New Zealand banding is mourning the loss of one of its finest musicians, following the news of the death of Kevin Jarrett MBE.

The former champion soloist, conductor, teacher and mentor to many of the nation’s brass band community, passed away on Friday 10th April. He was aged 77.

Cornet champion

Kevin joined the Feilding Municipal band in 1943 and by 1957 had won his first National cornet solo championship.

From 1965 to 1975 he served with the New Zealand Army Band including two years as the leader of the1RNZIR Battalion Band based in Singapore. Based at Burnham camp near Christchurch, he also played principal cornet for Skellerup Woolston Band, during which time they four A Grade New Zealand National Championship titles.

Leading conductor

His 25-year leadership as Musical Director of the Tenderkist Wanganui City Silver Band from 1975 to 2000 saw the band enjoy many successes, including the Australian National A Grade Championship title in 1988 and taking the band to the Edinburgh Military tattoo in 1993.

Kevin Jarrett was the Music Director of the National Youth Band of New Zealand in 1978, 1979 and 1980, and was selected as a member of 11 National Bands from 1962 to 1995 — on eight occasions as part of the solo cornet section and three as Musical Director.

Inspirational teacher

Throughout the years Kevin taught hundreds of students, many of who went on to win championships titles, represent New Zealand in National Bands and direct champion bands of their own.

In 1992 he was awarded Life Membership of the New Zealand Brass Band Association, with a citation that read: “Kevin’s contribution to the development of the youth of the brass band movement in New Zealand, together with his commitment to National Bands, is unparalleled.”

From 1996 to 2005 he was the Director of Education for the Brass Band Association, touring the country assisting any band that requested his help, and in 2013 he received a Long Service award from the Brass Band Association for 70 years of service to banding.

Kevin’s contribution to the development of the youth of the brass band movement in New Zealand, together with his commitment to National Bands, is unparalleledNZBBA Life Membership citation

Service

Band people from throughout New Zealand will gather in Wanganui on Thursday to pay their respects at a service that will feature Kevin’s favourite music played by a massed band conducted by Captain Graham Hickman and David Bremner, along with solos from champion cornet soloists Trevor Bremner, Tyme Marsters, Kyle Lawson and David Maas.

Raconteur

Kevin Jarrett will be long remembered for his beautiful cornet playing, inspirational teaching, his love and passion for brass banding and for his ability as a raconteur with an unlimited repertoire of amusing stories.