Principals
Music Director |
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Hailing from the UK, Steven began his conducting career at the age of 15 with a junior band, and soon progressed on very successfully to senior bands, having many contest successes. Following his move to New Zealand Steven was appointed Resident Musical Director of the Dalewool Band, and is now the Professional Conductor of The Trusts Waitakere Brass. Steven's philosophy is that banding 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. |
Principal Cornet |
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Soprano Cornet |
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Fendall started his brass career in the Waitakere (New Lynn) band at the age of 7. He was taught by his father, the Rev. Tom Hill, who conducted the band from 1970 to 1984. Fendall played cornet, then soprano cornet as the band won the C, then the B grade, and he 'retired' for the first time after winning the A grade set test and hymn with the band in 1987. Fendall has since returned intermittently to assist the band, but has recently rejoined. He has also been in NZ National Youth Bands and is the 2005 Soprano Cornet Champion. |
Flugel Horn |
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Courtney started learning the tenor horn through the Salvation Army at age 11 and developed her skills in Waitakere's Auxilery Band. Noticing the unfamiliarity of brass band instrument at school, she had a choice of taking up the Trombone or Trumpet, she decided the Trumpet was easier and played in various orchestras, jazz and concert bands throughout her schooling. Still a keen Tenor Horn player, she joined Auckland City Brass in late 2003 as a shy 2nd horn player (just in time for carolling season!). Courtney then moved onto Flugel where she won the B section soloist with band accompaniment. She has been in the National Secondary Schools Brass Band and also won solos including ABA Restricted Under 16 and in 2007 not-slow melody Under 19. In 2006, Courtney joined Waitakere Brass on 2nd cornet and toured Europe with the band. Since then she has played 2nd horn and now plays Flugel for the band. At present, Courtney is 19 years old, and is currently in her first year of study at Auckland University doing a Bachelor of Education.
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Solo Horn |
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Solo Baritone |
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Solo Trombone |
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Despite his youthful appearance Stuart has been a member of the band for more than 25 years; having joined the New Lynn Citizens Auxiliary band in the late '70's on Bb cornet (but don't tell anyone). Having seen the light in 1983, Stuart changed to tenor trombone and hasn't looked back. Stuart was promoted to the senior band in 1984 and apart from 2 years living in London (1998 to 2000) he has held various positions in the section (except bass trombone) ever since. Stuart was made a life member of the band in 2005. Stuart is married to Georgina and they have a son Daniel and another baby on the way. As a soloist, Stuart won the Junior Tenor Trombone Championship in 1989 and he was also a member of the Open Trombone Trio champions that same year. When pushed for more recent results Stuart stated that he had "retired" from serious solo competition in 1989 while on top. Stuart has successfully auditioned for three National Youth Bands and was twice appointed as principal trombone. By day Stuart is a solicitor and works as an in-house legal advisor to one of New Zealand's Crown Research Institutes. |
Solo Euphonium |
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Gary has won twelve National solo titles both on Baritone and Euphonium. NZ winner Errol Mason International musician of the year 1989 and followed that by third place in British Open in 1990. He has been placed in several Champion of Champion events over the years and was runner up in the Open Euphonium just last year. Gary has also conducted many bands throughout NZ at provincial and National level, more recently was MD for Hamilton Brass taking them back to the top of the B grade. As an adjudicator has judged at most NZ contests, has also judged in the UK and will be adjudicating in Australia next year. |
Solo Tuba |
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