Victorian State Championships 2026 – Junior A & Junior C Grade

A wonderful day at the Victorian Bands’ League State Band Championships for Hyde Street Bands in the Junior Section!

🏆Hyde Street Junior Band – Junior C Grade State Champions!

🏆Hyde Street Youth Band – Junior A Grade State Champions!

It was a special moment at the Victorian Bands’ League State Championships with Hyde Street’s Junior A entry this year. It was a privilege to play the test piece, written by Australian composer Jodie Blackshaw, and commissioned by the Daylesford Community Brass Band, telling the history of Daylesford & Hepburn Springs. This was a technical and interpretative challenge for many of our emerging young players, with 15 of our Junior Band players stepping up, with some in leadership positions, which turned into a wonderful growth experience. They ended up with such a strong sense of the ways in which music can tell a story. And thanks to Musical Director Fern Gass who was there with our young players every step of the way, going above and beyond, with the level of support provided.

Jodie Blackshaw also listened in and said “I could hear how much they were “thinking.” There was so much to celebrate in what they achieved today. You must be very proud of them as an ensemble.” She also said the euphonium solo was fabulous, the Flugal solo played beautifully and the percussion was fantastic. The composer describes the piece as follows: “The three movements of this captivating piece utilise a somewhat traditional approach to a three movement suite, that is, a march, a chorale and a processional. They take the audience on a journey through the history of Australian regional “gold” towns Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, the first movement, “Swept by Grief”, brings fire and destruction; Movement 2, “Washed with love”, emulates the love and conservation efforts of the European immigrants regarding the precious mineral waters; Movement 3, “Blessed by Art”, celebrates the Hepburn Springs region we know and love today. A region that nourishes and supports Australian artists and musicians in many diverse mediums.”

Congratulations to Izzi Smith on her first outing as an MD with our Junior Band, and to our young players who have worked long and hard towards mastering their instruments and ensemble playing. And to the community that supports them.

And what a wonderful Junior section with Richmond Youth Brass as Junior B Grade Champions & Richmond West Primary School Band as Primary School Band Champions!
Many thanks to the many volunteers who make the day possible. And tomorrow, Youth Band competes in a very full Open C Grade with 10 bands!