A Word From One of Our OG’s — Wellington Brass Band

Hi my name is James, or as many know me in the brass band scene, Champ, bringing you another instalment of our tour preparations. Being the longest serving member of the band, I'm one of the handful that had the experience of ten years ago going to the British Open in Birmingham, along with the few times we have gone to the Australian Nationals and many a NZ contest, so understand how the band prepares.

Every build up tends to be slightly different, but many tend to follow the same blueprint. The interesting thing for this build up, is that there have been no long weekend rehearsals, which have always been a staple of many previous build ups. Only this last weekend has felt like build ups of old. Thankfully, this time the band is starting from a basis of decent form of playing, having finished the nationals in April. Maybe Dave has given us a little mercy since we had the build up to NZ Nationals and needed that moment to adjust focus towards the World Championships.

Some things however remain the same in every build up, with the beating from the middle. I recall 10 years ago for our prep for the British Open, Dave employed the aid of technology, a metronome beating from a loud speaker, which was relentless to whip us into shape. However it seems as we get older, we don't take up technology like we used to. Dave has regressed to the incessant woodblock beating with a drum stick, along with multi tasking at yelling at the various sections for the details that he is after. After many contests I'm not sure which one I prefer. To be honest I don't like any of it, much like taking the medicine that you don't want, but know it will make you better, it just reveals some of the weaknesses that need focus for strengthening.

You can tell though as things are starting to shape together, the beating of the woodblock reduces, and the band becomes more cohesive in the playing. With that inevitable Wellington Brass push as we get closer, the attention to everything we play becomes stronger, the pencil markings are scribbled all over the various pages, and as we add more into the mix in terms of personnel and concert items to shake up the practices, there becomes more confidence.

I can really feel the maturity with the band, even though only 10 of us remain from the British Open, the mix of experience and youth is an exciting mixture that builds more confidence in those players beside us. For me personally, to have my tutor when I was growing up, and also my former student in the section with me is going to be a special feeling. I know come Kerkrade that we will be hitting our straps. With a cracking Test and another showing of Apokalypsis, along with the other Kiwi music, we can really show the rest of the world what we're capable of and do NZ proud! Here's to an exciting time ahead and now I can't wait to get on that plane to the other side of the world. Just a couple more evening rehearsals this week to go, them we pack the instruments and gear to go and wave the NZ flag!