Brass bands fight it out, blow for blow (+video)

The Hamilton City Brass Band performs at the National Brass Band Championships yesterday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua might seem a bit quiet this week after yesterday's conclusion of the 2015 National Brass Band Championships.

Since Wednesday, bands from up and down the country had been entertaining audiences at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, showing off their virtuoso skills and battling it out in the hope of national recognition.

Yesterday's final set of performances saw Dalewool Auckland Brass take home the Band Of The Year title.

Brass Band Association of New Zealand president Evan Sayer said he was delighted with the way the event had unfolded.

"It's been a great contest, a really good week," said Mr Sayer.

"There have been some great performances by all the bands, in all the grades.

"The judges have been really pleased with the standard - it's up there with the best around the world."

On Friday Rotorua residents were also treated to a street display in which the brass bands joined together for a musical march through Kuirau, Pukuatua and Whakatau streets.

But the parade was not all fun and games - Christchurch's Woolston Brass Band was awarded first place by judges in the A grade display.

Making some impressive noise for the host city, Rotorua Brass Band came in third in the C grade parade.

Kaperiera Hughes, a player in the Te Awamutu Brass Band who was in the audience yesterday, said the championships had been a chance for people to experience something new: "It's good for entertainment and people who don't often watch these things."

Luke Christiansen, a trombone player in the Waitakere City Brass Band, was full of praise for the host city.

"This venue is fantastic, and everything is within walking distance and really easy to get to."

As a bonus, and despite the winter scheduling, there had been little rain on Mr Christiansen's - or anyone's - parade.

"It's been really good - and with great weather," he said.

For full results from the 2015 National Brass Band Championships, visit brassbanz.org.nz