Brass band returns triumphant to Morawa District High School after State band championships win

A Mid West brass band could be excused for blowing its own horn after winning its category in a State music competition earlier this month.

The annual Western Australian Band Association State Band Championships are held over the June long weekend, with last year’s event cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Entrants are asked to perform four pieces of music; a march, hymn, test piece and a fourth composition chosen by the band.

Morawa District High School’s brass band emerged as the proud winners of the junior category, with one student also receiving exceptional feedback for his performance in the solo category.

It was the first time many of the 13 band members (from Year 6 to 9) had competed, with some students only recently picking up music lessons and joining the band.

Conductor Helen Walter said MDHS was the only public school in WA to have a brass band, with students enjoying the opportunity to put their skills to the test.

“I think it is just such a good thing for them … it opens their eyes to what is out there,” she said.

“The experience is always valuable and it gives them something to work towards.”

Ms Walter said she was “very pleased” with the band’s efforts and the adjudicator’s comments were “very encouraging and supportive”.