Published: 22 June 2016

Allen Woodham OAM, at left handed the duty of Executive Officer to Tony Schraven at the recent NBCA conference in Launceston. Allen, who has completed 10 years in the position, decided it was time for a change with a new face to drive the Council forward. “I have been extremely privileged to have served Australia’s band world in the position and am confident Tony will be an exceptional replacement to take the Council into the future,” Allen commented.

The State Councillors made a presentation to Allen after the election of the new officer and wished him every success for the future which was suitably endorsed by everyone present.

Published: 08 April 2016

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 submit a 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, 3rd June 2016. Nominations received after this date will be declared ineligible in accordance with Section 14 of the NBCA constitution. All nominations will be considered by the Council at its AGM as part of the annual conference to be held in Launceston from Friday, 17th June to Sunday, 19th June.

Nominations should comply with the NBCA's constitution and nominee(s) should acquaint themselves with Section 14 and Section 17 which details the nomination requirements and duties of the position. These guidelines can be referenced in the constitution which is available from the Downloads area of the NBCA web site.

Allen Woodham OAM
Executive Officer

Published: 06 April 2016

The complete results for the 2016 Yamaha Australian National Band Championships have now been posted in the Archives area for reference.

The 2016 National event proved to be everything that was expected and more with the excellent venues at the Trinity College Gawler. The Parade of Bands through the main shopping area 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 Gawler 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.

Published: 06 April 2016

The 2016 Yamaha Australian National Band Championships was declared a great success by bands, soloists, adjudicators, officials and visitors alike over the Easter weekend.

Holding the event at Trinity College in the City of Gawler, north of the City of Adelaide, proved to be an inspired choice as the city embraced the Championship with much enthusiasm. The streets were decorated with banners for days before the event, provided by the City, which added to the festive atmosphere that gave the bands a perfect setting for their Parade of Bands display on the Saturday morning which was live streamed across the world by Brassbanned.com. This part of the weekend can be seen here.

Local media added to the festivity with good support ensuring the Championships were given good exposure to the locals.

The weekend commenced on the Friday morning when the Brass Bands presented their Hymn and Test music for the adjudicators illustrating by their performances that many weeks of rehearsal had been devoted to preparing the bands to offer their very best While the Concert Bands performed throughout the Saturday the Parade of Bands unfolded in the main street of Gawler which attracted a large crowd in a carnival atmosphere. The local coffee shops did a great trade as people watched the bands strut their stuff with great displays and a variety of bright music.

On Sunday the brass bands returned to present their Own Choice and Stage March selections across the four grades before the adjudicators delivered their score sheets to the officials and the results were announced. The final day (Easter Monday) had a packed program of both brass and concert band soloists presenting their best to win their various sections with an option of then entering the Champion of Champion sections in both categories for both junior and senior sections.

The organizers chose a great venue for the Championships with ample room around the grounds for various food stalls and spaces where both competitors and visitors could relax and enjoy the company of like-minded friends, both old and new, and browse the varied trade stalls. The enthusiasm of the large contingent of volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend really made the event a success for the participants as things generally flowed along as planned. A huge 'well done' is directed to everyone involved for a great weekend of community banding at its best.

The full results of the weekend have been posted here.

The attention now shifts to Launceston for the 2017 Yamaha Australian National band Championships which will be held at Easter on the weekend of April 14th to 17th.

Published: 22 July 2015

The NBCA AGM and Annual Conference which was held in Adelaide 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 Sydney 2015 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 2016 Championships to be held in Adelaide. This promises to be an event with considerable attractions for the banding community in the picturesque Barossa Valley area.

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.

Published: 27 June 2015

The Executive Officer of the NBCA, Mr Allen Woodham, was awarded a life membership of the Council at the AGM held in Adelaide on Friday, 19th June. The award was presented by the NBCA Vice President David Peters as the President Robert Bedwell was indisposed and unable to attend the conference.

The citation written by Robert Bedwell and read by David Peters stated the award was for services to the NBCA which has assisted the body to advance its stature and for Allen’s service to the NBCA and the band movement. The Executive and Councillors of the NBCA congratulated Allen on this achievement.

Published: 24 June 2015

Mr Bill Broughton was elected as the new President of the Council at the recent AGM which was held in Adelaide. Bill who is renowned internationally as a musician, composer and motivator stated he was delighted to be elected to the position and is looking forward to working with the Council for the advancement and success of Australian banding. Bill, who spent many years working in the music industry in Hollywood, has wide experience in motivating and encouraging musicians and believes this appointment will assist him in encouraging and advancing the cause for opportunity and excellence for Australian musicians.

A new Vice President of the Council was also elected at the conference with Adrian Loone from Tasmania taking on the role. Adrian, who is the Secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League is the current Councillor on the NBCA for the state and will remain in the role in addition to his new duties.

The 2015 NBCA Conference saw the retirement of three stalwart members of the Council with Robert Bedwell OAM, David Peters OAM and Geoff Fry OAM saying farewell after decades of service to Australian banding with their involvement in the Council.

Published: 25 May 2015

The 2015 NBCA Annual General Meeting and Conference will be held in Adelaide over the weekend of the 19th - 21st June.

The AGM will appoint a President and Vice President for the next two years, receive and ratify the financial report and complete the various requirements that are normal procedure.

The following conference examines the venues and preparations for the 2016 National Band Championships, receives the report from the 2015 event and debates and considers matters and motions that are presented by Councillors from their various State bodies. The Annual Conference brings all six state Councillors together in a focused situation where discussion and debate leads to decisions designed to enhance the operations and presentation of the nation's major community banding event. Councillors are guided by their state bodies and strive to achieve a result that reflects what they believe their state bodies and affiliated bands seek to achieve in their involvement in the Australian National Band Championships.