Quack, Quack, Quack
There is a meme going around lately which states:
“My ducks are absolutely not in a row. I don’t even know where some of them are … and I’m pretty sure one of them is a pigeon.”
This statement has been true for me over the past year as I have gone about planning and organising the Band’s first tour to Australia. Yet here today we meet in Auckland at the start another significant chapter of the Band’s esteemed history but also a banding highlight for myself.
Plans began in earnest for this tour over 12 months ago and in the proceeding months I have been chipping away to put everything in place to try make this tour a success. There have been numerous challenges and sometimes sleepless nights resulting in my role as manager to the point of becoming almost a full-time job, albeit an unpaid job.
Some have questioned why I’ve been prepared to commit to such a task. Well, it stems from listening to the 1995 Band play in a concert in Auckland. I was relatively new to community bands, having all my previous brass banding experience through the Salvation Army. I went to the 95 concert because I had two flatmates in the band, one of whom Mason Elliot, is still in the band today. I was blown away by the performance, not just by the playing standard – the likes I had never heard before, but also by the number in the band party which totalled 53. Footnote, I see the band had not only a manager but also two assistant managers – luxury!!
When the position of manager was advertised a couple of years ago I decided to apply to ensure audiences all over experienced the joy as I did all those years ago. I count myself very privileged to be able to hear this band play every day we are together and strive to put everything in place for them to perform to their fullest potential. It is an honour to serve them in this way and see them succeed, as a group and individually. It more than makes up for the hours of planning.
It hasn’t been all me though and I want to acknowledge the many various people both in New Zealand and Australia who have helped form the tour. They each know who they are.
On the financial side of things, the band as a whole are very grateful to the individuals and businesses who have helped sponsor our tour, especially in these recent tough financial times. The tour wouldn’t have got this far without them.
To my marketing team who have been in place for about the last 8 weeks, thank you for taking a lot of the load and for bringing fresh ideas.
Of course, I have to also thank my friend David Bremner, for his vision, his knowledge, and his artistic and creative ideas in putting together a world class concert experience. We’ve had some interesting discussion with most of his ideas being put into place, some I have adjusted and the odd one I’ve quashed. Whilst I may do most of the donkey work, his drive and passion about the National Band is the driving force that will make this a tour of musical excellence.
I am very excited, and nervous in equal measure, to see all the year’s planning come to fruition. I know with the incredibly high standard of players across all seats in the band, with the world class soloists who will be featured in our concerts, and under the masterful musical direction of David, this band is going to excel in Australia. For those who manage to secure a seat to our concerts I know they will not be disappointed. Each and every concert will be a quacker.
My First National Band!!
I think it’s pretty cool to say that both my first-ever National Youth Band and National Band selections were for a tour of Australia!
My brass banding journey pretty much started the day I was born, with Mum and Dad (both Northern English) keen brass players it was almost inevitable for me to pick up an instrument eventually! Being dragged along to two rehearsals a week, I was around the age of 8 when I thought “I'd like to have a go at that”. My first musical experiences date back to year 6 (approximately age 8), where I remember playing in the school production performing Trumpet Voluntary while standing on a table petrified... I've still got the video somewhere. However, my interest in performing was ignited and led on through intermediate school and through to high school, where I attended Westlake Boys, who had a particularly strong music program. It wasn’t until Westlake that I realised my passion for performing, which encouraged me to compete at the New Zealand Brass Band Championships, as well as auditioning for the National Youth and National Secondary Schools Brass Bands of New Zealand.
A little Liam trying out the cornet for the first time…
My first National Secondary Schools Brass Band was in 2017, selected on Repiano Cornet. Shortly after this, I got a late call-up for the 2019 National Youth Brass Band tour to Australia on bottom Third Cornet, conducted by David Bremner. This has to be one of my most special and memorable brass banding moments to date, as this is where I met many of my friends who I look forward to catching up with at annual brass band camps and competitions. Since then I have been a member of several National Youth Brass Bands, one of the most memorable being Principal Cornet for the 2023 National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand, where we performed the challenging test piece “Arabian Nights”. I am also looking forward to performing “Extreme Makeover” in Wellington with the recently selected 2024 National Youth Band this Summer.
Liam having a toot with his Mum & Dad, as well as ex-National Band members Kay MacKenzie and Andy “Smurf” Appleton
Being selected as a member of this year's National Band and having the opportunity to tour Australia with Phillip Cobb will be both a memory and an experience I’ll never forget. Not only will I enjoy performing at different venues across Australia, but I’m given the opportunity to learn as much as I can from our guest soloists. It is my great ambition to one day be able to not only perform with brass bands but to also play trumpet with some of the world's best symphony orchestras, and therefore this tour allows me to gain as much experience as possible in order to achieve these goals.
Peer Pressure, Swine Flu, & Brass Bands
When I was 9 years old, my Mum asked what instrument I would like to play, as I was too chatty and hyperactive to continue sitting at the piano, boring myself (and bashing the poor piano) to death. My oldest brother immediately yelled from the next room that I was to play the trombone, to complement my siblings who played saxophone and trumpet. Terrible idea, but here we are.
