National Youth Band of New Zealand

ANZAC Concert
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Parnell
Auckland
Monday 25th April

Much has been made of the increase in the support shown by young people on ANZAC Day, which commemorates the efforts of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who lead an attack on Gallipoli during the First World War.  It was fitting therefore that the National Youth Band of New Zealand dedicated its 2005 course, tour and concert series to the ANZACs, culminating in a concert at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell, Auckland on ANZAC Day, the 25th April.
 
Despite the relative youth of this band, the overall quality of the performance was excellent.  The front row contained three solo cornets from the New Zealand Community Trust Woolston Band and one from Dalewool Auckland Brass while the principal Euphonium is principal at Woolston and a member of the National Band. Not to forget a host of other talented principals throughout.
 
The band presented a selection of pieces which had ties to ANZAC Day including the stunning "Behold the Narrows from the Hill" by New Zealand composer Dwayne Bloomfield, which depicts various stages of battle during the conflicts fought on the way to ANZAC cove.  The performance featured some outstanding reflective items including a beautiful rendition of John Golland's "Peace" by Principal Euphonium player Jessica Blair, and some lovely hymn playing married with a confident performance of "Rhapsody in Brass".
 
The excellent rapport Musical Director Kenneth Young had with the band was evident not only through his on-stage direction but through the feedback I had directly from the players.  He is a well renowned conductor in New Zealand having conducted the NZSO and other top ensembles. Having a man of this calibre leading our best young players bodes well for the future.
 
In previous years the NYBBNZ has featured some outstanding soloists including Bob Childs, Simone Rebello, Nick Hudson and Phil Johnson.  This year they hosted the outstanding Alexandra Kerwin, the Principal Cornet at the 'Trusts' Waitakere Brass.  A recent British Open Solo Champion and member of the Black Dyke and Scottish Co-op Bands, Alexandra blew away the crowd with four works including an impressive rendition of an arrangement of "Gethsemane" from Jesus Christ Superstar.  Once again the National Youth Band management should be applauded for providing such a great role model to its musicians.
 
The band handled most of the programme well with a level of competence associated usually with established bands.  The venue – a massive space – presented some acoustic issues and I could not help thinking that the band may have suited a smaller space.  The highlight for me in terms of sound was the impressive bass section.  The overall depth was superb, despite some tuning issues during the concert from the middle of the band.
 
Overall, I was pleased I made the decision to hear the National Youth Band presenting a diverse, well balanced and superbly directed concert, marking this special and important day in New Zealand's history. 
 
Well done to the National Youth Band of New Zealand.
 
Ross Gerritsen

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