Whilst many of us were digging into our favourite chocolate over the Easter weekend, Dominic Longhurst (11/JN) was competing at the National Band Championships in Perth. His results could not be bettered with wins in both the Junior and Open Cornet divisions and  he also took out the Junior and Open Champion of Champions competition.

Dominic was entered in the Junior and Open Cornet events. Winning these granted him entry into the Champion of Champions Brass events. In the Junior events there were 59 contestants with a final of ten in the Junior Champion of Champions. Likewise, in the Open events 104 people contested the open divisions with a final of 12 in the Open Champion of Champions. The adjudicator commented on Dominic’s technical prowess and exceptional musicianship –

“…such a bold confident style matched with excellent playing…musicality, flair, intensity, passion – it’s all here…what skill…this has been a privilege to listen to”

The history of the National Band Championships stretches back over 100 years to 1900 with the first National brass band competition held that year in Ballarat. Dominic is the first person in the event’s history to take out both the Junior and Open National Brass Champion divisions in the same year and he is also the youngest Open division winner since the late 1970s. In addition, Dominic’s quartet from St Mary’s Brass Band club won the Quartet division of the championships.

The Newington community is very proud of Dominic’s achievements and recognise the dedication and commitment to becoming a musician of the highest standard.

Dr Luke Gilmour
Director of Bands