My first experience with brass banding was with the youth cohort of my local band - Woolston Concert Brass. After a near-death experience on the street march at the National Contest that year (imagine a collapsed scrum with a few tubas sticking out), I decided that banding maybe wasn’t for me.
I almost dipped my toes back into the brass band scene the next year when I was 16, as I auditioned for the National Secondary Schools Brass Band - though halfway through my audition, I passed out and ended up on the floor of the Woolston Brass Band rooms. I tried convincing myself that I was crook with swine flu, which was making the rounds at the time, but I suspect that I was just a bit overwhelmed by it all, and forgot how fun it is to breathe. In that moment, I mourned my short and hilariously unsuccessful brass band career and decided to put it to bed for good.
In the meantime, I was really enjoying playing in orchestras and jazz bands, committed the cardinal sin of specialising in Bass Trombone, and loved it so much that I decided to study Performance Trombone at the New Zealand School of Music!
In my second year at NZSM, David Bremner asked me to join the Wellington Brass Band. I put him on ice, saying “I’ll get back to you”, “Let me think about it” etc., as I didn’t want to seem too keen, also I wasn’t sure that I was too keen! What I didn’t realise was that this would probably be the most meaningful, musical, and tight-knit community that I would ever be part of! If not for my time at Wellington Brass and the wider brass band community, I don’t know where I’d be! Certainly not anywhere near the calibre of being part of the National Band of New Zealand.
Being in the National Band is a huge honour, as it represents the very best that New Zealand banding has to offer. At the core of brass bands, we strive - every contest, every concert, every rehearsal - to make the best sounds we can, individually and as a part of our respective bands, and the National Band is the highest summit of the whole movement.
So Australia, get the roos off the green, the sharks out of the pool, and get your tickets - the National Band of New Zealand is coming!!
It started in 1985…
My journey to the National Band of New Zealand echoes the story of my brother, and current Musical Director of the National Band, David Bremner.
In 1985, my father (Trevor Bremner) and my uncle (John Edgecombe) were selected to represent New Zealand in this prestigious ensemble. After returning from a successful trip where they won the top prize at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, they played a concert on their home soil, which was recorded and played on TVNZ (Channel 1 back in those days). Obviously, at the age of 3, I had no idea what the National Band was about and how amazing their performance was. That realisation came when I was in high school when I found an old VHS tape with the recording of that concert. From the moment that the band started playing Dvorak’s Carnival Overture at the beginning of the concert, I was mesmerised by what I was hearing and I knew from that moment that I wanted to be a New Zealand National Bandsperson.
Fraser (6 years old) at a Central Districts Youth Band Camp (as a spectator) hitting the timpani for the first time
For a good portion of my childhood, my whole family played in the New Plymouth City Band. My father (Trevor) was the Musical Director, my mother (Betty) played percussion and accompanied soloists at contests, and my three older brothers played in the band too (Stephen - played cornet followed by percussion, Mark - played cornet, and David - played cornet… followed by baritone… followed by triangle (in a display march)… followed by euphonium… followed by trombone… I think I got all of that list in). I, like my brothers, started on cornet. I worked my way up from the Learners Band to the Junior Band and then to the Senior Band, where I made it all the way to bottom seat Solo Cornet. But the whole time, I kept my eye very keenly on the percussion section. I was always captivated by the range of sounds, tones and musical colours that came from the back of the band (behind the basses). I eventually put down the cornet and picked up the drumsticks.
While I was in high school, I was lucky enough to have been selected for the National Youth Orchestra (1999, which my brothers Mark & Stephen were also part of) and the National Youth Band (1999 - 2004). Playing alongside some of the country’s best up-and-coming brass players and percussionists (and orchestral musicians in the NYO) allowed me to set my sights on where I wanted my musical journey to take me. A big highlight for me was the 2003 National Youth Band tour to the United Kingdom (featuring David as a guest soloist), which included a stopover in Los Angeles to perform at Disneyland, a performance in Westminster Abbey on Anzac Day, and a joint concert in the UK with the world-famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band (which featured fellow Kiwi, and ex-National Bandsperson, John Lewis, on Principal Cornet).
Fraser (snare drum) marching next to his father, Trevor (cornet), on a street march with the New Plymouth City Band
From 2001 until 2003, I had the privilege of being a member of the New Zealand Army Band. During my two and a half years with the band, I managed to perform all over New Zealand and had two trips overseas. The biggest highlight was travelling with the band to Scotland to perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2002. This was Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and she was in attendance at one of the performances - so to say that I have performed for the late Queen was a big thing to tick off my musical bucket list.
Over the years, I have had the amazing experience of performing at contests and concerts with many of New Zealand’s top brass bands, including North Shore Brass, Woolston Brass, and Waitakere Auckland Brass. In 2007, I joined Wellington Brass for the first time. At the time, the band was in the B Grade and they were led by their new Musical Director (in his first ever MD role), David Bremner. In 2014, with Wellington Brass, I experienced for the first time being part of an A Grade band that won the NZ Brass Band Championships. This, for me, was repeated again in 2022 and 2023 with WB. Being part of this world class band has been a life changing experience for me, one that gets better and better every time I hit the stage with the band.
