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!