WE WIN!

Blue Mountains Concert Band has been named Champion Band in its first foray into the Open C grade NSW Band Association competition held on Saturday 22nd August at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith.

In a field of seven concert bands, the Blue Mountains instrumentalists, under the expert guidance of conductor Rob Mattessi, placed first in the Hymn and Own Choice sections and second place, by only one point, in the Test piece. Their overall score of 237/250 was the highest in this section of the state competition. The scores for all bands in the Open C section are shown below.

The band’s ability to excel in performing slower and solemn music came to the fore in Shenandoah performed in the Hymn section. This was followed by the Australian composition featuring pentatonic melodies, Guilin’s Majesty, selected by the band as their Test Piece. Finally, their performance of The Witch and the Saint, a vibrant and exciting ten-minute tone poem in one movement, returned an incredible score for the band of 98/100.

This outcome was the culmination of many weeks of preparation, including a weekend rehearsal generously supported by Blue Mountains City Council’s Community Assistance Program. 

We are now looking forward to rehearsing new music in preparation for our major concert in 2027. Congratulations to everyone and watch this space for more news!

Click here for the audio recording - NOT for sharing please.