*
banner

Past, present and future importance for New Zealand banding

The latest issue of New Zealand banding's official journal sees its administrators determined to secure future investment after youth course looks back as well as forward.

New Zealand
  New Zealand banding has enjoyed live performances

Whilst the brass band movement in the UK contemplates the first signs of a return to rehearsals and ultimately concerts and competition, the banding movement in New Zealand has continued to enjoy performance opportunities.

In the latest issue of 'Mouthpiece', the official journal of the Brass Band Association of New Zealand, they have reflected on the last few months in which their National Youth Brass Band has enjoyed its annual course under the baton of MD Alan Spence and guest soloist Tyme Marsters.

Ethos

The concerts in Hamilton and Auckland were well received and gained a worldwide audience thanks to the Hamilton event being live streamed (one viewer being composer Oliver Waespi to enjoy a thrilling rendition of his major work, 'Hypercube').

Band Manager Emily Richards thanked everyone involved for being inspired by the course ethos of 'Ka mua, ka muri: Walking backwards into the future'.

"We are very lucky in New Zealand to be able to live relatively normal lives for the most part and be one of the few places still able to hold rehearsals and concerts in person, and the band definitely made the most of the opportunity,"she wrote in her review of the events.

"We had a lot of viewers from overseas tune in to our livestreamed concert, and it was wonderful to be able to share our music with our international brass band family."

Investment

That was also something Association President, John Sullivan highlighted in his address in the latest issue, although he also pointed-out that investment is required to carry on the outstanding commitment to the musical development of the next generations of New Zealand's banding youth.

"The challenge for us now is to help drive this representation through to all levels of our organisation,"he said.

"From our management committees to the National Band we must identify barriers, remove them and then encourage participation so that everyone in our diverse society has the opportunity to experience the joy of performing in a brass band."

However, obtaining funding in a highly competitive and shrinking market requires us to present our organisation to grant bodies, the government and the broader community from a different perspectiveAssociation President, John Sullivan

Perspective

He added: "However, obtaining funding in a highly competitive and shrinking market requires us to present our organisation to grant bodies, the government and the broader community from a different perspective.

What we must highlight is the significant broad role brass bands play in the community."

More performances

Interestingly the forthcoming 'Gig Guide' shows that New Zealand will continue to enjoy an increasing brass band performance presence with a growing list of engagements for bands starting in March onwards, including the 160th anniversary celebrations of Marlborough District Brass Band based in and around the city of Blenheim since 1861.

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    


Alison Balsom OBE

Mail headline highlights depressing attitudes towards female performers

August 30 • The decision of multiple award winning trumpet player Alison Balsom to retire from the concert stage has been met with an awful objectifying Daily Mail headline.


mORTIMER tROPHY

Mortimer Maestro Trophy ready for a new home

August 30 • For the 35th time this year a Mortimer Maestro Trophy will be presented to the conductor of the British Open Champion.


Mental Health

Crofton to continue support for mental health awareness with new project

August 30 • Yorkshire band takes a proactive approach to mental health wellbeing series of initiatives around their music making.


Brett Baker

Final touches in place for Baker heroics

August 30 • Brett Baker's latest solo CD release will be available at the Royal Albert Hall.


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 31 August • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Petworth Town Band

August 30 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for BASS TROMBONE, CORNET and TUBA. We are an active band with a full calendar of engagements and are led by our inspirational MD Paula Streeter. We would welcome new players to join our band


Enderby Band

August 30 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire, Championship section) seek: . 2nd EUPHONIUM, 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.


Stretford Band

August 30 • Our community based Stretford Band (Manchester) needs YOU! We are looking for enthusiastic bass, trombone and percussion players or any player who fancies a relaxed blow without the pressure of competition. No auditions. Good fun guaranteed. . .


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd