Triumphant return

Music is the international language for Ben Parsons.

The 17-year-old cornet player is a member of the Marlborough District Brass Band, which recently returned from national championships in Napier with a swathe of awards.

Ben said he enjoyed the teamwork involved in being a member of the band, with everyone coming together to play the same piece of music.

‘‘The feeling once you’ve played the last note of a test piece on the stage is absolutely euphoric.

‘‘I really enjoy it because it can take you anywhere. You don’t have to be able to speak the same language but you’ve got to be able to play the same music.’’

Rehearsals were held four days a week for more than a month leading up to the competition.

Musical director Kevin Moseley said the band’s junior members performed very well, with four coming away national champions in their age groups.

‘‘It’s a pretty remarkable effort. As a conductor and teacher I was really delighted with how they went.’’

Drum major Denis Teeling, who plays the baritone horn, had been a member of the band for the past 17 years.

Marlborough District Brass Band members ranged in age from primary school students to a player who turned 80 at the championship.

There was a good sense of camaraderie within the group, Teeling said.

‘‘A 10-year-old can have a conversation with a 80-year-old easily.

‘‘It’s such a good thing for everyone involved. The older people are kept young and the young people learn how to socialise in a group.’’

Contest manager Bronwyn James said the band performed very well at the championship.

‘‘Each time we walked off feeling like we’d done one of our best performances.

‘‘It’s always a good feeling to walk off the stage knowing you’ve done the best you can do.’’