Fraser in uniform for the 1999 National Youth Band of New Zealand
On the 6th March 2020, while setting up for my first rehearsal as a brass band conductor, I was shocked when I saw on a Facebook Live video (featuring Dave, Band Manager Garth Coffey, and interviewer Byron Newton) that I made the cut for the National Band after auditioning. Sadly, most of the plans for that year collapsed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the case for the next couple of years. But over the last 3 years, every time that I have collaborated with this incredible group of musicians has been nothing short of extraordinary. Being part of the same brass banding tradition that includes my father, three of my uncles (John & Richard Edgecombe and Graeme Bremner), and my brother is incredible. At times, I do have to pinch myself to check that this is all real!!
It’s always a thrill to go on an overseas trip. But to travel across the ditch on the National Band’s 70th anniversary and to show Australia how strong brass banding is in Aotearoa will be something very special.
Australia… bring it on!
Coming home to Newcastle!!
My musical start came about through a Rathmines Primary School music program. We were encouraged to try various instruments and the Baritone seemed to fit me best. From there I joined the Toronto Brass Band (pronounced Tronno) where I received my foundational musical training under the tutelage of Genevieve and Greg Smith. Shortly thereafter Toronto ascended to the B grade, doubtless because of my 2nd baritone playing. I’ve continued to play with Toronto Brass through the years, even after immigrating to New Zealand I still try to hop back over for major competitions.
Nick conducting the Zephyrs
Brass banding is my origin but I quite quickly sought out any ensemble that would include me. Before long I had played in most of the community wind, brass and orchestral ensembles in the Newcastle and wider NSW region; picking up the trombone and tuba along the way (thanks to my teacher Fiona Watson).
Nick with his Klezmer band
Tuba ultimately was the instrument that most resonated with me and I spent a few aimless but fun years traveling Australia with various eclectic groups playing klezmer fusion party music at bars, bar mitzvahs, weddings, festivals, and house parties.
A young Nick playing in Toronto Brass
I dabbled with other career paths but ultimately kept coming back to music. When I was informed of a vacancy in the New Zealand Army Band I took the opportunity to travel to a new country (and a much more stable gig).
Nick being towed by a bicycle chariot at a music festival
I’ve since found New Zealand to be a land of great opportunity and I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities to play elite level brass music with Wellington Brass and the National Band as well as orchestral work with The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia and The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Nick (and Jeremy Richardson) performing with Wellington Brass at the 2023 NZ Brass Band Championships
Currently I am the Musical Director of Norwest Brass Zephyrs and the Lincoln Wind band and I will be the assistant MD of the 2024 National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand.
Tracing Time - 20 Years in the National Band
I first heard and saw the National Band perform in Palmerston North in 1995, after they had returned from 6 weeks in the USA. I was 17 at the time and notions of being in the band myself weren’t anything more than a hope - kind of like a boy who plays rugby wanting to be an All Black. My memory of that concert is Hora Staccato - probably in hindsight one of the “lighter” pieces in the programme but for me it stuck - it all just seemed so exciting.
2003
In 1998, 1999 and 2000, I played in the National Youth Band under Nigel Weeks, who eventually conducted me at Dalewool Auckland Brass and in the 2014 & 2017 National Bands. At that stage the National Band had not recovered from the financial challenges of the 1995 tour and so National Bands weren’t a thing. Then, in 2002, applications were sought for the 2003 National Band under David Gallaher. I had recently moved from Baritone to Horn (bad idea!) and then back to Baritone, and so I threw my hat in the ring. I was shocked/honoured/terrified to get the Principal Baritone chair. We rehearsed at the Institute of Rugby in Palmerston North (closest I got to being an All Black). We hacked our way through the North Island. We had a great time, and if I recall correctly, culminating in a great party in Whangarei.
2005
With much excitement, my first international tour with the band was to Singapore and Europe for the World Music Contest in Kerkrade. We were away close on a month and the stories from that tour are endless. Thunder and lighting striking in time with the music in our concert at Regent Hall in London… the ferry to Calais having to sit in the English Channel because of a bomb scare… arriving at our Peer (Belgium) concert close to midnight and still playing to a packed house, 1-hour sightseeing in Brussels where I checked my email at an internet cafe and bought underwear. Musically, the simplest piece was the most special for me. My solo on the tour was Pokarekare Ana and I had the honour of performing it with the band to over 15,000 people in the Parkstad Limburg Stadium under a spotlight - as New Zealand’s representative “folk song” for the opening ceremony. I don’t do playing by memory (I’m awful at it) but I did on this occasion, and it was very special.
In 2005 in front of the band’s plane in Auckland at the request of Singapore Airlines
2007
We toured south of New Zealand this time, with James Morrison. He was exceptional and the tour was a lot of fun. James commanded all instruments with divinity including any which he chose (on the spot) to play in the concert. When James asks if he can have your Baritone for this chart, you agree, sit back, listen in awe and hope nothing malfunctions. I was super pleased to be joined in the Baritone section this time by Jessica Blair who had been on Euphonium in the 2003 & 2005 bands. I enjoyed playing under Musical Director Howard Taylor who had conducted Waitakere Brass in my first years away from home, and rehearsing and staying at Whanganui Collegiate, which was my school and where my family had lived while Dad taught there.
