CANBERRA CITY BAND is exulting in its win at the NSW Open A Grade Concert Band championship on Saturday.

The competition is held annually at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith and the success cements Canberra City Band’s place as one of the best ensembles in the country.

The CCB played three pieces, the hymn “Pacem”,   an Australian work called “Twist”  composed by Jodie Blackshaw, an  ANU School of Music graduate, and “Symphony No. 3 for Band” and the required  the test piece, “Giannini”, played by  all competitors.

Canberra City Band has been placed second in its last three attempts, but the last time it actually took home the trophy was in 1998.

The win is particularly pleasing for the bands new conductor, Wyana O’Keefe, who took over the reins as musical director last July and has taken the band through a period of development and consolidation.

“While this result was highly unexpected, it is absolutely well deserved and a testament to the hard work our members have dedicated as individuals and as an ensemble.”  O’Keeffe said.

CCB is Australia’s oldest continually operating community band, being founded in 1925. In its history it has provided music for Canberra at many events, and can be regularly seen at the ANZAC day parade, Floriade, The Canberra Times Fun Run and at its annual anniversary concert in November. Several of the 40 or so members of the band have been playing with Canberra City Band since they were children.

All info about the band may be found at canberracityband.com