Australian National Brass 2005
NEWS RELEASE
6 February 2005
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BRASS BAND 2005
It is with much regret that the National Band Council of Australia Inc, announces that the proposed tour of the Australian National Brass Band to Kerkrade, Netherlands in July 2005, has had to be cancelled.
Although self-funding for the tour was indicated from the start, it was intended that as sponsorships became available, the cost to individuals would be reduced. Unfortunately, it has recently become apparent that sponsorships will not be available in time, if at all, which consequently loads the entire financial burden onto the individual members. Even with a change in the tour schedule, which resulted in a reduction of cost for the individuals, it is not financially possible to continue. Coupled with this is the lack of information and confusion about the contest details. Very recent attempts to clarify several issues, in the hope that the project could still proceed, have been unsuccessful.
Regretfully, this also means that the Australian National Brass Band 2005, as from the date of this letter, is now defunct
Brian J. Dodds
Executive Officer
National Band Council of Australia Inc
Email: executiveofficer@nbca.asn.au
Tel: (08) 9479 6796; 0402 458 015
National Band Council of Australia Press Release
18 January 2005
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BRASS BAND 2005
While the administration of the Australian National Brass Band has been seeking financial sponsorships for the band, it has been concerned for some time about the reality that some players may find they have to pull out of their position for personal reasons, predominantly cost. Several players have already resigned their positions and been replaced, but the concern is that there may be more.
To reduce costs, the time that was to have been taken up with the European tour (other than the contest itself) will now be spent in rehearsal in Melbourne. This workshop period might also include regional concerts in Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong. The rehearsal period will conclude with a concert in Melbourne at which it is intended to record a DVD to commemorate the band and tour.
The goal of the NBCA is and always has been, to get the best Australian brass band possible, playing at their peak, to compete in Kerkrade. The non-availability of the test piece by January 1 st has also meant a change to the rehearsal requirements. There was little point meeting in Melbourne in January to rehearse if the test piece was unavailable.
Consequently, the following rehearsal schedule has been arranged:
- Workshop 1 : Sunday March 27 (Sunday after the Nationals) in Adelaide.
- Workshop 2 : Melbourne, starting evening of Friday May 13, through till Sunday afternoon May 15.
- Workshop 3 : Melbourne, Monday June 27, through till July 5 or 6, at which time the band will depart (flying out of Melbourne) for Holland/Kerkrade directly.
The rehearsal venues in Adelaide and Melbourne are yet to be determined.
The band will arrive in Amsterdam around July 6 and travel to Kerkrade. A few days of rest and rehearsal will be spent prior to the competition on July 9 & 10. The band is likely to depart Holland to return to Australia around July 11 or 12.
Brian J. Dodds
Executive Officer
National Band Council of Australia Inc
Email: executiveofficer@nbca.asn.au
Tel: (08) 9479 6796; 0402 458 015
