*
banner

Past, present and future importance for New Zealand banding

The latest issue of New Zealand banding's official journal sees its administrators determined to secure future investment after youth course looks back as well as forward.

New Zealand
  New Zealand banding has enjoyed live performances

Whilst the brass band movement in the UK contemplates the first signs of a return to rehearsals and ultimately concerts and competition, the banding movement in New Zealand has continued to enjoy performance opportunities.

In the latest issue of 'Mouthpiece', the official journal of the Brass Band Association of New Zealand, they have reflected on the last few months in which their National Youth Brass Band has enjoyed its annual course under the baton of MD Alan Spence and guest soloist Tyme Marsters.

Ethos

The concerts in Hamilton and Auckland were well received and gained a worldwide audience thanks to the Hamilton event being live streamed (one viewer being composer Oliver Waespi to enjoy a thrilling rendition of his major work, 'Hypercube').

Band Manager Emily Richards thanked everyone involved for being inspired by the course ethos of 'Ka mua, ka muri: Walking backwards into the future'.

"We are very lucky in New Zealand to be able to live relatively normal lives for the most part and be one of the few places still able to hold rehearsals and concerts in person, and the band definitely made the most of the opportunity,"she wrote in her review of the events.

"We had a lot of viewers from overseas tune in to our livestreamed concert, and it was wonderful to be able to share our music with our international brass band family."

Investment

That was also something Association President, John Sullivan highlighted in his address in the latest issue, although he also pointed-out that investment is required to carry on the outstanding commitment to the musical development of the next generations of New Zealand's banding youth.

"The challenge for us now is to help drive this representation through to all levels of our organisation,"he said.

"From our management committees to the National Band we must identify barriers, remove them and then encourage participation so that everyone in our diverse society has the opportunity to experience the joy of performing in a brass band."

However, obtaining funding in a highly competitive and shrinking market requires us to present our organisation to grant bodies, the government and the broader community from a different perspectiveAssociation President, John Sullivan

Perspective

He added: "However, obtaining funding in a highly competitive and shrinking market requires us to present our organisation to grant bodies, the government and the broader community from a different perspective.

What we must highlight is the significant broad role brass bands play in the community."

More performances

Interestingly the forthcoming 'Gig Guide' shows that New Zealand will continue to enjoy an increasing brass band performance presence with a growing list of engagements for bands starting in March onwards, including the 160th anniversary celebrations of Marlborough District Brass Band based in and around the city of Blenheim since 1861.

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


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


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd