From rugby prop to tuba player
Tara Shaskey talks with one of five locals picked to join a national brass band
Drew Wood never considered himself much of a musician and so was more focussed on tearing it up on the rugby field.
But the 18-year-old prop has been selected to join the 2018 Youth Brass Band of New Zealand and now he’s got his eyes set on becoming among the country’s best.
‘‘I was always more focussed on playing rugby and school work and stuff,’’ he said.
‘‘But the last couple of years getting into a couple of national bands has sort of opened my eyes a bit to what the future could hold.’’
Last year, Wood represented the region in the under-18 rugby team as well as playing in the first XV for New Plymouth Boys’ High School. But a shoulder injury which required surgery saw him miss out on playing this year, resulting in him focusing more on his music.
Next year, Wood will move to Christchurch where he will attend university to study engineering.
While in the South Island, Wood, who is currently in his third year of playing for The Devon Hotel New Plymouth Brass Band, will try for a spot in an A grade musical group.
‘‘I’ll keep pursuing these national bands and then one day hopefully get to play for thee national band,’’ he said.
Wood has been playing the tuba for four years after he swapped out the cornet for ‘‘the biggest instrument’’.
Also named in the 2018 Youth Brass Band of New Zealand were
17-year-old Daniel Chow and
15-year-old Hamish Goodhue, who are also both members of The Devon Hotel New Plymouth Brass Band. Chow, a student at Francis Douglas Memorial College, plays
"I was always more focussed on playing rugby and school work and stuff."
Tuba player, Drew Wood
the euphonium and Goodhue, of New Plymouth Boys’ High School, is a percussionist.
In addition to the trio being picked for the national group, two former players from The Devon Hotel New Plymouth Brass Band, Dave Froom and Dominic Jacquemard, have also been selected. Having the five, who all received their tuition locally with senior band members, all asked to join the group was a rare occurrence, Wood said.
‘‘It’s not very often that people from the band get selected for the New Zealand youth band so it’s pretty special to have all of us picked.’’ That was a reflection of the high calibre of local talent and their tutors, he said.
Early next year the five musicians will travel to Nelson for a week to take to take part in a camp which sees the band members train all day, every day.
It’s an opportunity he was ‘‘stoked’’ to have been awarded.
‘‘A lot of work went into me getting in...I’m pretty happy.’’