New Zealand makes National return to playing

The National Band of New Zealand returns to full rehearsals as musical normality returns following the successful battle against the Coronavirus crisis.

MD David Bremner gets ready to bring the baton down on the return of the National Band of New Zealand

Monday, 03 August 2020

New Zealand's hugely effective approach to combating the Coronavirus outbreak has paid a major brass banding dividend.

Recently, the 2020/21 National Band of New Zealand met in Wellington for its first rehearsal weekend.

Full weekend

Directed by MD David Bremner, the players rehearsed for two hours before returning the following morning for a full day of music making which concluded at 6.00pm to enable Wellington and Auckland Super Rugby team fans the chance to enjoy watching a game as the sport also made a welcome return to post-Covid normality.

The full weekend's rehearsal (which saw the debut of 12 new members) allowed the band to bond together in preparation for its first public concert which will be held in Hamilton on Sunday 1st November.

The National band comprises the cream of New Zealand's banding talent was formed in 1953 for a concert tour of Great Britain — one that resulted in them memorably claiming the British Open Championships title.

Thanks

Speaking about the first rehearsal in the latest edition of 'The Mouthpiece' — the official journal of New Zealand banding, Band Manager Garth Coffey said: "We wish to extend our sincerest thanks to the CentralBand of the New Zealand Airforce for the use of their excellent facilities and especially to FLTLT David Gallagher (former conductor of the National Band) and SGT Ben Robertson for their assistance.

Thanks also to the Pelorus Trust for a grant and to Waitoa Bar on Victoria Street for meeting the band's other refreshment needs!"

the music making concluded at 6.00pm to enable Wellington and Auckland Super Rugby team fans the chance to enjoy watching a game as the sport also made a welcome return to post-Covid normality4BR

National Youth

The magazine also stated that plans are now well underway for the 2021 National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand course which will be held in January 2021, and will see the band undertake a trio of concert appearances in Hamilton, Whakatane and North Shore.

To keep enthusiasm and interest high during the country's approach to the Coronavirus crisis, Tim Kelly of Brassbanned.com worked in partnership with the organisers of the National Championships to broadcast highlights of past 'Nationals' over the weekend of the 11th and 12th July — and including two new on-line solo events.

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