Toys4Kids has moved!

Toys4Kids has moved to the Titirangi Community Hall.
The 2010 concert, to be held on Sunday 22 August at 3pm, has had to find a larger venue to accommodate the growing demand for this iconic event on the Trusts Waitakere Brass Calendar.   “We’re going to have some fun surprises for our audience this year,” concert organiser, Tracey Ashton said.   Instead of theatre style seating, the audience will be sat around table that will provide entertaining activities for the youngsters to enjoy as the band plays.
Entry is by a donated toy, which the Band will pass on to children at The Waitakere Hospitals Children’s Unit.

Book your seats by emailing the Band on tracey@waitakerebrass.com or by phoning Tracey on 817 7363.
The Band is pleased to acknowledge the support of The Titirangi Arts Council based at Lopdell House as principal sponsor of this year’s Toys4Kids concert.

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Consistent effort pays off at Dunedin national contest

The Band performed consistently across the three disciplines of Hymn, Test and Own Choice music to place fifth out of a strong field of nine in the A grade competition. The winning band was Woolston Brass from Christchurch. “When you consider where we were a year ago, it speaks volumes for how much the Band has progressed,” Steven said. “We had some new faces in the band, and some of them contesting for the very first time. The team spirit was great and everyone worked very hard indeed.”
Contest tours have always been dynamic and full of moments, and the 2010 tour was no different.

Some of the more memorable moments included:

The sublime playing of Andy MacDonald on principal cornet, showing all just how it should be done without fuss or fanfare The ensemble work by the Band, and in particular the inner voices, which knitted together to make a strong platform to support the solo work Musical shaping of the performances by Steven that gave the Band added impetus to produce their best performance on a national contest stage for four years


Steven had a particularly busy weekend, as he competed in the duets with the Band’s principal euphonium, Gary Bilton, where they came third, and then in the baritone solos, where Steven made it three in a row as Champion Baritone of New Zealand.
Fendall Hill earned his fourth Champion Soprano of New Zealand in Dunedin, giving the Band two competitors in the Champion of Champions. The overall winning soloist was Rikki McDonnell of the Malborough Band.
Gary Bilton and Ross McAdam also competed in the solo events, as well as a trombone trio of Stuart Ritchie, Julie McKee and Kieth Stubley.
One a sad note, Dunedin was the last nationals for our Drum Major Peter Johns, who is retiring to pursue his commitment to Rotary. Alas, the street march was cancelled due to bad weather, meaning the Band could not farewell him quite as they hoped.
The preparation for the 2010 contest was tougher than usual as the Band has dealt with issues surrounding the state of its home on Portage Road, including relocating to temporary accommodation in Clark Street. “We took a big step forward in Dunedin, and now I charge the Band with maintaining the momentum towards our future,” Steven said.

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Making Mum’s Day

The Band’s annual Mothers’ Day concert on May 9 was a sell-out, and proved to be just as big a musical hit.

Jamie MacKay (BBb Bass) displayed his versatility and skill. He played, compered on the day and helped musical director Steven Booth prepare a programme of show tunes for the capacity audience.
Soloists Brent Large (horn), Craig McKee (cornet) and Courtney Hildreth (flugel), and James Carson (percussion) added a very personal touch to the emotive programme that included works from major musicals such as Showboat, Chess, Miss Saigon and Mamma Mia.

In a special tribute to his partner, Tracey Ashton, Steven Booth put down the baton and picked up his baritone to play the beautiful ‘Share my Yoke’. Tracey became a mum in September 2009, and young Daniel was there to see dad perform.
Other special ‘Mum moments’ included Trish Gapes sharing the day with her daughter, Althea and granddaughter Inara, who was born in 2009. Kathy Clark (horn) shared the stage with her son Colin (euphonium) for the first time since 2001.
he concert included members of the youth band who sat in with a few ‘young at heart’ members of the senior band in their rendition of “Pirates of the Caribbean”. The youth band was conducted by Kieth Stubley, who put aside his bass trombone at very short notice to step in.

The next concert in the 2010 subscription series is Toys4Kids on Sunday 22 August.

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Deputy Mayor wishes Band well

Waitakere City Council’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Penny Hulse, was the guest of honour at the Band’s open rehearsal on 4 July.

The wild weather did not deter the invited audience as Cr Hulse officially wished the Band every success at the 2010 New Zealand National Championships in Dunedin from 7-10 July.
The open rehearsal was well attended by the Band’s extended family, including life members, friends of the bands, and players who weren’t able to attend the contest.

