*
banner

NZ National band takes on the world

The National Band of New Zealand heads to Kerkrade, but not everyone is supportive of the decision it would seem.

 

After months of deliberation, the National Band of New Zealand has decided to attend the World Music Concourse in Kerkrade in July.

Three Years

For the 2007-2009 National Band of New Zealand under the Musical Direction of Howard Taylor, this tour will wrap-up a fulfilling three year stint including a concert tour of New Zealand with James Morrison, and a recording.

Funding

The National Band Management were recently advised of a succesful grant application which sees the band gaining $35,000 from NZ Community Trust for the tour to Kerkrade.

Auditions

Tens days out from the National Championships all New Zealand bands received a notice from the management of the National Brass Band of New Zealand giving some details of the planned tour to Kerkrade.

The letter also invited late auditions in Napier to supplement those members of the 2007 band who will not be available for the week of touring.

Not Happy

However, it would seem that not everyone is happy with the decision to tour overseas.

Huge Loss of Money

Many grass roots bands people are deeply concerned that there has been scant information from band management and Brass Bands Association of New Zealand (BBANZ) management about the reduction in the $55,000 loss incurred in 2007 from the tour of New Zealand with James Morrison under Musical Director Howard Taylor.

Motion not to tour

For some time, Life Member of BBANZ Graeme Aldridge has highlighted a motion made after the 1995 National Band tour to America "that no future band should be allowed to tour without first having secured sufficient funding for any such tour”.

He has written several letters to the NZ Mouthpiece magazine and while little traction was made around this issue there is now some disquiet that there is potential for the band to again drain the meagre reserves of BBANZ.

Youth pay more

Further, a concerned bandsman told 4BRDU, there are additional risks in having both the Youth Band and the National Band touring in the same year. As well, there is disparity in the contribution by members — $2000 for the National Band to Europe versus $3000 to Japan for the Youth Band.

4BRDU has contacted the office of the BBANZ for comment. It has not issued a response so far, except requesting to have the BBANZ logo to be removed from this article.

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    


Rodney Newton

80th birthday concert celebration for Newton

July 19 • Rodney Newton will enjoy a musical celebration of his birthday this weekend in Cambridge.


jhs instruments

JHS Ltd set to close

July 19 • The leading independent distributor and suppliers of Odyssey instrument brand set to close after 60 years of trading.


FodensLovatt

Lovatt joins Foden's for Regent Hall pre-National concert

July 19 • Trumpet star Mike Lovatt will reconnect with Foden's Band for their pre-National preview concert at Regent Hall.


Rooms for groups

Sold out signs up in Cheltenham

July 19 • Hotel demand from National qualifiers mean sold out signs are posted in Cheltenham.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Longridge Band

July 21 • Due to ill health, Longridge Band invite applications for a SOLO HORN. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. We rehearse 10 minutes from Jct 31A of the M6, on Wednesday and Friday evening


NORTH LAKES BRASS

July 20 • North Lakes Brass are seeking a CONDUCTOR with the drive to take our friendly band into the 2nd section. . We are different from most contesting bands as we rehearse just once a week (Wed), have 2 full band concerts & 4-5 contests per year.


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd