Band Master Hugh Davies has been playing music since he was a boy and now leads the band as it enters its biggest test.

'We're playing quite well, the pieces we're playing are a challenge but I think the players have been practicing pretty hard on them...I give ourselves a good chance."

With just three bands from Gippsland competing this weekend (East Gippsland Brass, Wonthaggi Workers and Sale) Hugh concedes that band music is facing a challenge at present.

"Some are struggling a little bit, finding it hard to get people to take up playing brass instruments. We've got a lot of other things fighting against us as far as playing music but I find those that do decide to learn a brass instrument really enjoy it."

One of those Hugh refers to is Breandan Moss a younger member of the Sale City Band who this weekend will also take part in the soloists category of competition.

Brendan will play the Flugelhorn, reciting a piece called the "Woodland's Song'.

"I normally play the soprano cornet in the band...but I like the Flugel better. I think it's got a nicer tone so I''m giving it a go" says Brendan.

But, apart from playing the notes in the right order and the obvious things, what should a good solo performance actually sound like?

Brendan says the key is to find the emotion in the piece.

"I'm not really sure of the story behind this piece...but the difference between a good solo and a great solo is whether the performer just plays the dots that are written on the page, or they try and put a bit more feeling in the piece."

The Sale City Band will be competing in D Grade along with East Gippsland Brass.

SALE City Band won a national title at the Australian National Band Championship in St Kilda, Melbourne over the Easter weekend.

 Competing in the D grade section Sale was required to perform four different styles of music.

This comprised a set piece, Celtic Suite, three other pieces, the own choice Saddleworth Festival, a hymn tune Hanover Hymn, and a march Montreal Citadel.

Bandmaster Hugh Davies explained the band’s performance of all the music, which required many hours of rehearsal and a weekend camp, was played at a high standard on the occasion. Four other bands competed in the D grade, Shepparton, East Gippsland, Croydon and Warraparinga from South Australia.

All bands participated in the marching contest held in front of Luna Park, with all 55 bands from around Australia presenting a great spectacle for the audience.

Sale City Band has a mix ages, ranging 16 years to 85 years with social involvement as well as playing music together.

The band is always looking for members, it offers a learners’ class to teach beginners how to play a brass instrument.

It can supply instruments to learn on at an extremely reasonable price.

The band is also looking for experienced players who may have moved into the district.

Go to the band’s website www.salecityband.com.au

Sale City Band bandmaster Hugh Davies with the new bugle

SALE City Band has purchased a bugle to use on special occasions such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

The 'Last Post' has been played on a cornet for many years in the Sale area, but band members felt that a traditional bugle would be more fitting for remembrance services.

The Sale band will be marching in the Anzac parades at Straford and Sale, and band members will be playing at both dawn services.

Sale City Band adds a splash of colour on a bleak Anzac Day in Sale