Brass band to strike early note ahead of Nationals

AMY RUSS

A night of high-stakes music awaits local audiences when the Marlborough District Brass Band presents its 2026 Pre-Contest Concert on Sunday, 29 March.

The concert is the public unveiling of the band’s full national contest programme, played in full uniform and under stage conditions that mirror competition day.

“The band sounds different in every venue, and performing in our theatre is as close to the contest venue as possible,” says Executive Officer Brian Nicholas. “It gives our supporters the chance to hear us at our best, and there’s real value for the players in stepping on stage just as they will at contest.”

This year’s concert carries extra significance, with both the B Grade band and a newly formed Youth Band preparing to compete at the New Zealand National Brass Band Championships. Nationals are usually held in July but have been brought forward to April to allow Wellington Brass to attend the World Championships in Europe.

Central to the programme is the set test piece, revealed just 120 days before competition and designed to test versatility and stamina. This year’s work, “Images”, is particularly demanding. “It especially tests timing, counting and unity, with unusual time signatures and some interesting new sounds,” Brian says. “It really keeps everyone on their toes.”

Alongside the set test are the Sacred Item and Own Choice pieces, selected to showcase the band’s strengths. Contest regulations prevent those titles from being released publicly, making the 29 March concert the first opportunity for audiences to hear them.

The Youth Band’s entry marks the first time in 10 years Marlborough has fielded a Youth Grade ensemble at nationals. “We’ve always had a large number of teenage members playing vital roles in maintaining the band’s standard,” Brian says.

“Entering a Youth Band gives them the chance to shine in higher seats.” The band has a proud contest history, reaching A Grade in 2000 after decades building through B Grade and placing second overall in A Grade aggregate in 2008, effectively ranking as New Zealand’s top band that year. Re-graded to B Grade in 2021, it remains competitive.

“Both our bands would be happy to finish in the top half of their sections,” Brian says.

Also adding interest to this year’s campaign is the return of former Marlburian Mathew Patchett on lead cornet. But first, all focus is on 29 March with a home crowd send-off before the national stage beckons.