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!
