National Contest cancelled – 15th March 2011
The National Contest due to be held in Timaru was cancelled this year, just a week out from when it was to take place. After the tragic events in Christchurch late in February the initial consensus was that the contest should continue and all parties involved were determined for this to happen.
The band in particular was highly motivated towards achieving a third consecutive National title win, a feat the band has never achieved previously.
However, as the time approached, it became evident that to hold the contest would displace a large number of refugees from valuable accommodation. Ultimately, although hugely disappointed, the majority of bands were supportive of the extremely difficult but inevitable decision the Association had to make.
With three of our overseas players already in New Zealand and another couple due to arrive, the band was still very keen to do something to end the season on a slightly higher note. With the help of the City of Wellington band a charity concert was organised in Wellington for the same weekend.
The airline came to the party by transferring our flights for no additional charge and the Wellington City Council offered the Michael Fowler Centre to hold the event. The result was a very successful concert given the short amount of time available to organize and promote it.