*
banner

Bremner to bid National farewell

The driving force behind the rise of New Zealand National Champion Wellington Brass is to step down from his role as MD after this year's National contest in its home city.

David Bremner
  David Bremner will step down from his role as MD with Wellington Brass after the National Championships.

David Bremner, the inspirational driving force behind the rise of New Zealand's premier band Wellington Brass, has announced that he is to step down from his role as Musical Director after this year's National Championship contest.

The professional trombonist took over the struggling B Grade band in 2006 and shaped them into the southern hemisphere's leading contest outfit, accumulating a record four consecutive New Zealand A Grade National Championship titles from 2013-2016 along the way.

Double

In 2015 they claimed the 'Double', winning both the New Zealand and Australian National titles, whilst along the way they won B Grade title in both countries.

In 2016 the band toured the UK culminating in competing at the British Open Championship, and has gained a widely respected reputation in New Zealand as an innovative concert outfit and as a progressive, outwardly looking musical organisation.

He now hopes to end his time at the helm by being able to hold aloft the famous Gold Trophy, presented to the New Zealand National Champion, for an unprecedented fifth consecutive time in his home city of Wellington in April.

Inspirational

Wellington Brass spokesperson Byron Newton told 4BR: "David has been truly inspirational as MD.

He took over a very young band and with his level of musicianship and charisma he was able to very quickly develop our young players as well as attract many of NZ's top brass musicians, resulting in a golden period unseen in Wellington's contest history."

His attention to detail and musical vision sets him apart from the rest of the pack, he is simply world class."

I feel like I've accomplished a lot of what I wanted when I set out on this journey with the band. I'm happy to step down from conducting knowing that Wellington Brass is in a much better place than it was when I startedDavid Bremner

Accomplished a lot

Meanwhile, the MD added: "I feel like I've accomplished a lot of what I wanted when I set out on this journey with the band.

I'm happy to step down from conducting knowing that Wellington Brass is in a much better place than it was when I started."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Black Dyke Band

Marshall leads with Evo

October 9 • The Black Dyke principal cornet player will lead Black Dyke Band's National title challenge on his new Oldroyd Evo cornet.


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd