By Publicity Officer
The 2024 Narrabri Arts Eisteddfod commenced at The Crossing Theatre on Monday, May 20 with the music section.
This year’s music adjudicator was Nicolas Buff, musical director of the Army Band, Newcastle.
Nicolas has worked with community big bands, orchestras and wind bands.
Nicolas is an accomplished woodwind musician, playing the flute, clarinet and soprano, alto and tenor saxophone.
His musical journey has combined teaching with the study of European classical, jazz and Indian classical music.
Monday’s program started with woodwind, brass, piano and vocal sections, with standout performances by Lillian Davies (brass ballad 10 years and under), Baxter Gabbott and Ava Smith (popular piano solo 15 years and under), Violet Dawson (popular piano solo 12 years and under), Lilian Davies and Isabela Campbell (instrumental duet, 12 years and under), Elsie Bennett (popular song – Years 7, 8 and 9).
The evening session commenced with an evocative, skilful performance by this year’s adjudicator Nicolas Buff on the soprano saxophone, playing Astor Piazzolla’s Tango Etude No 4.
The evening continued with a very varied and exciting program.
Amongst the many outstanding performances were the Wee Waa Community band, playing The Tempest and Beautiful Sunday, Winds of the Spirit, Red Lilly – A Piece from China and the Charioteers; Peter Carrett playing a sea shanty called the Wellerman on the recorder along with In the Garden and What A Friend we have in Jesus on the euphonium; Hayley Yandell-Smith playing Juin Barcarolle by Tchaikovsky, Intermezzo by Brahams, Phar Lap main theme and Chopin’s Nocturne in C# minor on piano and Daniel Smith, playing Keterbey’s In a Persian Marke’ on piano.
The musical entertainment section on Tuesday morning was also a delightful session, with St Francis Xavier’s receiving first place – I Just Can’t Wait to be King and Narrabri Public School second place – Purple People Eater.
Bellata Public School and Burren Junction Public School received first and second respectively, both presenting highly entertaining performances in the Small Schools’ section.
Narrabri Public School received first and second place in the Small Choir, Primary School section with wonderful performances of Because You Loved Me and Lullaby of Broadway and the National Anthem in Gamilaraay language.
Namoi Christian School also received first place in the Song in Harmony, Years 7, 8 and 9 for a piece called Brother John inspired by Frerre Jacques; and also first place in the High School Percussion Band item for their enjoyable rendition of Carol of the Bells.
The music section finished with adjudicator Mr Nicolas Buff listening to some of the Year 12 HSC students, providing some support and suggestions.
He also conducted an interactive workshop session for rock band students, which was warmly received.
Nic enjoyed his time in Narrabri, expressing high praise for both the teachers and the performers for their well-prepared performances.
He was very impressed with the wide repertoire of pieces and instruments, the varied programme and the high standard of performance and teaching.
Congratulations to all the wonderful music performers over Monday and Tuesday.
