Brass band wins nationals

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The Nelson Youth Brass Band is a national champion, winning its division at the NZ National Brass Band Championships over the weekend.

Twenty nine bands competed at the champs in Timaru, across a range of divisions. The Nelson City Brass Band finished fifth in its division, a great achievement since it was the first time it had travelled to the nationals in a number of years.

Band conductor Nick Sharpe says the result was exciting for the band, from which 42 of the 57 members competed at the championships. “We rehearsed really well and really enjoyed the competition.”

The bands took part in a march through Timaru’s main streets with the Nelson Youth Band leading the way. Nick says it was a highlight. “We led the parade of bands because we were the youngest. Put all the pizazz we do into the march and it was really well received.”

Fenella Deans of the Nelson band finished second in the junior trombone section while Jarrah Dowrick came third in the tuba solo section. Zane Maxwell finished fifth in a high quality senior open euphonium section.

David Todd won the cup for administrator of the year at the competition.