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