Brass band to shine on world stage
The 2017 National Brass Band of New Zealand is tuning up their instruments before they head off on an overseas excursion.
The band consists of over 30 musicians from around NZ, including Saint Kentigern College’s head of music Ross Gerritsen and Macleans College’s director of music Steve Miles.
The band has been invited by the Hong Kong government to perform as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the creation of the Special Administrative Region.
They will then head to the Netherlands to compete against nine European bands at the World Brass Band Championships.
Gerritsen, the principal baritone, has travelled with the band for the past four years and says it’s an honour to represent NZ.
‘‘European bands are the best bands in the world so it’s fantastic to be able to hear them and compete against them,’’ he says.
Miles, who is the principal euphonium and soloist, hopes to bring back some fond memories and hopefully a large trophy.
‘‘With any tour, I mostly look forward to performing at the very highest level. That in itself is an incredible feeling. I also look forward to the very enthusiastic European audiences,’’ he says.
Before the trip the band is holding a concert at Auckland Grammar School on June 30, 7.30-9.30pm. Door sales $15-$20.