The Junction Public and Belmont High schools enjoyed dual success at Bandfest Newcastle earlier this month.

With more than 1,100 students, representing 28 primary and secondary educational facilities throughout the Hunter and Central Coast, taking to the stage at City Hall from 16 to 18 October, judges faced a tough time deciding the respective winners.

The participants, from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and other LGAs, performed over three days to an audience of 650.

Afterwards, The Junction Public School’s concert band took out the primary premier section while its string ensemble secured the open category.

Belmont High’s junior concert band hit the right note in the secondary developing class, with the stage band claiming the honours in the jazz grouping.

The secondary intermediate section went to Lambton High School’s concert band.

In the primary categories, those to prevail included the Valentine Public training band (novice), Newcastle East Public’s band (preliminary), Charlestown South Public (developing) and Wallsend South Public’s concert band (intermediate).

“Bandfest celebrates the performance development of NSW public school students and is for the enjoyment and enrichment of all ages,” a spokesperson said.

“The annual event provides an opportunity for bands to display their progress over the year, observe others and receive constructive feedback from recognised musical experts.

“It also offers a learning experience for band members through listening and performance, in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

“Thank you to all the teachers, students, conductors and all the support crew who assisted each ensemble at this great event.”

Bandfest featured primary schools Adamstown Public, Belmont North Public, Caves Beach Public, Charlestown South Public, Chittaway Bay Public, Coal Point Public, Dudley Public, East Maitland Public, Eleebana Public, Floraville Public, Jewells Primary, Maryland Public, Merewether Heights Public, New Lambton Public, New Lambton South Public, Newcastle East Public, Niagara Park Public, The Junction Public, Tighes Hill Public, Valentine Public, Wallsend South Public, Wamberal Public, Warners Bay Public and Woodport Public.

The secondary establishments included Belmont High, Callaghan College Wallsend Campus, Lambton High and Warners Bay High.

Bandfest Newcastle section winners

• Primary Novice – Valentine Public School Training Band 
• Primary Preliminary – Newcastle East Public School Band 
• Primary Developing – Charlestown South Public School 
• Primary Intermediate – Wallsend South Public School Concert Band 
• Primary Premier – The Junction Public School Concert Band 
• Primary Open – The Junction Public School String Ensemble 
• Secondary Developing – Belmont High School Junior Concert Band 
• Secondary Intermediate – Lambton High School Concert Band 
• Secondary Jazz – Belmont High School Stage Band 

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