http://www.waitakerebrass.com/ The Trusts Waitakere Brass en-us http://www.waitakerebrass.com/images/trusts_logo_small.gif http://www.waitakerebrass.com/ 54 60 http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#kumeuaux2007 Sun, 22 Jul 2007 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#kumeuaux2007 Space was in short supply when 50 players from the Kumeu Brass Auxiliary Band and 'The Trusts' Waitakere Brass joined together for a workshop on the 22nd of June. Waitakere Brass had volunteered to help the Kumeu Auxillary Band with preparations for their first ever National competition. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#ababand2007 Sun, 10 Jun 2007 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#ababand2007 The Trusts Waitakere Brass Following on from its recent successes at the ABA solo competition, The Trusts Waitakere Brass, under their MD Steven Booth, prepared for the up-coming New Zealand National Championships with a series of wins at the Auckland regional contest. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#abasolo2007 Wed, 30 May 2007 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#abasolo2007 Members of The Trusts Waitakere Brass were jubilant at rehearsal on Monday evening following a very successful day of competition at the recent Auckland Bands Association 2007 Solo and Party competitions held on the North Shore on Sunday. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#oz2007 Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#oz2007 Waitakere certainly turned a few heads in its recent visit to Australia. Steven Booth reports. The Waitakere Band return from their trip to the Australian Nationals buoyed by some excellent performances, successes, new friends made and enhanced reputation. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#brianmackie Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:10:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#brianmackie Not knowing a sole person in New Zealand, Scottish Bass player Brian Mackie stepped off the plane this morning in Auckland after 30 hours flight time from the UK. Later in the afternoon members of the Waitakere City Brass welcomed him with a traditional Kiwi BBQ at the lovely home of Stephen Booth, and 4Barsrest Downunder roving report Owen Melhuish was there to speak with Brian about his career so far. So far I love the wine, the beer and the people. Tomorrow night I will be at band practice as the band prepares for a major concert on Sunday and also the Australian Championships in Ivanhoe Melbourne in April. I will be on BBb bass and really looking forward to meeting new friends, said Mackie. I started as a founding member of the Kilmarnock Concert Brass formed in 1973 and this band was the youngest band to ever qualify for the Nationals (Championship section) at the Royal Albert Hall in 1979, with an average age of only 19 years. The band had a golden period under Andrew Keacie MBE where it won each section from 4th to Championship in successive years. My playing career includes a 20 year gap where I played not a note. But in the late 90's I heard some recordings of some of the latest music by the likes of Philip Wilby that made me hungry for the contesting and concert buzz and just knew I had to be back in banding. So I went along to Whitburn where we promptly qualified for the Nationals in 1998 playing Blitz. Brian has left behind a successful career with BMW Leasing to begin a new chapter in his life in New Zealand playing with a resurgent Waitakere City Brass. (courtesy of 4BarsRest Downunder) http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#wintergarden Sun, 11 Feb 2007 20:10:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#wintergarden Saturday 10 February at 2PM saw the band playing at the Wintergardens in the Auckland Domain.This was part of the Music in Parks initiative by the Auckland City Council. The hot sun didn't keep folk away and the band played well to a very appreciative audience. The concert featured soloists; Bari Thomas with is beautiful account of Pokarekare Ana on euphonium and Sergio Marshall with the ever popular Karen Carpenter classic Goodbye to Love arranged for tenor horn. The band played a wide range of styles including Its Not Unusual - featuring the bands magnificent trombone section, Fantasy on Tico Tico, Dave Brubecks Blue Rondo a la Turk to name a few. As the band drew near the end of the programme the clouds closed in and heavy monsoon like rain brought the programme to an early conclusion and sent the audience scuttling for the glasshouses. MD Steven Booth compered the afternoons performance with a good rapport with both the band and the audience, although we still don't know what Steven had against soprano player Fendall Hills hat. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#christmas2 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#christmas2 Saturday 16 December, the band performed their annual Christmas concert at the Glen Eden playhouse, delighting the audience with yet another entertaining performance of musical quality. Features included Fendall Hill playing his own Concerto for Soprano Cornet, Lisa Rogers with a delightfully musical rendition of Concerto De Aranjuez, and Sergio Marshall proving yet again why he is one of New Zealand's finest tenor horn players with his Time for Peace. By popular request - or should that be popular DEMAND? - the band featured it's terrific Tuba team Stu Bennion and Simon Kerwin in Simon's ever changing and always very entertaining version of Tea for Toobas, this time specially re-written with a Christmas theme. All the soloists showed style, flair, musicality and ultimate control of their respective instruments. The band is clearly enjoying their playing and this enjoyment communicates itself through the quality and vitality of their entertaining performances, which their audiences acknowledge with delight. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#museum2 Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#museum2 Saturday 9 December saw the band invited to perform at the Grand Opening of the Auckland Museum's new $65 million dome extension to the historic Auckland Museum, which was opened by Prime Minister Helen Clarke. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#museum Wed, 06 Dec 2006 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#museum Waitakere Brass Band have been invited to perform at the Grand Opening of the Auckland Museum on Saturday December 9th. The museum is to be opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark and the band will play at this prestigious event between 2.30 & 3.30pm. Come and along and say hello, and visit this fantastic new museum. