Four OAMs Gather at Conference
At the NBCA conference in Sydney on June 20th to 22nd the opportunity was taken to photograph the gathered four who have been awarded an OAM (Medal in the Order of Australia) in recent years. Present were current NBCA President Robert Bedwell OAM; NBCA Executive Officer Allen Woodham OAM; NBCA Vice President David Peters OAM and NBCA recent Vice President Geoff Fry OAM. In comparing notes it was discovered that while each of these awardees have served the NBCA for long periods their respective award citations were quite varied in describing the award.
It must be quite a unique situation to have four people who have been given this unique citation serving within the one organization at any one time. Congratulations were extended to the four individuals by the gathered NBCA Councillors as they enjoyed an evening together after a day-long conference which continued the next day.
Initial Details for 2015 Announced
Initial details for the 2015 Australian Band Championships have been announced with the release of Newsletter No. 1 by the NSW organizing committee.
Following the Parade of Bands, planned to be held in Hyde Park North, a Commemoration and Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held, with the assistance of the Australian RSL (NSW Branch), at the ANZAC Memorial, Hyde Park South. This service will be a special time to remember those community band members who paid the supreme sacrifice on active service and those who have since passed away.
New Music Commissioned
In honouring our members and in commemorating the Centenary of ANZAC eight new works have been commissioned by prominent, proven Australian composers as Test Pieces for each of the Open Band grades using aspects of the commemoration and the spirit of ANZAC as the inspiration for their works. Further details of the early arrangements for this iconic event can be researched here.
Australian Band Championships Success
The National Band Contest in Brisbane has come and gone with bands and soloists reflecting on their performances over the Easter weekend.
As usual bands in all grades, both brass and concert, found the set tests to be extremely challenging as they presented their efforts to the various adjudicators. Every band rose to the challenge in their own way and the diversity of interpretations gave listeners much enjoyment and led to much discussion as opinions were shared. This was evidenced in comments by adjudicators as they spoke about the performances and generally praised the standards of performances by bands at all levels.
This contest continues to be the epitome of Australian banding and showcases the very best in application, dedication and togetherness that groups of musicians can produce both on the stage and in the street as music is made for the joy of doing so. Attending bands illustrated their passion and dedication in expending large sums financially to travel to these events and they spend countless hours polishing their performances. This was certainly reflected in what was evidenced over the weekend in Brisbane.
Add into the mix the very long day with scores of soloists performing across many categories and Australian musicians gave of their very best across five very busy days.
The event was hosted by a busy group of volunteer people from the Queensland Band Association Nationals Committee and the NBCA who dedicated long hours to ensure every competitor enjoyed their involvement.
Next year the National Championships moves to Sydney and once again Australian Bands and soloists will gather to let their music shine at Australia's largest community band gathering.
Call for Nominations for NBCA Executive Officer
The National Band Council of Australia advises that nominations from interested persons are now being received for the position of Executive Officer of the Council as outlined in the NBCA's constitution.
Interested persons seeking to contribute to Australia's band world are encouraged to seek nomination for this position.
Nominations and all inquiries should be directed to the current Executive Officer and all nominations MUST be received by the close of business on Friday, 13th June 2014. Nominations received will be considered by the Council at its AGM as part of the annual conference to be held in Sydney from Friday, 20th June to Sunday, 22nd June.
Nominations should comply with the NBCA Rule 14 in particular 14.6 and the nominee should acquaint themselves with Rule 16 which details the duties of the position. These rules can be referenced in the constitution which is available from the Downloads area of the NBCA web site.
Allen Woodham OAM
Executive Officer
NBCA President Honoured
The current NBCA President Mr Robert Bedwell has received an honorary Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia as announced by Australia’s Governor General.
Robert, who has served the band world in various state and national positions, was given a citation as follows:
Mr Robert Anthony BEDWELL
For service to the community through the Central Coast
Concert Band and to mentoring young musicians.
The NBCA executive and Councillors join with the band community in congratulating Robert with this recognition received.
Canberra City Band Releases Their History
A new book detailing the history of the Canberra City Band has been recently released to the public. Written by William Hoffmann OAM and John Sharpe the work highlights the unique place in Australia’s history this long serving group has forged from its earliest days as Ben Chiffley’s baby to the current day.
Established in 1925, the Canberra City Band is believed to be Australia’s oldest community concert band. It was formed as a brass band for the workers constructing the federal capital and became Canberra’s official band supported by Prime Minister Ben Chiffley.
The book is a fascinating and interesting read to both band people and history buffs alike and contains some wonderful facts and stories that will fascinate the reader. It depicts the history of some marvellously dedicated people who have made a significant contribution to the life of Australia’s national capital. A wonderful read and a book of real significance.
Copies can be obtained via the band’s web site www.canberracityband.com
2014 Yearbook Posted
The NBCA contest regulation changes which were approved at the July annual conference have been posted in the revised 2014 NBCA Yearbook which will be applicable at the 2014 National Championship to be held in Brisbane over the Easter weekend in 2014.
While the alterations are mainly administrative in nature it would be advisable for band administrators and secretaries to familiarize themselves with the requirements that apply when submitting entries for bands and soloists for 2014.
The alterations adopted came about after much consideration by state bodies and debate by Councillors at the Brisbane conference and are designed to resolve issues that have become apparent in recent times. A wider explanation of the adopted changes can be ascertained by consulting the 2013 conference minutes which are also posted here.
Annual Conference in Brisbane Minutes Posted
The NBCA AGM and annual conference which was held in Brisbane on July 19th to 21st proved to be a busy time for the Councillors and executive.
The election of the executive, with the retirement of President Kevin Cameron and Vice President Geoff Fry OAM, resulted in Robert Bedwell being appointed as President and David Peters being appointed to the office of Vice President for the next two years. Robert and David bring a great deal of experience to the positions and their appointments were met with suitable acclaim by the Councillors.
The conference received a detailed report from the hosting committee of the Perth 2013 Championships and the Council extended warm congratulations on the successful staging of an excellent event.
A detailed report was also presented on the preparations for the 2014 Championships to be held in Brisbane.
Motions presented at the conference from State bodies were debated at length with a result that some changes have occurred to the regulations that govern the Championships. These are detailed in the conference minutes now posted on the web site and will be included in the alterations and additions in the 2014 Yearbook which will be posted to the NBCA website shortly.
Call for Nominations to the NBCA Executive
The National Band Council of Australia advises that nominations from interested persons are now being received for the position of President and Vice President of the Council as outlined in the NBCA's constitution.
Interested persons seeking to contribute to Australia's band world are encouraged to seek nomination via their state body.
Nominations and all inquiries should be directed to the Executive Officer and all nominations MUST be received by the close of business on Friday, 5th July 2013. Nominations received after this date will be rejected in line with the NBCA's Constitution
All nominations received will be considered by the Council at its AGM as part of the annual conference to be held in Brisbane from Friday, 19th July to Sunday 21st July.
Nominations should comply with the NBCA rule 14 in particular 14.6.1 and 14.6.2.
These rules can be referenced in the constitution which is available from the Downloads area of the NBCA web site.
Allen Woodham OAM
Executive Officer