The 2007 Euphonium and Baritone section: Jessica Blair, Ross, Ken Cant, Riki McDonnell
2009
We returned to Kerkrade in 2009 to compete at the WMC again. The tour wasn’t as long as the 2005 one. It had been tough and I think the challenges and repeating financial outlay and logistics would be a challenge. We played Music of the Spheres as part of our own choice programme. I think it’s one of the greatest Baritone parts - a fabulous solo - and those rips at the end, it felt like the part had been written for me - nonsense of course, but when you’re given free reign (thanks Howard) to rain all hell on music like that, how can’t you have fun?! My grandfather, Frits, was Dutch so it is always special to go to perform in The Netherlands.
2009 concert in Peer (Belgium) under Howard Taylor
2014
After the 2013 tour to China (under Bob Childs) was cancelled/postponed due to contractual/administrative problems with the Chinese promoters, Nigel Weeks was appointed to take the same band to China a year later. It was the first time I had toured overseas with the band and not competed. It was an incredible experience and one which has many, many fond memories. From searching for Peking duck (who would have thought THAT would be a challenge??) to having to run on stage as soon as the ceremonial gong rang, to the night train and the woman who put a live chicken through the baggage x-ray… the tour was a blast. Thank you China and Korea. I hope you’ll have us back.
The night train in China in 2014
2017
When I opened the Google Drive folder containing the score and parts of the 2017 Kerkrade test (Tracing Time), the first page of the 1st Baritone part looked apocalyptic. I assumed it was part of a dense full-band opening - or at worst part of a quintet, perhaps. Surely the test didn’t open with a massive Baritone solo… would it?! Baritones don’t get to do that sort of thing! Like the Horn solo that opens Spheres, here was a moment where the player sets the scene, and what better stage to have that opportunity than in my 3rd voyage to Kerkrade. I relished the opportunity to play with what was a wonderful band performance under Nigel and of course achieve an unprecedented 2nd place.
Meeting Tracing Time composer, Oliver Waespi, with Kev (& Murray!) Hickman in Kerkrade 2017
As the 2023 National Band prepares to head on its next adventure later this month, I am excited to have another chapter to add to my National Band journey.
Look out, Australia!
My journey to the National Band
My brass band journey started when I was born, I guess, because both of my parents (Brent & Helen) played brass instruments. When I was five, I was very jealous of my brother, Cameron, having cornet lessons and I begged Mum & Dad to let me “just go and hold and instrument”. I wanted to play the trombone like my Grandad, Des, but I was too small, so instead I claimed Mum’s old baritone for my 6th birthday.
Georgia on her 6th birthday, with her new baritone!!
I did a short stint in the Woolston Junior Band before we moved to Brisbane for a couple of years, where I was lucky to have lessons from Trevor Bremner. When we came back to New Zealand, I played in Woolston Concert Brass and lessons with Davey G. It wasn’t until started high school that I finally started learning the trombone to play in the school’s big band and orchestra. After the New Zealand National Contest in 2012, Graham Hickman talked to me about coming along to Woolston. I was not up to the standard yet, but I went along and learned so much every week and was lucky to be able to play in the band before I was ready. I have loved playing in Woolston Brass ever since then and have been lucky enough to sit in the section with lots of different euphonium/baritone weapons over the years!
I decided to audition for the Army Band in 2014, my last year of school. I was encouraged by Phil Johnston who was teaching me. I have been there since then too! Now I play the computer, organise concerts and oversee the band’s PR, as much as I play the baritone and trombone at work, but I enjoy both roles.
Grandfather, Des Hoy, in the 1962 National Band
I have had so many amazing experiences in both ensembles, as well as with the National Secondary Schools and National Youth Bands, but being part of the National Band of New Zealand will be something new altogether! Being part of the National Band is the peak of banding in New Zealand and is something I have always looked up to.
My Dad and Grandad were in the National Band, as well as Mum’s uncle, Lloyd Lee. Uncle Lloyd was in the 1962 & 1965 bands, Grandad was in the 1965, 1967 & 1970 bands, and Dad was in the 1985, 1989, 1990 and 1992 bands. You may think I didn’t have a choice, but there was never any pressure on me, and my parents will tell you that I need to choose to do something and won’t do it because they tell me I should! Haha! I thought it was time for a new challenge and decided to audition for the National Band and was stoked to be selected to join the band, especially for the tour to Australia!
Father, Brent Hoy, in the 1985 National Band
I’m looking forward to going on tour with some of my besties, who I get to work with every day in the Army Band, and of course, to make some new friends too. It is great to have another musical challenge to work towards. It is an honour to be in the Euphonium/Baritone lineup, and I can’t wait to get on the road!
Lastly, I would like to say a huge thank you to my seat sponsors for this tour - Bill & Diane Mallet, Mike & Belinda Sawyer, and the Hoy family!
I Can’t Wait!!
As I write this, there are 4 weeks to go until the 2023 National Band gets together again for our first-ever tour of Australia, and I can’t wait! 28 years after my first National Band tour, I still look forward to getting together with the finest brass players in Aotearoa and sharing the stage with this wonderful group of human beings.
