4BR has been informed there has been a busy start to 2014 for the Brass Band Association of New Zealand.

In February the National Youth Band met for a nine-day training camp and concert tour under MD Peter Adams.

Demanding

Helen Lee, Executive Officer of BBANZ told 4BR: "The 36 talented players, aged from 14 to 22, prepared and preformed a demanding programme of works by young composers Peter Meechan, Tom Davoren, Simon Dobson and Paul Lovatt-Cooper, alongside those of Robert Redhead's and Ray Farr."

Thrilled

Helen added: "Redhead’s ‘Isaiah 40’ was the major test piece feature of its three concerts, where the young players certainly rose to the challenge.

The band was also joined by internationally renowned baritone player Kristy Rowe who also thrilled audiences with her performances of ‘Pequena Czarda’, ‘Somewhere’, ‘Kristy’s Song’ and ‘When Sparks Fly’.”

China and South Korea

Meanwhile, it has been announced that the National Band of New Zealand has been invited to perform in China and South Korea later this year.

The China Performing Arts Agency will host the band for a ten day tour in and around the city of Beijing, followed by a trip to the Korea International Wind Band Festival in Seoul to perform at the opening ceremony.

The band will be directed by Dalewool Auckland Brass MD, Nigel Weeks.

The 36 talented players, aged from 14 to 22, prepared and preformed a demanding programme of worksHelen Lee, Executive Officer of BBANZ

National Championship

Finally, preparations are already underway for 134th National Championships, which will be held in Invercargill from the 9th to the 13th July.

The band test pieces for the event have also been announced as follows:

A Grade: On Alderley Edge (Peter Graham)
B Grade: Pageantry (Herbert Howells)
C Grade: Rhapsodic Variations — My Strength My Tower (Sir Dean Goffin)

The Chief Adjudicator is Dr Stephen Cobb, Territorial Music Director and Conductor of the International Staff Band.