Members of the Willoughby Band Organisation are celebrating their winnings after the 2007 NSW State Solo Competitions this weekend, which were held at Georges Hall, Bankstown Grammar School.

This annual event sees musicians from all over New South Wales compete against each other, and for the prestigious Tom Gawn trophy, ahead of the NSW State Brass Band Championships in August.

Brian McGuinness, Principal Cornet for Willoughby Band, was ranked first in the Open Cornet section; Andrew Sambell, Second Trombone for Willoughby Band, was ranked first in the Open Tenor Trombone section; and Jeffrey Ma, Solo Euphonium for Willoughby Band, was ranked second in the Open Euphonium section.

Heather Reid, Flugel for Willoughby Youth Brass Band, was ranked first in the Junior Events, with Chiara Pawela (Cornet) and Andrew Selosse (Baritone), also with Willoughby Youth Brass Band, being ranked second and third respectively in the Juvenile Events.

This year’s winner of the Tom Gawn trophy, Kristy Rowe from Gunnedah Band, was given a run for her money by Willoughby Band’s Jeffrey Ma who came second by just one point.

Willoughby Band and Willoughby Youth Brass Band are now preparing for the NSW State Brass Band Championships in August, with both looking to regain their titles. You can see both in concert prior to the Championships on Sunday 5 August at the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood, or on Saturday 18 August at the Carlingford Baptist Church, Carlingford.

All bands in the Willoughby Band Organisation rehearse at the Joe Ciantar Rehearsal Room, Macintosh Street, Chatswood. For more details visit the website www.willoughbyband.com.au

For more information about the Willoughby Band Organisation contact: Eddie Evans (President) Tel: 02 9958 0230
For more information about this press release contact: Lindsay Snell (Marketing & PR Manager) Tel: 0431 145 094

Willoughby City Band returned from Canberra this weekend as The Australian National Eisteddfod 2007 Open Brass Band Champions.

Under the direction of Andrew Snell, Willoughby City Band achieved a perfect ‘A’ score card from adjudicator Major Frank Rugers, and were commended for their attention to technical detail and exceptional control.

“The band has reunited over the past eighteen months and worked really hard, as a team, to build a new and powerful sound. I can honestly say that from the moment I dropped the baton at my first rehearsal with these guys I have enjoyed every single moment in front of them” reports Mr Snell.

“The band put in an excellent performance at the National Brass Band Championships in Brisbane last Easter, and really made everyone sit up and take note at the recent Nationals in Melbourne. Willoughby is back, and we mean business. Roll on the State Championships in August!”

Willoughby City Band performs at a number of local events and venues throughout the year, and plays a vital role in the development of musical opportunities for youth in the local community.

Willoughby City Band is part of the Willoughby Band organisation, which also includes an award winning youth brass band and a newly formed youth concert band.

The Willoughby Youth Concert Band is looking for enthusiastic woodwind, brass and percussion players aged between 13 and 25 to join the ranks; and the Willoughby Youth Brass Band is always happy to welcome new members.

All bands in the Willoughby Band organisation rehearse at the Joe Ciantar Rehearsal Room, Mcintosh Street, Chatswood.

For more information about the Willoughby Band organisation contact:
Eddie Evans (President) Tel: 02 9958 0230

For more information about this press release contact:
Lindsay Snell (Marketing & PR Manager) Tel: 0431 145 094
snellsydney AT optusnet.com.au