*
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    



Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Rob Nesbitt

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd