*
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    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd