News

27 Jun 2004

Power of Brass Workshop and Concert

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Principal Trombone, Ron Prussing, has kindly lent his considerable talents to our major project, the "Power of Brass" concert on Saturday 19th June 2004. This featured Ron as guest soloist and conductor, taking the Warringah Concert Brass for a number of classic brass pieces, including some of the best works in the Salvation Army repertoire ("Laudate Domine" by Edward Gregson and "Kingdom Triumphant" by Eric Ball). Ron also ran a workshop for younger players from local School and Community Bands on the day of the concert, and these players featured in a special item during the concert.

This event is sponsored by a Community Cultural Development Grant from Warringah Council.





26 Apr 2004

Australian National Band Championships, Launceston April 2004

Warringah Concert Brass can report an excellent outcome from the recent National Championships in Launceston Tasmania. While we did not successfully defend our title, we achieved a very creditable THIRD PLACE. The adjudicator, Graham Lloyd, commented that the top 4 bands in this Section played as well as the better bands in A-grade! We agree!
Launceston is a pretty city with a fine brass band tradition. Composer Alex Lithgow spent many years in Launceston. He wrote a number of popular brass band marches and we used one of them ("Victoria") for our Street March on Saturday morning. The crowd was large and appreciative, leading to a most memorable and enjoyable event.
And so on to the State Contest in September..

The photo is of a bandstand in Launceston City Park, dedicated to the memory of Alex Lithgow. Taken Saturday morning before the Street March.

10 Mar 2004

Excellent review of WCB performance at 2003 Australian Band Championships

A respected British Brass Band e-journal ("4barsrest") reviewed the CD of the 2003 Australian National Band Championships in Newcastle, which included a copy of our winning performance of hymn tune "In perfect peace". The pommie reviewer was very sparse with his praise for any of the mostly A-grade performances, but he has this to say about us:

"This was played by Warringah and their effective reading contributed to their victory in the B Grade competition. The sections of the band blend well together, with the careful dovetailing of entries producing a fine
balanced sound."

29 Feb 2004

Ern Keller International Brass Musicians Contest and Concert

Eight of the band world's leading soloists contested the 30th Ern Keller International Brass Musicians Trophy in Sydney this month, adjudicated by Mark Ford.

This prestigious event was held on Sunday 29 February 2004 at St Marys Band Club Auditorium. The Solo Contest began at 11am, the Quartets at 2pm and at 4pm, the "Band of the Year" contest began; this year five top brass bands contested.

The "Ern Keller International Soloist of 2004" title was won by cornetist, Kevin Joughin from South Australia. The Quartet Championship was won by the trombone quartet from Waratah Brass.

The "Band of the Year" was again won convincingly for the eighth year in succession by Waratah Brass, conducted by Ron Prussing. A special mention was made of the excellent concert presentation of Gunnedah Shire Band, conducted by Jason Katsikaris.

26 Jan 2004

Australia Day Ceremony on Beacon Hill

Warringah Concert Brass performing during the Australia Day Ceremony, as it has for the past 15 years.