A special guest was Toni Swan, long time supporter of the Band, who was presented with flowers and a thank you card by Cr Hulse, in recognition of her recent donation to the Band’s building fund.
The Band treated Toni to a long overdue rendition of Happy Birthday, led by Fendall Hill on the soprano cornet. Toni had been promised a verse several years ago and was delighted to finally have her wish come true.

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Solo performers take centre stage at ABA event

On Sunday 23 May members of both the youth band and senior band took part in the Auckland Band Association’s solo and party events.

Congratulations to Fendall Hill on winning the Championship Slow Melody, with Stephen Booth making it a Waitakere 1-2 in this prestigious event.
Courtney Hildreth played beautifully to claim second place in the Non-championship Slow Melody, and Gary Bilton was third in the Championship Not-slow solo section.
Stephen and Gary teamed up to win the open duet section. “Solo and ensemble playing strengthens the core of the Band, and we look forward to more players taking part at future events,” Steven said.

The event was organised by ABA president Craig McKee and his wife Julie McKee, both members of the Band, and was agreed by all to have been a most enjoyable and very well run indeed.

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New Band Room (Jan 2010)

As the old band hall makes way for the duplication of the railway line west of Auckland, Waitakere heads to a temporary home provided by OnTrack’s contractors, Fletchers.

“It was not an unexpected development,” Band President Ken Young said, “but perhaps a bit sooner than we thought.”

The building has been subject to considerable impacts from the rail works at very close quarters and recent movement in the ground resulted in Waitakere City Council closing the facility. Due to the impending Christmas shut down, once the decision was made, band members swung into action.

The new facility was ready for the Band’s first rehearsal in 2010 on January 18 so it’s business as usual for the band.

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ZM FM - Waitakere on Air (Dec 2009)

Band member Jamie MacKay rounded up some of his caroling colleagues to perform live on air as part of the ZM FM Radio Station’s Christmas program. On Christmas Eve DJs Flynny & Jay interrupted their normal chart-music playlist and invited ZM listeners to request their favourite carols by texting into the station.

Special guests Carolyn Ramsbottom and Colin Clark added to the fun and goodwill as last minute shoppers from Warkworth to Wellington and beyond enjoyed a festive gift from the Band.

 

 

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Christmas brings Youth Band to the stage (Dec 2009)

This year’s Christmas Concert was a cracker as the band joined forces with The City Of Sails Barbershop Chorus and the children from our very own Youth Band.

The impressive barbershop group added variety to the program. Singing a-capella 4-part close harmony their unique and entertaining style was well received by the audience which packed the stalls of The Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre.

The children from Waitakere Youth Band showed us how much they have progressed since their debut on stage back in August this year at our Toys For Kids concert. As the concert closed the kids added a real sparkle to the show as they helped Santa and Band President, Ken Young, in a ‘round the world’ Christmas band piece which proved to be a definite crowd pleaser. We look forward to featuring the Youth Band at more concerts in 2010.

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Tom Hill Picks Up the Baton (Dec 2009)

A warm glow enveloped the Waitakere Band Hall as old faces made new friends under the baton of guest conductor for the night, Tom Hill. Tom conducted the band from 1969 to 1983 . On a fleeting visit to New Zealand to celebrate his 76th birthday with his son Fendall, the Waitakere soprano cornet player, Tom took up the baton once more. In between the notes he invoked memories of players and performances past with stories that brought forth laughter, and thoughtful smiles for much missed friends.

Spirit of the Living God (Gullidge) matched the depth and soul of a man who has enjoyed a lifetime of music interwoven with his pastoral vocation. Variations on a Ninth (Vinter) showed Tom’s more mischievous side as players faced this challenging classic.

The moment of the evening came in New Lynn March (Hill), a piece Tom composed for the band. After hearing Fendall’s impressive soprano cornet obligato, Tom stopped the band. “I don’t remember writing that,” he stated emphatically. Fendall held his breath – the obligato was his addition to the piece. Tom smiled, “well play it like you mean it then!” As Tom closed the practice with a prayer every heart lifted. It was as banding should be, music shared by family and friends.

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All that Jazz (Nov 2009)

Waitakere Hit The High Note With Jazz Mania Concert

From the opening number Sing Sing Sing, the ‘Trust’s Waitakere’s Jazz Mania hit the high note at their annual Jazz Mania concert in the Trusts Stadium on Sunday 22 November. Musical Director Steve Booth had the Band primed and ready to deliver, and deliver they did.

