Gunnedah Shire Band claims seven titles at state championships

THE Gunnedah Shire Band has cemented its reputation as one of the state’s leading community bands after bringing home seven state championship titles from the Band Association of NSW 2026 NSW State Solos and Party Championships.

Ten band members travelled to Sydney on 27 and 28 June to compete against some of the finest brass and percussion musicians from across New South Wales, returning with an outstanding haul of seven state championships, four runner-up finishes and four third-place results.

Inset right: Joash Mitchell.

Leading the way were junior musicians Myles McIntosh and Yasmin Mitchell, who each claimed two state titles. Myles was crowned Under-19 Tuba Champion and Under-19 Slow Melody Champion, while Yasmin took out both the Under-15 Tenor Horn and Under-19 Tenor Horn championships.

The band’s senior players also enjoyed remarkable success, with Sarah Smith winning the Open B-flat Cornet title, Sebastian Rowe claiming the Open Euphonium championship, and Anthony Rowe taking out the Open High Tuba title.

Adjudicator David Worrall, also pictured with another competitor, congratulates Myles McIntosh (second from left) and Sienna Sams (right). Below: Flynn McIntosh with adjudicator David Worrall.

Sebastian also finished runner-up in the President’s Shield Open Slow Melody event, while Anthony added a third-place finish in the same competition.

Several other Gunnedah musicians featured prominently in the results.

Sienna Sams was runner-up in the Under-19 Cornets/Flugel section and placed third in the Under-19 Slow Melody event.

Below: Yasmin Mitchell, adjudicator David Worrall and Jorja Riley.

Flynn McIntosh finished runner-up in the Under-15 Cornets/Flugel section, claimed third in the Under-19 Cornets/Flugel competition and recorded two top-10 slow melody finishes.

Jorja Tresize was runner-up in the Under-19 Tenor Horn section and placed seventh in the Under-19 Slow Melody event, while Sean Gander secured third in the Under-15 Trombone section and finished 10th in the Under-15 Slow Melody competition.

Sarah Smith with adjudicator Catherine Walmsley.

Joash Mitchell was fourth in the Under-19 Baritone/Euphonium section and also achieved two top-10 finishes. Myles McIntosh and Yasmin Mitchell combined to place fifth in the Under-19 Duet event.

Band officials congratulated all 10 competitors, praising their performances and the way they represented Gunnedah on the state stage.