal the band broke into sectional workshops facilitated by the team of professional tutors. It was agreed by the band that the workshops were a success and everyone learned something and improved in some way from the time spent with true professionals.

Following the sectional workshops, the band rejoined for a full band rehearsal utilising their new found techniques. A stand out was the improvement in sound of the tuba section under the tutelage of Steve Rossi, Principal Tuba of the Sydney Symphony.

The concert held at the end of the day was a great opportunity for the band to play the selected test pieces for the championships. Ron Prussing and John Saunders shared the conducting for the event.

The audience was treated to a plethora of fine musicianship when each of the tutors were featured as soloists. Each showed their talents in what can only be described as stellar performances.

The day was resounding success and thanks must go the NSW government for their contribution via a cultural grant which made the day possible.

11 Dec 2004

Warringah WINS NSW Battle of the Bands

Every year the Band Association of NSW organises an entertainment concert for Bands. The idea is that instead of concentrating on the music alone, bands are required to concentrate on entertaining the audience.
Under the expert baton of John Saunders, Bob O'Brien and Stacey Gamlin came up with a challenging programme of real entertainment, including appearances of Darth Vader (John Saunders, March from Star Wars), Austen Powers (Jim McCrudden, Soul Bossa Nova), Bob the Builder (Stacey Gamlin and Gab Cambridge, theme from Bob the Builder). The programme included smoke machines, overhead video, intricately choreographed dancing and other disturbing innovations which drove the band to its limits, musically and performance-wise.
We won the Metropolitan heat at Yagoona, and then the final contest at St Mary's Band Club on 28 November, adjudicated by Mrs Lyn Morgan, against some very stiff competition.
Thank you John for allowing us to push our limits beyond the normal conservative Brass Band boundaries. Thank you Bob for organising a top class creative program. Thank you Stacey and Gab for making it all work and providing some great choreography.
"Warrrinnngahh"!!