*
banner

National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand

Conductors: Tyme Marsters & Phil Johnston
Soloist: Nick Scott
Ngaio Marsh Theatre
Christchurch
Saturday 21st January


The culmination of the 2023 annual course of the National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand saw a 35 strong ensemble undertake a short three date tour under MDs Tyme Marsters and Phil Johnston. 

The final concert was in Christchurch, where an appreciative audience (and worldwide live-stream viewers) focussed on the stage of the Ngaio Theatre to enjoy a programme entitled, 'Te Wa Heke Mai: The Future'. 

That has been built on the foundations of 884 players who have passed through the ranks since it was initiated, many of whom have returned as tutors or even conductors. 

The present ensemble consists of players from 15 different bands from both islands – from Ascot Park Hotel and Canterbury Brass to Wellington and Woolston. And with the New Zealand Championships due to be held in Dunedin in July, many of these players will be seen in solo and ensemble action once more with their own bands. 

Collective confidence

Little wonder there is a great deal of collective optimism, with ambition certainly not in short supply either with a first half built around the virtuosic test-piece demands of Stephen Robert’s exotic take on Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Arabian Nights’  – played with gutsy determination (especially the soloists) and style.

Little wonder there is a great deal of collective optimism, with ambition certainly not in short supply either with a first half built around the virtuosic test-piece demands of Stephen Robert’s exotic take on Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Arabian Nights’  – played with gutsy determination (especially the soloists) and style.

Nick Scott was the engaging tuba soloist – the multiphonic trickery of the final movement of ‘Eastern Folk Dances’  countered by the tenderness of ‘Ordner seg’.  (He later returned with the fun of ‘Very Good Morning’  and ‘Déjà vu’). A new opener by Bill Vail entitled, ‘Te Wa Heke Mai’  (The Future) and the pulsating ‘With Fire & Sword’  and ‘Festive Dance’  from ‘Mindia’  bookended things with vibrancy. 

Less formal

A  less formalinised second half (a change into away kit burgundy polo shirts) saw the band showcase their emerging individual and ensemble talents; a tasty ‘Mita’  followed by a jazzy ‘Danse Macabre Variations’,  Billy Joel’s ‘Lullaby’,  ‘Pzazz’  by Jared McCunnie, and the clever percussion features ‘Sabre Dance’ and ‘Postlu’  (four players bowing the vibraphone).

They closed with the up-tempo ‘Reaching for the Stars’,  ‘Malaguena’  and fizzy encore.   

Iwan Fox 

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band are looking for a positive and dynamic leader who can further develop our players skills & aid us in our aspirations of reaching the 1st section.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd