November started with the great news that we had secured a Grant from Kiwi Gaming Foundation to replace one of the band room’s heat pumps. We are extremely grateful to the Foundation for their support for this unexpected and unplanned expense. The new heat pump will be installed shortly.
On Sunday 13th November, we combined with our neighbouring Sumner Silver Band and presented a Remembrance Day Concert at the Bandsmen Memorial Bandstand in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. A band of over forty strong presented a programme that recognized the very special significance of Remembrance Day and included a tribute to those Bandsmen to whom the Rotunda has been dedicated. Many of these men started their playing careers with Sumner and New Brighton Bands.
The weather was kind and a good crowd sat under the trees, listening to and enjoying the nostalgic music of the war years.
On Sunday 27th November we combined again with the St Albans Choir to present a Christmas Concert ‘Deck the Halls’ at St Paul’s Church in Papanui. We combine with the St Albans Choir at ANZAC Day, Mid-Winter and Christmas to present concerts, with each group doing two or three brackets and a combined sing along, often with the audience included. They are very popular and lots of fun.
The end of the band year means we can welcome some of our learners into the band ranks. Craig Williamson is a band tutor and he has brought three young students to join us for experience. A special welcome to Aila, Grover and George. They will be invited to join us over December when we have caroling bands out and about. Also, a big warm welcome to Katja, who has joined us from Holland. Katja is in Christchurch for a year and is a very competent musician. She is a keen saxophonist but is equally at home with a trombone. It’s great to have her with us.
Masterclass. We were fortunate to have Mr. Kevin Hickman at our last practice. Kevin is a senior member of the NZ Army Band and is a New Zealand champion Cornet and Flugel horn player. He took us through a range of exercises and techniques to improve note production, intonation and tonguing skills. We are in awe of his knowledge and skills and I am sure the band will take on board his advice.
As a registered charity our organisation is always looking for new fundraising opportunities or donations to help support our work within the community. If you or your business can help us in any way we would love to hear from you.
Leave a message