*
banner

Waitakere Sells Out

The Trusts Waitakere Brass do it for the kids.

Children and toys
 

Last Sunday afternoon saw a sell-out performance by The Trusts Waitakere Brass at their fourth annual Toys For Kids charity event, held at the Glen Eden Playhouse.

Toys

The child-themed concert encourages donations of toys, which are then donated to the Waitakere Hospital children’s ward.

Children were invited to come to the concert in fancy dress, with a prize for the best dressed boy and girl. A kids tea party was also held during the interval, featuring an incredible story-book cake.

Fairies and more!

The second half of the concert saw over fifty fairies, pirates, princesses, superheros and a dinosaur take to the stage to play along to kid’s songs with the band, with some lucky youngsters even getting a chance to conduct.

Amongst the organized chaos of children, Waitakere Brass performed a varied program, including music from children’s films such as The Lion King, E.T., Shrek, Aladdin and The Jungle Book.

Featured Players

Other highlights of the concert included solos from Bb Bass player Jamie Mackay, Solo Horn Claire Whyte, Principal Cornet Carolyn Ramsbottom and Eb Bass player Andy Mitchell, a duet from Trombonist Stu Ritchie and Flugel Courtney Hildreth, and quartets featuring the trombone section and lower end of the band.

Youth Band

The concert finished with an opportunity for children to try a brass instrument to promote Waitakere Brass’ new Youth Band.

Thanks go to the band’s compere extraordinaire Mark Haines, all the band’s supporters and helpers, and all the children who’s enthusiasm made the concert a great success.

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    


gRETHE tONHEIM

2024 4BR Special Award

December 25 • The award this year goes to Grethe W Tonheim, who continues to inspire with her playing, teaching and musicianship


Band of the Year

2024 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • So many great bands on top form during the year, but these were the three that stood out for our panel.


Conductor of the Year

2024 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • These were the top three MDs who created the performances to savour in the past year for our panel.


pLAYER

2024 4BR Player of the Year

December 25 • So many great individual performers on show this year, but this trio were exceptional.


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Enderby Band - Broughton Astley Rock Choir

Friday 13 December • Thomas Estley Community College. 2 Station Road. Broughton Astley. Leicestershire LE9 6PT


Bedford Town Band - Bedford Town Band Brass Academy

Saturday 14 December • Putnoe Heights Church MK418EB


Newstead Brass - Christmas Showcase 2024

Saturday 14 December • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby in Ashfield NG17 8LA


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

December 24 • Solo Baritone Eb Bass and Percussion required to complete the line up building towards the NEMBBA and area contests. Under the Direction of Duncan Beckley, the band is keen to fill the few remaining seats.


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

December 19 • Current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists. We have recently appointed a new MD and are now looking to fill a few empty seats! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Dobcross Silver Band

December 14 • Looking for a new challenge in the New Year? . Dobcross Silver Band is a progressive and Successful 3rd section band on the lookout for a competent SOLO BARITONE PLAYER. If you are a team player you fit perfectly! Really enjoyable rehearsals here!


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd