Vale: David H. Peters, OAM (1955-2020)
It is with much sadness that we report the passing of former President and Life Member of the NBCA David Peters, OAM. David was a significant figure within the banding movement in Tasmania and nationally. He was a life member of the TBL having served as President. David was awarded the TBL Badge of Honour and was a Jubilee Certificate recipient with over 50 years of faithful service. He was also a member of Organising Committees and Chief Drill Adjudicator for several Australian National Band Championships.
David will be sadly missed. His contribution to the banding movement was enormous. Our deepest condolences go to his family and the Tasmanian Bands League with whom he served so faithfully.
Barrie Gott
President
National Band Council of Australia
Australian National Online Festival of Bands (ANOFOB)
The National Band Council of Australia in conjunction with the Band Association of NSW will be conducting the inaugural Australian National Online Festival of Bands (ANOFOB) instead of the Australian National Band Championships which were to be held in Newcastle over Easter 2021. The NBCA would like to encourage all eligible bands to participate in this event under the conditions outlined in the press release which can be accessed by clicking here.
This festival will provide an opportunity for bands to submit for adjudication video recordings of them playing a sacred item, single own choice major work, on stage march or own choice concert item (or any combination of these four items).
The festival is all about participation, providing bands with purpose for rehearsals through these times as we attempt to return to our usual high standards, making great music together rather than fierce competition for trophies and titles.
A Message from the President
Hi all.
Since the cancelling of the National and many State championships I can only watch and see the great endeavours of many who are trying to maintain the joy, love and passion for banding.
There is much we can do as individuals to maintain the high standard of community music making that is evident in this country by practising, seeking ways to improve technique and most importantly staying in touch with each other. Staying in touch means that we do not lose the sense of community that banding brings AND the next time you meet in person will be even better.
If any of you have innovative ways that you use to communicate do not hesitate to share them.
Be assured that the NBCA is aware of the difficulties and strains placed upon us at this time however our thoughts and prayers are with you and I look forward to next year when we will celebrate another exciting contest in Newcastle.
Best wishes
Barrie Gott
President
National Band Council of Australia
Notice of Cancellation - Australian National Band Championships
Hello again everyone.
What a difference a few days has made. As the world comes to grips with the impact of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, the organising body for the nationals has taken a further critical review of the viability of hosting our event this Easter.
The NBCA has made the following statement:
Discussions were held with the National Band Council and the Western Australian organising committee today following the announcement of a pandemic. It is with regret that the National Contest to be held in Perth at Easter will not proceed. We are well aware of the amount of preparation that has been made by the organising committee and individual bands. However, circumstances and concerns by various stakeholders have made us come to this decision.
This decision was not made lightly but was in the end forced upon us.
Sincerely,
Barrie Gott
President
National Band Council of Australia
Notwithstanding WABA's alignment with the NBCA, this is a devastating blow to the team here - our small committee has moved mountains to welcome bands from all over Australia, and for it to end like this, just a few weeks out, is nothing short of heartbreaking. This competition was definitely going to be one for the books!
We sincerely thank our sponsors for their support - without your generosity we would not have made it this far.
The team has prepared a brief Q&A reference, available via our website here.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Wiebe Wilbers
Organising Secretary
2020 National Band Championships
Mob: 0439 723 843
Email:
Planning for Perth 2020
The organizing committee are working hard aiming to make the Perth Australian National Band Championships exceed everyone's expectations.
We are looking forward to be welcoming you back to Perth in 2020. The Nationals will run from Friday, 10th April to Monday, 13th April 2020.
In addition to the Nationals, Perth will have something for everyone. From our world class beaches, day trips to award winning winery regions, a wide range of accommodation in the city centre area, and restaurant and pubs to suit everyone, you will enjoy your time in Perth.
Keep an eye on the website for more information and feel free to email
We are looking forward to putting on a great Nationals for you!
2018 Yamaha Australian Championships Results Posted
The complete results for the 2018 Yamaha Australian National Band Championships have now been posted in the Archives area for reference.
The 2018 National event proved to be everything that was expected and more with the excellent venues in Melbourne. The Parade of Bands drew a good crowd and motivated many spectators to then attend the inside events over the remainder of the weekend.
Many band people will have great memories of the Melbourne contest with comments reflecting the appreciation for the hard work undertaken by the organizing committee, who produced the event, and the scores of volunteers who worked in various roles to make it all happen. The consistency of this annual event is always maintained by the hard work and dedication of the scores of people who volunteer their time to make it happen. Well done to these wonderful people.
2018 Melbourne Contest a Great Success
The 2018 Yamaha Australian National Band Championships was deemed a great success by the attending bands, soloists, spectators, officials and friends alike. The audiences that filed in and out of the halls each day responded warmly to the wide variety of performances presented by well-rehearsed groups that gave of their best for the groups of adjudicators.
Viewers from near and far watched the constant live streams broadcast to the world by Tim Kelly and his team via brassbanned.com. The online chat dissected the performances with constant comment and it was obvious there were many well informed viewers eager to catch the finer details of the performances.
The marching contest attracted a large crowd to the grounds of the MLC where the bands performed their displays with precision to much happy reaction from the spectators. There was extra interest and fun reactions at the various antics illustrated at the change of direction movements. A maypole and impromptu cricket display amongst other creative initiatives created quite a reaction from the fun crowd.
A team of volunteers worked with passion and much dedication over the weekend to ensure the operations proceeded with a minimum of fuss and as little delay as could be managed.
All in all it was a magnificent weekend displaying the Australian banding movement at its finest and another national event that will trigger fine memories as it is talked about and reflected upon until the next event occurs in 2019 in the city of Brisbane.
Congratulations to everyone involved in Melbourne 2018 for a fine event that reflected to you all much credit and brought great pleasure to so many people both near and far. Well done to you all and thank you for a fine weekend.
2018 Yearbook Posted
The 2018 Yearbook which contains the updated contest regulations and Approved March List has been posted to the NBCA web site. The document can be found in the Downloads area.
This document will be the prevailing guide for the 2018 National Contest to be held at Melbourne at Easter 2018.
2017 Annual Conference Minutes Posted
The NBCA AGM and annual conference which was held in Melbourne in June proved to be a busy time for the Councillors and the NBCA Executive.
The conference received a detailed report from the hosting committee of the Launceston 2017 Championships and the Council extended warm congratulations on the successful staging of an excellent event.
A detailed report was presented on the preparations for the 2018 Championships to be held in Melbourne. This promises to be an event with considerable attractions for the banding community. The planning by the organizing committee indicates bands experience superb venues for their performances and excellent prospective adjudicators.
As usual matters raised at the conference from all the State bodies were debated at length. It was again a busy couple of days for the Councillors and officials as they illustrated their passion and dedication to Australia’s band movement.
Minutes for the conference can be found here.
