The first 'Big Day Out' was organised by the Canterbury Provincial Brass Band Association (CPBBA) to encourage and develop brass bands within the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand.

Well Supported

The project was well supported with an ensemble of forty eight players including 8 Euphoniums, 8 Baritones and 8 Trombones.

It was certainly a daunting task for any conductor to attempt to control such an oversized C/D grade band.

The MD

There could be only one man brave enough, so with Howard Taylor in the middle, the first Big Day out was launched.

Armed with new music and a sense of humour which would tackle any cheeky cornet player, the current NZ National Band Musical Director convinced a diverse multi aged group of players to become one united Band.

Fun

It became obvious to all who were present that this day was all about having fun, with the occasional snippet of skill development including breathing techniques, practice schedules and motivational ideas.

By the end of the 'Big Day Out' the band was really taking shape and after 6 hours of hard practice, gave one last performance of the march Goldcrest to finish a great day for all involved.

The 'Big Day Out' will return next year.