After 3 years of operation, the Southern Brass Academy has been successful in implementing a complete educational structure for brass players in the Otago region of New Zealand.

Initially set up with some very broad objectives the Southern Brass Academy now operates on 3 levels.

In School Brass

This is a programme that involves delivering high quality tuition to school aged pupils from age 10 – 18. Lessons are delivered on a weekly basis at individual schools in the City of Dunedin.

There are currently over 50 pupils in the area that work towards Associated Board examinations and other public performances.

These pupils also have the opportunity to come together once a week to play in the Southern Brass Academy Brass Ensembles which are made up of just about anything Brass and perform regularly in the Community.

University of Otago

The support of the Southern Brass Academy has enabled the University of Otago to not only re-establish its brass performance programme but also conceptualise a new performance course tailored to the specific needs of brass band players.

The University has seen steady growth in this area of music making going from having no brass pupils in 2006 to 3 in 2007 and 7 in 2008.

Future growth in this area bodes well for the Southern Brass Academy stakeholder’s; St Kilda Brass, Southern Sinfonia, Mosgiel Brass Band, Kaikorai Metropolitan, Otago Symphonic Winds and the Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra.

Applications are still open for individuals looking to take their Brass playing further.

Brass in the Community

This initiative was set up at the beginning of 2008 to deliver individual instruction to members of community music organisations such as the SBA’s stakeholders.

This project has seen significant success throughout 2008 particularly with St Kilda Brass who now have over half of its members receiving fortnightly tuition.

To maintain its current level of commitment towards brass education the Southern Brass Academy must secure an additional member of staff to work on a part time basis in 2009 between 2–3 days per week within the In School brass programme.

This would suit a suitably experienced individual wishing to supplement either part time study or other employment. Expressions of interest are being sought for this role and should be sent to southernbrassacademy@ihug.co.nz