THERE is a right way and a wrong way for a marching brass band to turn a corner.<\/p>\n
Then there is the Creswick Brass Band way.<\/p>\n
The Band\u2019s execution of their Hokey Pokey turn into Adelaide Street, Brisbane helped them take home first place in the C Grade Street March at the 2019 Yamaha Australian National Band Championships.<\/p>\n
Competing in C Grade, for the first time in over 40 years, didn\u2019t dampen their enthusiasm or their playing.<\/p>\n
Musical Director Katrina Bird said winning the march was wonderful.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo see how the crowds enjoyed our rendition of the Hokey Pokey put a smile on all our faces,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all had a great time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Benjamin Gray, 16 years old, is the band\u2019s Drum Major.<\/p>\n
He lines the musicians up, makes sure the rank and file are in line and straight and sets the pace.<\/p>\n
The band follows his lead by watching the different mace commands he makes while marching.<\/p>\n
Mr Gray said he was thrilled the band won the marching prize as it was the first time they had competed in C-Grade.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe weren\u2019t really expecting too much and when we found out we\u2019d won it was really exciting for not only me but the whole band as well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we were lined up ready to start, I was only thinking about what we had to do and hoping I would enjoy myself while doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Gray said the position of Drum Major is all about trust.<\/p>\n
\u201cPracticing makes sure the band knows what we are supposed to be doing, then it comes down to me trusting that they will do what I say and do it properly.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THERE is a right way and a wrong way for a marching brass band to turn a corner. Then there is the Creswick Brass Band way. The Band\u2019s execution of their Hokey Pokey turn into Adelaide Street, Brisbane helped them take home first place in the C Grade Street March at the 2019 Yamaha Australian […]<\/p>\n