A privileged audience of 300 was treated to a wide mix of jazz styles from the twenties to modern day in what has become the Band’s opportunity to explore the less serious side of making music. In a showcase like this it’s hard to play favourites. Was it the trombones of Stu Ritchie, Julie McKee and Kieth Stubley in Dem Bones? Wayne Kedzlie and Trevor Clark surely have a case with their very different but equally enjoyable euphonium solos in the Salute to Sinatra, in the second half with a bouncy duet in another of old blue eye’s standards, Fly Me to the Moon. Fraser Bremner’s Russky Percussky took an old banding standard and gave it a light-hearted makeover. Show stealers were everywhere. In Ain’t She Sweet it was one in all in as soprano Fendall Hill tried so hard to play a solo. Matt Booth, Jamie Mackay, Stu Ritchie and even second cornet Peter Whyte on the swannee whistle seemed to have other ideas.

The show stopper was the guest soloist, Edwina Thorne. Her flugel spoke from all corners of the jazz globe, firstly with the fiery Children of Sanchez, then the gentle Misty. I’ve Got you Under My Skin and Georgia showed the bounce and sheer pleasure this New Zealand legend has shared in her many travels as well as with the students of Auckland for over 20 years. Waitakere were very fortunate to have her take part in their programme, a fact not lost on any of the band or the audience as their warm applause demonstrated.

“The great thing about this Band is their versatility and willingness to make a performance beyond the music,” Musical Director Steve Booth said proudly at the end of the night. His comments were backed up by many of the audience members, which included Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey and representatives of the The Trusts Charitable Foundation, the Band’s major sponsor. “They are an amazing Band of which Auckland should be very proud,” Band President, Ken Young said. Jazz Mania is firmly fixed in the calendar for many years to come. The Band’s attention now turns to the Christmas season, with carolling at Lynn Mall on Sundays and various venues in between. Saturday 19th December will be the Band’s final concert outing for 2009, when the Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre again hosts their annual Christmas offering.

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Best Win of all (Sep 2009)

Another win for Steven Booth.

Steven Booth and Tracey Ashton were delighted to confirm the safe, albeit slightly unexpectedly early, arrival of one Daniel Joseph Booth on Monday 7 September 2009.

Had young baby Booth had enough of Daddy moaning about rhythm, practice, and Diversions as he prepared Waitakere for their back to back win in the Auckland Regional Band contest the day before? 'He caught us all unexpectedly, but we are delighted here’s here.' ~ Steven Booth, MD The Trusts Waitakere Brass “He caught us all unexpectedly, but we are delighted here’s here,” proud Dad Steven Booth told his Band. Congratulations to the new parents!

 

 

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In Memory of Gentleman Jim (Sep 2009)

The Jim Carson MBE memorial trophy has been presented at the recent Auckland Regional band contest. Jim Carson MBE was known to bands from all parts of New Zealand not just for his leading role in developing the New Zealand Army Band but for his commitment and vision. National Presence Originally from Palmerston North, ‘Gentleman Jim’ had a truly national presence. His association with Auckland banding stretched over 50 years, beginning with his days as a member of the Auckland Watersiders band. Jim won multiple national championships on the EEb Bass, and including a Champion of Champions. Founder of NZ Army Band But it is as the founder of the New Zealand Army Band that brought this determined musician to the fore. In 1964 he created what is now one of the country’s premier music ensembles. In 2008, the band stopped by his home on Anzac Day to give him a special once only concert. As a further mark of respect the Band’s rehearsal hall has been re-named in his honour.

Steven Booth, MD The Trusts Waitakere Brass. “The Band is especially honoured to be the first name that will appear on the trophy, Jim was a role model for many of us and he is greatly missed.” Last Sunday's Auckland Band Association competition saw 'The Trusts' Waitakere Brass sweep the silverware, winning in all areas of the Traditional and Entertainment sections of competition.

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Another win for Waitakere (Sep 2009)

The ‘Trusts’ Waitakere Brass Band wins the 2009 Auckland Regional Band Contest.

The ‘Trusts’ Waitakere Brass Band achieved back to back wins in the A section traditional competition at the Auckland Regional Band Contest in Papakura on 6 September 2009. Playing Diversions on a Bass Theme (Lloyd) the Band narrowly edged out Dalewool Auckland Brass in a tightly fought contest that saw the decision go down to the final point.

The win was particularly sweet for the Band as it was the first recipient of the new Jim Carson MBE memorial trophy. Jim had been a member of Waitakere for many years and musical director Steven Booth was delighted to accept the trophy from Jim’s son, James, pictured here with adjudicator Steve Miles.

The Band is especially honoured to be the first name that will appear on the trophy.

