The National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand is currently enjoying working under the baton of conductor David Bremner at their annual training camp in Havelock North — the sunniest part of the East Coast of the country.

Game of Two Halves

The band is currently rehearing and receiving sectional tuition from some of New Zealand's best soloists including Besson Artists Kristy Rowe and Buzz Newton, with the week rounded off by a series of concert performances with an innovative programme entitled, 'A Game of Two Halves' in Gisborne, Whakatane, Taupo and Napier.

This will feature the technical wizardry of the band in the first half contrasting with a laid-back Latin inspired programme in the second.

Tuba soloist

The concert will also feature tuba player extraordinaire, Phillip Johnston (above) as guest soloist. Phil was a member of the band in his younger days and was recently crowned New Zealand Champion of Champion soloist and was named in the 4BR 'Band of the Year'.

The National Youth Brass Band is selected annually by nation-wide audition. All members are under the age of 23 with the youngest aged just 14. All members play in their own community based bands and meet once a year as part of the young training programme run by the Brass Band Association of New Zealand.

All members play in their own community based bands and meet once a year as part of the young training programme run by the Brass Band Association of New Zealand4BR

Concert details

The concert details are:

Wednesday 20 January: St Andrew's Church, 176 Cobden Road, Gisborne (7.30pm)

Thursday 21st January: The Little Theatre, Short Street, Whakatane (7.30pm)

Friday 22nd January: Great Lake Centre, 5 Story Place, Taupo (7.00pm)

Saturday 23rd January: MTG Century Theatre, 65 Marine Parade, Napier (5.00pm)