My first National Band tour was back in 1995. The band was directed by Mr. Kevin Jarrett, was managed by the late Tony Lewis, and Ray Russell was his assistant. I remember this as very much a happy and fun-filled tour, with some very memorable moments. The ‘95 band rehearsed at RNZAF Base Ohakea and gave a concert in Auckland prior to departure for Los Angeles. What followed was a 13,000 km coach tour that took us from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Idaho, then down through Colorado to Texas, across to Louisiana, up the Mississippi River all the way to the Great Lakes, then down to Washington DC to complete the tour. I remember particularly the concert in Salt Lake City at the Mormon Tabernacle, where we were so popular that latecomers were unable to get tickets for the concert! On our way back to NZ, we had a 2 day stopover in Honolulu, then we rounded it off with concerts in Palmerston North and Christchurch.
A fun fact about the 1995 band was that we had two sets of three brothers in the band (Logan [Tenor Horn], Kent [Tuba] and Andrew [Baritone] Ballantyne from Invercargill and Graham [Cornet], Kevin [Cornet] and Murray [Percussion] Hickman from Whanganui. We also had two father-and-son combinations (Dave & Phil Johnston, and Kevin & Shaun Jarrett) and a married couple (John & Tina Everitt). The main featured soloists were Clyde Dixon, who played Herman Belstedt’s Napoli, and Murray Hickman who wowed the crowd with his flamboyant performance of Goff Richard’s Russky Percussky. On alternate nights, Logan Ballantyne was featured playing Higgy Jig, Principal Cornet Kerry Garrett played Dark Haired Marie, and I played Over the Rainbow.
Mainly because of work and family commitments, I didn’t tour again until 12 years later in 2007, when I was selected by Howard Taylor as Solo Horn for the band’s New Zealand tour with James Morrison as guest soloist, and then for the trip to the World Music Concourse in Kerkrade in The Netherlands in 2009, where we were placed 4th overall. One of the highlights of my playing career was playing the opening of Philip Sparke’s Music of the Spheres in the Rodohal, which was the venue for the contest.
In 2014, I was again in the Solo Horn seat for the National Band tour of China and South Korea, this time under the directorship of Nigel Weeks. Three years later, Nigel took the band to Kerkrade again, and this time we were placed 2nd overall. I fondly remember our performance of Oliver Waespi’s Tracing Time as one of the best band performances I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of. The opening Baritone solo was played by my award-winning duet partner, Ross Gerritsen, who is also the Solo Baritone for the 2023 Australian Tour.
The few times the National Band has been able to get together since 2020 have been bright spots on my calendar. Under David Bremner, the band is a fantastic brass ensemble, bringing together a wonderful bunch of players who just happen to make up the best brass band in this part of the globe. And yes, there are still some family ties in the 2023 National Band. Brothers David & Fraser Bremner, Luke & Mitchell Spence, Kevin & Graham Hickman, and father and son Mike (yes, me!) and Logan Ford. Another really cool thing is that 5 members of the 1995 National Band will be touring with the 2023 band, including Graham & Kevin Hickman, Grant Myhill in the Percussion section, myself on Solo Horn and Phil Johnston on Tuba. I know that we are all looking forward to taking our unique brand of music to the Australian public, and I know that they will love it.
As I said, I can’t wait!
What lead me to this moment…
Compared to my friends in the National Band, I was exposed to brass banding quite a bit later in life. In Australia, kids are lucky enough to have instrumental music embedded into the school curriculum, so we could learn a musical instrument and play in a band whilst in school. However, alongside our favourite collaboration of brass and percussion, these bands also consisted of flutes, clarinets and saxophones. I started learning trombone when I was 10 years old and quickly made it into the senior band in primary school. That’s when I got the itch for trombone and continued to play in wind bands until year 11 (high school in Australia) where I met my first serious trombone teacher - Bill Barker. Bill is a legendary euphonium player in the Australian brass band scene as a life member of Brisbane Brass, an amazing teacher, friend and person. My younger sister, Unnah (a trumpet player), and I started getting lessons with Bill and he quickly realised that we were the ultimate package deal for the local B Grade band, Brisbane Brass 2, conducted by John McKechie, yet another excellent euphonium player. From the first rehearsal, my sister and I fell in love with brass bands, and we were unstoppable. Our parents agreed to drive 40 minutes one way every week for us just to go to rehearsals. We continued to go every week and we even got to see the A Grade band, Brisbane Brass 1, in action with Bill conducting. We both knew that we HAD to get into that band and it became our mission to get there!
Once I got accepted into the Queensland Conservatorium, I was a regular member of Brisbane Brass 1, which essentially consisted of most of the Con brass students. During my time at Uni, I was lucky enough to play in the National Australian Youth Brass Band under Prof. David King, went to the Beijing International Band Festival with Brisbane Brass, started and conducted Brisbane Brass Juniors with my friend, Jon Adams, and play in the Queensland Conservatorium Brass Band under Greg Aitken. In 2018, I was given the opportunity to join Brisbane Excelsior under Howard Taylor and sat between the mighty Michael Purtle and Jake Mirabito. Playing for this band was an absolute dream and I learnt so much playing next to these gentlemen.
