The New Zealand Brass Band Championships is one of the world’s oldest music competitions.
The first contest was held in the Christchurch Drill Hall on the 17th of April 1880 with an audience of 2500 people. Six bands competed, and the audience chose the winner – the Invercargill Garrison Band, under the command of Captain W.E. Heywood.
These days the national contest is held annually in July over five days and includes Junior and Open solo and Ensemble competitions, a Sacred Item/Hymn, Test selection and Own Choice selection for bands in each grade (A, B, C, D, and Youth), plus a Street March.
This year, the Championships will be held in July 10 to 13 – at the Due Drop Centre, Manukau City, Auckland.
Team Brassbanned is excited to be attending, and will be live broadcasting the event globally in 4K – for free. We are really excited to showcase the magnificent brass music that is made right across New Zealand. We will touch down on Monday afternoon, set up Tuesday then bring selected solos to you on Wednesday and Thursday, before streaming the band events on Friday and Saturday.
