The Simon Hocking 

House of Travel

Invitation Slow Melody

The Slow Melody was the first of the special events of the Nationals, where the contestants were invited by the National Committee. This group show outstanding excellence and the audience can expect superb performances on a range of instruments.

Playing order is determined by lot drawn just before the contest.
This year, the playing order was:
  Phillip Johnston, Bbb Bass,
  Tyme Marsters, Flugel,
  Andrew Leech, Trombone
  Mitchell Spence, Tenor Horn
  Riki McDonnell, Euphonium
  Nigel Seaton, Ebb Bass
  Paula Russell, Cornet
  John Lewis, Cornet
  Kerry Wood, Cornet

A late complication meant that Colin Clark (Soprano Cornet) was precluded from competing. His apologies and best wishes were extended to all competitors.

An introduction to each of the performances was given by Master of Ceremonies, David Dobson, and the list of the competitors past accomplishments was extremely impressive. They also had a diverse range of alternate hobbies, from boxing to power boat racing.

The venue was the chapel at The Mission Winery. The adjudicating trio were  Prof. David King,  Mr. Selwyn Holmesand  Mr. Mark Oldershaw. They sat in isolation in what would once have been an organ loft. Not only did this allow them to hear well, it also gave an excellent view. David King commented both on the location of the judges' desk and the opportunity to actually see the performances. (Adjudication for most events is from within an enclosed tent.)

The near capacity audience were given a wonderful evenings entertainment. Each would have had several performances to treasure especially. I personally found the flugel of Tyme Masters a delight. As Professor King said in his summary afterwards, performance is a personal matter, both in the style of the performer, but also in the preferences of the audience, and each is entitled to take home their own preferred winner. The judges were looking for sound, shape and symmetry, but in particular, a capacity to deliver a performance with a enthralling delivery, that X-factor that makes minor blemishes an irrelevancy. The were united in their selection of those performances that they found outstanding on the night.

Winner: Paula Russell of MPV Brass, Melbourne.
Second: Riki McDonnell of Marlborough District Brass
Third: Tyme Marsters of Marlborough District Brass

They also made special honorable mention of Mitchell Spence,  who must be one of the youngest contestants ever, but delivered a commanding performance from memory.

Paula with ISM cup.
Paula Russell with her winner's cup. Prof. King at left.
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