2008 Festival Of Brass

MEDIA RELEASE – 3 July 2008

For immediate release

Bands Travel Far And Wide For 2008 Festival Of Brass

Over 1200 musicians from 33 bands converge on Christchurch next week for a five day festival of music making, competitions and parades as part of the 128th NZ National Brass Band Championships, one of the largest by participation, in New Zealand.

Beginning on Wednesday 9th July the solo and group events will be at the Christchurch Town Hall and Convention Centre. These heats lead to the KBB Music Champion of Champion events for open and junior classes. “Over 250 soloists are travelling from as far as Britain to compete in one of New Zealand’s oldest music festivals” says the Festival Chairman Owen Melhuish. “We also welcome three bands from Australia, Brisbane Excelsior (defending champions), Brisbane Brass and Moreland City Brass as well as New Zealand bands from all parts of the country. This event is a huge highlight for many band players both old and young as it is a hobby that you can truly participate in from eight to eighty” said Melhuish

“A popular event is the Simon Hocking House of Travel Invitation Slow Melody event to be held at the Limes Room within the Town Hall 7.30pm Wednesday 9th July. This is a highly sought after event to participate in and always draws a good crowd to hear the true melodies” says Melhuish

Friday lunchtime the Parade of Bands will have most band’s strutting their stuff around Victoria Square. Band events are to be held on the Friday and Saturday in five grades and will perform for the assembled guest judges, including the Chief Judge Simone Rebello, a professional percussionist from Britain. Four of the best bands get to perform again in the Scenic Circle Hotels Band of the Year event at 2.00pm Sunday 13th July in the Town Hall with guest entertainment judge Peter Mac from The Breeze radio station to assist the music judges choose the “Band of the Year”.

2008 Festival of Brass
Christchurch Town Hall and Convention Centre
9-13 July 2008
Door sales or book at Ticketek ph 3778899
www.brassnz.co.nz

Ends

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