Aishah performing with the New Zealand Army Band
Then came 2019 where I finished my degree and won a job with the New Zealand Army Band. I was lucky enough to move to New Zealand and be given my first Principal Trombone spot with Leopard Coachlines Canterbury Brass and the NZAB. This was another huge step in my trombone career where I had to step up my playing and leadership skills to match what was surrounding me. And again, I loved it!! Once I heard there was a National Band of New Zealand, I knew that I had to be part of it. After auditioning in 2021, I got an associate position but then was officially invited by Garth Coffey and David Bremner to join the band (when I got the email, I was ecstatic!!). I now have the pleasure of playing for North Shore Brass under Harmen Vanhoorne where I have loved every second of it. Every single band experience has taught me wonderful things and I wouldn’t change it ever.
This leads me to the upcoming National Band of NZ tour of Australia with Philip Cobb and Owen Morris. I am lucky enough to be 2nd Trombone in the National Band and am currently part of the marketing team. With a month to go, we are frantically doing everything in our power to get ticket sales up through advertising and word of mouth. The lead-up to this tour is insane but I cannot wait to meet up with all of the wonderful National Band people and create an unforgettable musical experience for the bandies in Australia. I am also looking forward to seeing all the people who inspired me and helped me to get to where I am today. It is because of them that I can perform with the National Band of New Zealand and can inspire other young bandies. I CANNOT WAIT!!
Why Aussie???
Over the past 4 years conducting the National Band of NZ, we have had our fair share of disruptions! Every time we felt we were getting back to some sense of normality, another tour was cancelled because of COVID-19. Whilst it was frustrating, it was nothing compared to those out of work, sick or struggling with the long-term issues that a pandemic can serve up.
So I wanted to put something on the horizon that the members of the band could work towards and look forward to. A few of us sat down and talked about a destination that would suit in the current environment, and I only had one place in mind - Australia.
Musical Director David Bremner rehearsing the National Band in 2020
Over the years, Australia has been a home away from home. My brother Mark moved to Brisbane 23 years ago, another brother Fraser lived there for 3 years and my parents had a good stint there as well, so its always been a place I have visited and loved. It also has a wonderfully diverse musical landscape, wonderful orchestras, strong brass bands, and one of my favourite jazz musicians on the planet - James Morrison.
So 70 years after the National Band’s first tour overseas, this current crop of New Zealand’s finest embarks on a landmark tour that sees us share the stage with world-class soloists, and to show Aussie audiences why this band is world-class.
I am incredibly proud of this group, and looking forward to the tour for many reasons, but a couple that stand out for me. Firstly, through everything the pandemic threw at the band, we kept going. We performed concerts, recorded music with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and our performances are regularly played on Radio New Zealand Concert. So this trip is an extension of all that hard work that our Manager, Garth Coffey, and the players have put in to keeping the momentum going.
Secondly, we are touring with two superstar trumpet players. For our Melbourne concert, we have the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Trumpet, Owen Morris, who will wow the audience with his solos. And the incredible international trumpet soloist, Phil Cobb. Phil is no stranger to Australian audiences, and I know he is going to be a huge hit on this tour. We can’t wait to share the stage with both of these wonderful musicians.
And thirdly, many of us in the band have been going to Australia Band contests for years and it’s always a real hoot. After all those years of competing at these events, it will be great to bring the National Band over to our friends across the ditch and showcase the cumulative power of brass banding in New Zealand
Whatever the motivation for the members, this tour is going to be special, and I really hope that the brass and percussion community in Australia get behind our tour and we look forward to seeing them at our concerts.
I’m still holding my breath…
Garth Coffey - Band Manager for the National Band of New Zealand
Greetings all. I write this addition to The Blog section with some lingering nervous trepidation. As the Manager for this esteemed group of highly talented brass band players, I am both excited and anxious for our upcoming tour. Let me explain.
When I was appointed to the role about three years ago it was my intention, along with the Musical Director, to have the band perform in every banding district throughout the country. Plans were put in place with this goal in mind and everything was looking rosy until COVID-19 arrived causing the landscape for performing to be changed completely.
Our proposed tour of the North Island in 2020 was derailed but we managed to salvage something out of the ruins by holding our first concert together as a band in Hamilton. Likewise, our proposed tour of the South Island for 2021 was constantly modified in the hope we would get to share our music with audiences there. In the end all we were able to achieve was a very successful joint concert with the NZ Army Band in Christchurch at the conclusion of last year’s National Contest.
Now this year our planned historic joint concert series with the NZSO in Hamilton has been cancelled, although we are very grateful the orchestra has found a way for us to still perform together. We will now be recording selected pieces with the orchestra to be broadcast at a later date.
If anything, COVID has taught us to be flexible and I have lost count of the number of tours, mini-tours and individual concerts I have planned without ever getting to execute these plans. This isn’t a complaint, rather more frustration that our audiences haven’t been able to hear this fantastic group perform.
Not only has COVID robbed us of being able to perform to eager audiences, but it has also dramatically dried up sponsorship and grants we rely on to function as many organisations go about recovering from the interruptions to their business they have endured the past few years. I know this is not just an issue for the National Band, but for all bands and artist groups throughout the country. We are determined to get through this, and we are forever grateful for our current family of sponsors who go a long way to helping us achieve our goals. To make the tour a success we strongly urge all those that can come and see us at any of our upcoming concerts in Wellington, Upper Hutt, New Plymouth, and Palmerston North, you won’t be disappointed. We’ve kept the ticket costs to as low as we can and the band loves to perform in front of a full concert venue so to avoid missing out, get your tickets now.