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Waitakere Brass Clean Up at ABAs! (Oct 2008)

Last Sunday's Auckland Band Association competition saw 'The Trusts' Waitakere Brass sweep the silverware, winning in all areas of the Traditional and Entertainment sections of competition.

The band took home both the Hymn and Own Choice trophies in the Traditional section, with adjudicator David Gallagher making some very favourable comments about the band's performance of Sparke's 'Music For Battle Creek'.

The afternoon saw the band again being placed first in the Entertainment competition, achieving the highest marks for both the music and entertainment judging. Soprano Cornet player Fendall Hill was awarded the soloist trophy, while compere Mark Haines took home the Best Compere award.

Waitakere Brass are now looking forward to performing for a new audience at the FABB contest in Coolangatta this weekend , with a specially written program which is sure to raise a few eyebrows!

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STEVEN WINS AGAIN! (July 2008)

Steven Booth, Baritone soloist and musical director of ‘The Trusts’ Waitakere Brass, has secured the title of 2008 Australasian Baritone Champion after his recent wins in Australia and New Zealand.

Steven convincingly won the Open Baritone class at the recent National Championships held in Christchurch. He chose to play Rhapsody for Baritone, prompting comments from the adjudicator such as 'beautiful expressive opening’, ‘great playing’ and ‘lovely sound and control'.

This victory comes close on the heels on Steven’s win at the Australian National Championships in March, where his performance of Concerto Per Flicorno Basso was described as ‘simply sensational’.

Steven plays exclusively on the LMI Royal baritone made by London Musical Instruments. 

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Brass Spectacular (June 2008)

‘The Trusts’ Waitakere Brass took to the stage at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre in Epsom to prove that brass truly was spectacular! It was the first time the band had played at the Epsom Girls Grammar venue and the concert drew a large and enthusiastic audience.

The main feature of the evening was the world première performance of a concerto written and performed by Soprano Cornet champion Fendall Hill. The piece was received with rapturous applause from the band and audience alike.

The programme also included another world première performance – an arrangement of Meatloaf’s ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ by musical director Steven Booth, which included the addition of a synthesizer, motorbike effects and film projection. Other highlights of the night included solos by Principal Cornet Carolyn Ramsbottom, Euphoniums Bari Thomas and Sean Whyte, and Principal Trombone player Stuart Richie, with film projection complementing many of the evening’s pieces.

Guest singer-songwriter Sarah Marlowe kept the audience captivated with her smooth vocals and sensitive guitar accompaniment. Waitakere Brass would like to thank their guest performers, supporters and sponsors.

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Waitakere clean up (May 2008)

‘The Trusts’ Waitakere Brass had a very successful day at the Auckland Bands Association Solo and Ensemble contest, held 25 May. With 10 players from the band competing in 7 different classes, the depth of talent in the band was highlighted, and for the second consecutive year the band were awarded the ‘Conductors Cup’ for the highest aggregate winners scores.

Successes of the day included Waitakere gaining 1st to 5th placings in the Any Age Slow Melody, all three top placings in the Any Age Not Slow Melody, a 1st placing in the Open Quartet, and 2nd placings in the Under 19 Slow Melody and the Open Duet. Waitakere was also well represented in the Championship classes, with 5 players being invited to compete in both the Slow and Not Slow Melody classes.

Musical Director and 2008 Australian Baritone Champion Steven Booth again showed his class by convincingly winning the Not Slow Melody title, and being placed 2nd in the Slow Melody event. Prinicpal Cornet player Carolyn Ramsbottom and Soprano Cornet Champion Fendall Hill were also placed 2nd and 3rd in the Not Slow Championship class.

An enjoyable day was had by players and supporters alike, and Waitakere Brass would like to thank the ABA committee for their work in making the day run so smoothly.

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Waitakere give to Waratah (May 2008)

The Trusts’ Waitakere Brass has donated around 50 original sets of band music to Waratah Brass Band. Last June’s floods were devastating for Waratah, with the band losing its entire library of music and incurring thousands of dollars of damage to equipment.

Waratah Band president and Tuba player Grahame Scott visited New Zealand last week and took the opportunity to attend a Waitakere rehearsal, where the music was officially gifted to the band. "The band has overcome a lot in the past few months with the floods destroying their bandroom, instruments, music and whole history.

Waitakere Brass’ Musical Director Steven Booth played with Waratah at the Australian National Championships in Brisbane last month and commented: “The band has overcome a lot in the past few months with the floods destroying their bandroom, instruments, music and whole history. Hopefully this music can go a little way to rebuilding the band’s library".