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#christmas Wed, 06 Dec 2006 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#christmas Waitakere Brass announce their Christmas Concert at 2.30pm on Saturday 16th December at the Glen Eden Playhouse. Come along and support one of New Zealand's best bands, as they perform for the last time before the Christmas Break, following which they will be building to the Australian Nationals in Melbourne. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#jazz Thu, 30 Nov 2006 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#jazz Sunday 19 November saw the band produce its Jazz Mania concert, in conjunction with New Zealand entertainer John McGough. The band played a variety of Jazz, Big Band and Blues and obviously thoroughly enjoyed themselves as did the audience. It was particularly good to see the band branch out and attempt to engage the audience, including playing a version of Hot Toddy largely without music and in a unique, standing formation. There were notable performances from the band's outgoing principal cornet player Alex Kerwin who wowed the audience with her brilliant rendition of Feelin' Good, and an entertaining performance of Tea for Toobas featuring Simon Kerwin and Stu Benion. These two pieces showed again what a talented and imaginative arranger Simon Kerwin is, as well as being a great entertainer. The audience were also introduced to the band's new solo euphonium player Bari Thomas from Wales, as he dueted with Sean Whyte the band's other euphonium player in Softly as I Leave You. Not to be omitted, the band's Flugel Horn player Lisa Rogers featured in Steven Booth's arrangement of Stardust with her usual high standard of artistry and musicality. Compere for the evening was John McGough, who also sang and played trumpet, while the Massey High School Jazz band were featured at the interval. This was an event which will be repeated again next year by popular demand. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml Wed, 29 Nov 2006 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml Saturday 25 November was another busy day for the band with the annual Santa Parade in the morning followed by the Silver Friends concert in the afternoon. The band entertained with a varied program of traditional and Christmas music, which was much appreciated by the supporters of the band. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#newmd Fri, 17 Nov 2006 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#newMD The Trusts Waitakere City Brass Band based in Auckland are delighted to have secured the services of the well known baritone soloist and conductor Steven Booth. Steven assisted the band earlier in the year as conductor, and took up the full time position when the band resumed rehearsals following their extremely successful recent trip to Europe. The band has enjoyed three great years under the baton of Simon Kerwin, and is now looking ahead to a great future under Steven's leadership. Steven's musicality, professionalism and experience will be a great asset to the band, along with his ability to move the band forward whilst still ensuring that enjoyment and great music-making is paramount. Steven's philosophy is that band has to be enjoyable, especially when some of the members travel nearly 2 hours each way to band for every single rehearsal. He also believes it is very important that, while the band improves technically, audiences want to listen to them and enjoy the music they play. This is an important factor in his choice of programming. The band have already secured the services of several new players (announcements coming soon) as they start to build towards next year's contest schedule, which will include the Australian Nationals, The Auckland Contest and the New Zealand Nationals amongst others. The band's immediate challenge is to find a replacement for their principal cornet of the past three years, the outstanding Alex Kerwin, who has also been a fantastic ambassador for the band. Following the success of their recent tour, superbly directed by Simon Kerwin, and Steven's recent appointment as Musical Director, the band have already acquired several new engagements and are now following up many other enquiries from prospective players, sponsors and new bookings. The future looks bright and exciting for one of New Zealand's top bands ... http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#europe Fri, 17 Nov 2006 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#europe The band is departing for the Swiss Open on Wednesday 20 September. The lead up to this contest is very intense as the band spend the entire weekend before departure rehearsing. The band is flying direct to Switzerland and competing on the Saturday playing an own choice and a stage march. After the contest the band is embarking on a concert tour which includes Switzerland, Manchester, Glasgow and Buxton. See the tour itinerary for more information. Also visit the bands weblog to keep abreast of the news as it unfolds on tour. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#toy Sun, 03 Sep 2006 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#toy Guest conductor Steven Booth lead the band with a entertaining programme at this years Toy Story concert on 3 September. A charity concert in support of the Waitakere Hospital Childrens Unit. Featuring popular light music the large audience were very appreciative. Soloists for the evening were Alexandra Kerwin with a stunning performance of Feelin' Good; Sergio Marshall who moved the audience with his rendition of the beautiful Demelza on horn and Lisa Rogers with her atmospheric performance of the Norwegian folk tune, I Himmelen (in heaven). The band ensemble playing was a reflection of the control conductor Steven Booth exercised over the music. The band were able to provide the Waitakere Hospital with a mountain of toys as well as the proceeds from a raffle drawn on the night. Thank you to the New Zealand Communities Trust for their support of the concert series. http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#baby Sat, 01 Apr 2006 20:00:00 GMT http://www.waitakerebrass.com/news.shtml#baby Waitakere Brass would like to congratulate Stuart our solo trombone player and his wife Georgina on the safe arrival of Daniel James Ritchie. Daniel arrived on Saturday 1st April at 7.10pm (just minutes before our Walk Down West End concert!) weighing 9lbs 2oz. Mum and baby are doing well. Hopefully it won't be too long before Daniel takes up an instrument at the band.