So here we sit less than two weeks away from finally getting our tour underway yet I’m still holding my breath COVID doesn’t decide to intervene yet again. I’m confident this time though it will all come together. See you there!!
Following in the family’s footsteps…
I am incredibly proud and excited to join the National Band, following in the footsteps of my Dad, Kevin, Uncles Mike and Graham, and my cousin Clynton. Both sides of the family have been involved in musical pursuits – and in banding in particular – as far back as anyone can remember, so it wasn’t surprising when my sister and I became interested in learning brass and piano as kids, working our way up into National Youth bands where I met my now husband, Dave (himself a national bandsman in 2005).
Julia performing a solo with the 2001 National Youth Band of New Zealand
I remember clearly going to hear Dad and Clynt in the 1995 National Band before they headed off to the United States and being wowed by the level of playing on display. Add to that the many national band yarns and friendships that I grew up hearing about and I knew it was where I wanted to be some day.
(L-R) Graham Moseley, Julia Mallett & Kevin Moseley
Getting the call to join the band early this year felt amazing, although I was a bit daunted heading into my first rehearsal. All worries were quickly put to rest – the standard was (predictably) breath-taking, but everyone was so welcoming; just what I expected based on all those stories from years gone by. I can't wait to head away in May and make more fantastic music! It means an enormous amount to have joined this legendary group, contribute at the highest level, and fulfil a lifelong dream of becoming a national bandsman.
Thailand and back again…
2017 National Band of New Zealand
In August 2018 I sold (most of) my worldly possessions, packed up the family and moved to Thailand to take up the position of Head of Performing Arts at Regents International School, Pattaya - an hour and half down the eastern seaboard from Bangkok. Thailand is a fabulous country with unbeatable food, outstanding holiday destinations and great people. Living there was one of the best things we could have done as a family and it delivered all we could hope for - and more.
My wife Siobhan is a professional cellist and for both of us, leaving New Zealand meant putting our musical careers on hold while we gave our children the International School experience and visited a multitude of holiday destinations - Koh Chang, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Vietnam, Mayalsia, Paris and London. Siobhan built a solid teaching studio at Regents and I was fortunate to come back and win the B-Grade with Nelson City Brass in 2019 but when COVID struck just as we returned from an amazing Christmas in Paris and London - all of that came to an end. We did eight months lockdown and virtual schooling while New Zealand largely avoided COVID the first time around. At times it wasn't particularly easy being away.
While in Pattaya I had vague hopes of being part of the current National Band but with the (much needed) increase in performance dates it simply wasn't possible to live in Thailand and travel home for National Band. Musical opportunities were minimal to none in Pattaya - it's a beach resort city - with no orchestra or band. I was fortunate to conduct two great musicals, Wizard of Oz and Shrek - but my playing was limited to open mic night (mainly on trumpet) at a local pub once a year!
When I returned to NZ after tackling MIQ in December 2021 I was honoured to get a call from David to ask if I would like to return to the National Band as an associate player - covering the euph/bari team - an opportunity I was delighted to accept.
Since hearing the band properly for the first time in Palmerston North in 1995 I wanted to be part of the team and now, in my 7th National Band, I am over the moon to represent banding once again in New Zealand and wear the silver fern.
I missed banding during my 3 1/2 years, am delighted to be back and hope you get the chance to hear this outstanding ensemble.
Fulfilling a dream.
Brass bands have been an integral part of my life since a young age.
My interest was sparked when I saw my dad practice for hours on end and often bring back a trophy or two from the national contest. However, it was the stories he shared that really gave me ambition. Stories about travelling overseas with the National Band to perform at the world stage in Kerkrade and touring the United States with the 1995 band; it was something I wanted to be a part of one day too! Being the youngest of four children, my dad must have been delighted to see an interest in brass music he had not yet seen from my older siblings. Fair to say, he jumped at this opportunity. From starting in the Nelson City Junior Band, and being a member of NSSBB and NYBB, it seemed a natural progression to have a crack at the big time.
I was elated to be selected for the 2020 National Band! After not hearing my name being read out for the back row cornets, I was surprised to hear I had made it onto the front bench. Not only that, the powerhouse of entire cornet section, 5th man down (tehe)! I eagerly anticipated the band meeting up, as I was looking forward to the step up from the youth band and having the opportunity to play alongside New Zealand’s best brass players.
The band really got stuck in at the first rehearsal. Dave gave me and many other first time National Bandsmen our christening by beginning with a ‘light blow’ of Dvorak’s Carnival Overture. A sort of ‘run the gauntlet’ piece of music that takes hours of finger preparation. It was clear that the standard of the band and the calibre of its players was exceptional. I could sense being a part of the band was enjoyed and appreciated by all who were involved. This is what I was expecting of a National Band, and I was certainly not disappointed.
Thats me 2nd from left!