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Drum Roll Please … Steven Booth Brings the Australian Baritone Champion Title back to NZ! (Mar 2008)

The Trusts Waitakere Brass have good reason to be proud of their Musical Director, following his visit to the Australian National Championships in Brisbane last week.

Steven guested with the Waratah band under their new MD Matt Van Emmerik and, not only was his solo playing in the set test Dances and Allelujas commented on by the adjudicator as one of the best and most musical of the day, he also helped the band to first place in the own choice section with some very musical solo playing in their rendition of Music of The Spheres, which they won from number one draw.

Steven also became the Australian National Baritone Champion with what was described by many listening as a 'simply sensational' performance of the set test, Concerto Per Flicorno Basso.

Steven commented on Waratah's tremendous efforts saying: "The band has overcome a lot in the past few months, what with the floods destroying their bandroom, instruments, music and whole history. They have also had several changes in personnel, but have overcome these challenges admirably, under the guidance of musical director Matt Van Emmerik and president Grahame Scott. The band are once again a serious force to be reckoned with and are back where they belong, as one of the leading bands in Australia."

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ENTERTAINING OPERA (Mar 2008)

The title of the concert certainly rang true when The Trusts Waitakere Brass took to the Glen Eden Playhouse stage on Saturday night to present ‘Entertaining Opera’. Under Musical Director Steven Booth, the band presented a selection of operatic arrangements, including music from Wagner’s ‘Lohengrin’, Gershwin’s ‘Porgy and Bess’, and Verdi’s dramatic ‘Force of Destiny’. The programme also included Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ from their 1975 album ‘A Night at the Opera’.

Soloists: The concert treated the audience to a rich variety of performances, with solo playing from Australasian Soprano Cornet Champion Fendall Hill and Euphonium player Bari Thomas, as well as sensitive ensemble work from Principal Cornet Leon Renilson and Flugelhorn player Courtney Hildreth.

...and Singing: Since no opera concert would be complete without singers, band members displayed their flexibility with impressive vocal performances from Cornet player Roxanne Haines, Bass players Stu Bennion and Jamie Mackay, Bass Trombonist Keith Stubley, and Fendall Hill. The band was also fortunate enough to be supported by vocal performances from members of the Waitakere Ladies Choir and Musica Sacra Choir, as well as pianist William Green. Compere Mark Haines wrestled with various foreign languages in his mission to acquaint the audience with the operatic plots, leaving them both entertained and educated. [ Back to top ]

 

WAITAKERE ON TRACK (Feb 2008)

‘The Trusts’ Waitakere Brass spent  the evening of Tuesday 19th February performing for some of the world’s top athletes. The band was invited to play at ‘The Black Singlet Invitational’ athletics meet, held at the Trusts Waitakere Stadium.

The event was the biggest athletics meet to be held in New Zealand in nearly 20 years, and was the first ever event to be hosted at the Douglas Track and Field since the completion of the new Trusts Grandstand. Adding to the excitement of the evening was the announcement of shot-putter Valerie Vili as the winner of the Supreme Prize in the Halberg Awards.

Vili was present at the meet and live television links from the awards ceremony in Christchurch were beamed into the stadium. Waitakere Brass provided music for medal ceremonies and entertainment throughout the evening to an enthusiastic 2000-strong crowd. [ Back to top ]

 

WAITAKERE EUPHONIUMS WED (Jan 2008)

 

‘The Trusts’ Waitakere Brass’ euphonium players Bari Thomas and Sean Whyte were married recently – but not to each other!

Bari Thomas married sweetheart Robyn Burrows in Rotorua on the 30th of November. The couple celebrated with close friends and family at a beautiful lake-front house, and then sang the night away on the karaoke machine.

Sean Whyte was married on the 12th of January to Waitakere Brass Tenor Horn player, Claire Bymolt, at a ceremony in the Waitakere Ranges. A quintet from the band provided ceremony music for the occasion, while the cake featured a Tenor Horn and Euphonium crafted out of sugar.

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Entertaining Opera!  (Jan 2008)

The 'Trusts' Waitakere Brass - Entertaining Opera!  Date: 23-Feb-2008 Start time: 7.30pm

Venue: Glen Eden Playhouse, Glendale Road, Glen Eden

Program will include opera classics, modern opera and even Rock Opera, and as usual with this band you WILL be entertained!

Tickets available from iticket on the web or from the Playhouse: Phone: (09) 818 5751 Fax: (09) 813 9343 Mobile: 021 215 1271 Email: enquiries@playhousetheatre.org.nz Website: www.playhousetheatre.org.nz or from Waitakere Brass directly - please see www.waitakerebrass.com

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