June 13, 2016
The Wondai and District Brass Band were announced as the runners-up in the Concert Program section of this year’s Queensland Brass Band Competition held at Nambour on Sunday.
It was a remarkable feat because the group haven’t taken part in the competition for the past 19 years, and were also the smallest band at the event.
The competition – the 48th Festival Of Brass – was hosted by Sunshine Brass this year, and held at Nambour High School’s Hungerford Hall.
The full day program attracted many brass bands from south-east Queensland, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Bundaberg.
Although the Wondai band has 25 members only 16 could attend, including long time bandsman (and former Wondai Shire Mayor) Percy Iszlaub, 90.
“We went into the competition knowing we wouldn’t win, but it provided us with good experience and a reason to learn new music,” band leader Josh Gadischke said.
“One of our members – Terry Jacobson – has had many years of competition experience, so he was able to share his insights about key areas the judges would be looking at during marking.”
Terry’s advice paid off when the band took out second place in the “Concert Program”, which is a 30 minute program of mixed tunes.
Other sections that were judged over the weekend included Hymn, March and Major Work.
The judges commended the skill of the band’s musical director Gary Andersen, who conducted the band while he was playing a cornet.
They also remarked on the band’s ability to cover all music parts – and even compensate during playing – for features often assigned to dedicated players.
Overall, band members said the day was an enjoyable experience.
And it was made all the more enjoyable by the bus trip back home afterwards, which allowed them to share jokes and refreshments.
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The Wondai and District Band is made up of voluntary musicians who practice every Wednesday night at Wondai.
Several players also live in Kingaroy, Yarraman and Kumbia.
New members of any skill level are always welcome, and membership enquiries can be made by phoning Jane Iszlaub on 0411-118-510.
Congratulations Wondai town band. You are a fabulous group of people always willing to play at Australia Day services, Anzac Day, Christmas carnivals and other community events as well as regularly performing at Forestview. You are a great asset to the Wondai community.