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.