One of New Zealand’s premier bands, Woolston Brass, has announced the appointment of their new Music Director, Tyme Marsters.

Take lead

Marsters will take up the role in January 2015, and will take the lead of the Christchurch based band from Graham Hickman, who ended his highly successful tenure, which included four successive National Championship wins, in July.

In the interim period the band has been led by tuba star and conductor Phillip Johnston. He will conduct the band at their upcoming concert ‘I Love Christmas’ on Sunday 14th, before handing the baton over.

Long regarded as a leading figure in New Zealand brass banding, Marsters started playing in his home town Westport before moving to Christchurch in 1993 to join the New Zealand Army Band and Woolston, where he remained for nine years.

Champion

He was crowned New Zealand Flugel Horn Champion as well as winning the coveted Champion of Champions title in 2008, and has been a member of six National Bands, touring New Zealand, United States, Europe and most recently, China and Korea.

During the past two decades in the New Zealand Army Band he has also taken part in many national and international tours with military and civilian groups. He retired from the New Zealand Army in January this year to run his own business, ‘Brass Factory Canterbury’

He has been the Music Director of Leopard Coachlines Canterbury Brass since 2009, featured as a guest conductor with numerous bands around New Zealand, and has gained vast experience of other musical genres.

Honoured

He told 4BR: “I’m delighted and honoured to be appointed. Being a former playing member of Woolston, I’m fully aware of the great history, values and commitment the band has, and I can’t wait to be part of it myself again.

I’m very excited about the future and I’m looking forward to reuniting our connections and beginning our new musical journey together.”

With his musical vision, talent and finesse, he is sure to drive Woolston Brass forwardBand Chairman, Mark Van der klei

Musical vision

Band Chairman, Mark Van der klei, added: “We are excited to appoint Tyme as Music Director and we look forward to welcoming him in the New Year.

With his musical vision, talent and finesse, he is sure to drive Woolston Brass forward.

We are delighted that he has committed to the band’s further development and we are looking forward to forging a dynamic and successful partnership.”