The New Zealand Brass Band Championships is one of the world’s oldest music competitions.
The first contest was held in the Christchurch Drill Hall on the 17th of April 1880 with an audience of 2500 people. Six bands competed, and the audience chose the winner – the Invercargill Garrison Band, under the command of Captain W.E. Heywood.
These days the national contest is held annually in July over five days and includes Junior and Open solo and Ensemble competitions, a Sacred Item/Hymn, Test selection and Own Choice selection for bands in each grade (A, B, C, D, and Youth), plus a Street March. The contest sometimes concludes with a gala concert or workshops.
Contest Results
2027, 14 to 17 April, in Invercargill
Band events in the Civic Theatre and SIT Centrestage Theatre. Contact Contest Administrator bbanzeo@gmail.com
2026 National Contest
The championship will be held in Wellington from Wednesday, 8 April to Saturday, 11 April. The venue for the solo and ensemble events on Wednesday, 8 April, and Thursday, 9 April is Te Whaea. The A and B Grade band events will be held on Friday, 10 and Saturday, 11 April, in the Michael Fowler Centre. The C, D, and Youth Grade events will be held at the Wellington Opera House.
See below for a full schedule of all venues.
Admission is free to all events except the Invitation Slow Melody, Champion of Champions and Gala Concert.
The chief adjudicator is Russell Gray. Assistant Chief Adjudicators are Glyn and Helen Williams, formerly principal players for the Cory Band.
Dates to note:
The draw for all events has been released. If you would like a copy, please email bbanzeo@gmail.com
Tuesday, 31 March - last day for player registrations.
For more information, please contact the Contest Administrator at bbanzeo@gmail.com
