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