The National Band has enriched itself into the brass banding scene in New Zealand. For many different people, the band may represent many different things about the movement. One thing I would hear people say when referring to a player was something along the lines of, “great player back in the day, past national bandsmen” gifting that person a prestigious status. This proved that the National Band was something special within brass band circles. It was something every player had a connection with and a brand of brass music they were inspired and impressed by. For me, this was certainly the case.
I’ve grown up surrounded by brass music, and naturally a goal of mine has always been to be a member of a National Band. What makes this experience even more special is being able to share it alongside my Dad, and what makes this band even more impressive is the number of non-professional musicians coming together to make incredible music purely for the love of it!
Dad and I on Tour in Brisbane with the 2019 National Youth Brass Band
The band is really looking forward to getting together again at the end of October, and especially excited to play in front of a live audience. Don’t miss our one and only concert this year, ‘Virtuoso Brass’ in November. So get your tickets (available at - tickets) and we’ll see you there!
Arriving at base camp!
The first rehearsal with the band was one of vigor and delight. For much of the year, the future of the National Band of New Zealand for 2020 was very uncertain. Having been selected in early February, plans and rehearsals were continuously delayed and postponed due to the ever evolving global situation.
After half a year of complete uncertainty, this rehearsal weekend had an air of triumph. After over a month of lockdown, we thought our neighbours had had enough. I can say from personal experience that my neighbours became so acquainted with my scales that they would sing that along with me.
This all meant that once we all convened on Friday the 17th, we were all buzzing – excited to play for more than simply our own pets and neighbours. Our musical director, David Bremner, wasted no time in getting to the hard bits. A sudden awakening to some, but the air of triumph was felt throughout. Everyone was ecstatic to be back and the first rehearsal was strenuous but rapturous. Like any brass band, friendships within the band are strong. Old friends reuniting after a year of isolation meant that the entire rehearsal weekend was an absolute hoot. Everyone wasn’t just excited to be playing again, but to be back together again.
The Saturday rehearsal saw the band take its first 9-7. With such an exciting event, the time really seemed to fly by. The strenuous but rewarding day was finished with a trip to our Principal Trombone Mark Davey’s own pub, Waitoa Bar. There, the band went through a schism – Blues vs Hurricanes. The competition was fierce, even seeing a disgruntled Blues fan of the band leaving early with his Blue’s shirt between his legs.
Watching the game (where the Canes won 29-27)
After a great win for some and a debilitating loss for others, we were back at rehearsals again on Sunday. The rehearsal was almost as banterous as the night before and the buzz of being back together once again had not really worn off. From being from all parts of New Zealand and lacking a national contest, jokes within the band were flying. The long weekend had still left many of us quite knackered though. While everyone was ready to go back home after such a hardy worked and anticipated weekend, it was still an emotional time to split up once again. It was only a few days earlier that many of us had not seen each other since the 2019 contest, where Wellington Brass were victorious.
We’re already excited to see each other and all of our listeners once again, in November for our Virtuoso Brass Concert. Please head over and book your tickets for this much anticipated concert https://www.waikato.ac.nz/academy/events/music/national-band-of-new-zealand-virtuoso-brass?fbclid=IwAR2Zi-F3uL3xdP753Z5unSaWzu-YCiyc6AhDySb6xU1ghXaKioQKp2nCDuE
Regards
David Paligora - Bass Trombone, National Band of NZ
Selecting a National Band
I remember the first time I heard a National Band, it was 1985, and they had just returned from winning the World Championships in Kerkrade. My mum drove my brothers and I up to Auckland from New Plymouth to see the band, and more importantly my Dad, return to NZ. They performed a victory concert in Auckland, and we were front and centre as Ken Smith put the band through their paces. I dont think I will ever forget the sound of that band, the precision, the virtuosity, the richness of the sound that they produced, it was mesmerising.
From that day, I always had a special place for National Bands. I have every record that the National Band has produced, and have even put together a programme on Radio Concert about the history of the National Band - https://www.rnz.co.nz/concert/programmes/brilliant-brass/audio/20154707/brilliant-brass-national-band-of-new-zealand
So you can imagine how delighted I was to be announced as the Music Director of the 2020 National Band. This is a role that I am taking very seriously and am excited to get stuck into rehearsals. The selection process is incredibly tough and time consuming, but its a process I thoroughly enjoyed.
My selection process was pretty much the same for this band as it has been for any selection process I have been involved in, and I am happy to share that here.
First of all, I write down my goals and objectives surrounding the band - the sound of the band, the programme, key roles, what do I want this band to be remembered for, what sort of person is needed to make this band work.
These topics often help me shape the selection process, and give me an overall sense of the sorts of players I am looking for. After this, I write down a broad description of every position in the band, the strengths I am looking for in this player, the role of this seat. Once I have that in place, I listen to all the auditions making notes on each player and a rating system on all the basics I am listening out for.
Then I just match the player to the position, this is the easy part. It all makes sense at this point, as each player either fits a job description or not. Then I look at the band, and make sure that it fits the goals I set out at the beginning. I have high hopes for this group of musicians, there have been some tough decisions, and close calls, but I feel confident in every person I have selected.
The band manager, Garth Coffey, and myself are incredibly excited at the challenges ahead, and we cant wait to see you all at our concert later in the year. Please come and support these talented musicians.
Regards
Dave