51 - Woolston Brass

ISSN 1175 3331 (Print) ISSN 1179-2493 (Online)
T H E O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E W O O L S T O N B R A S S BAND • ISSUE 51
Happy New Year!
The months since our last issue have been the holiday season
for many of us. Work and band obligations have been shelved
temporarily and peace made with families and the inner self!
When rehearsals resumed in mid-January many of our members
returned with sun-tans and tales to tell of holiday adventures and
improved golf handicaps.
Some of our Woolston families spent time together camping at
a secret location known only to themselves and Nigel Seaton’s
friendly farming mates (Peter and Jayne Evans). The river-side
campsite saw a steady stream (no pun intended!) of families
such as the Hickmans, Seatons and Pinkers. Other bandies to
put in an appearance were Louisa Clissold, Steve Chapman, and
his fiancée April Holland, and Phil Johnston. Many wholesome
Kiwi activities were undertaken (mustering, drafting, dipping,
shooting, swimming and laughing), but it wasn’t all goofing off
as it was soon discovered that the woolshed made a perfectly
good practice room. Sarah Hickman even made herself useful as a
thistle-crushing tractor driver! (see pictures at right)
Too soon though it was back to business, and it has been a
busy and varied start to 2012 for the band. Having been back
in rehearsal for only one week the band recorded its track for
the song Let ‘em Know by Lyttelton band, The Eastern. The
band’s lead singer and songwriter Adam McGrath explained that
the song was written after hearing the moving performance of
Woolston Brass at the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial event
last year. The song features on The Eastern’s newly released
album “Hope and Wire” available from iTunes or from amplifier.
co.nz. Physical copies can be bought from any record store.
All digital royalties from Let ‘em Know are being donated to
Woolston Brass.
March 2012
Woolston Brass was honoured to be invited to perform at
Canterbury’s first Japan Day held at Riccarton Racecourse on
the 11th of March. The event was a celebration of traditional
Japanese culture and food for Japanese expatriates, their children
and the general public. At the conclusion of the festivities a
moving commemorative service marked the first anniversary of
the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
As we go to print band members will be donning their red and
black winter gear to support the Canterbury Crusaders with live
music. A Woolston Carnival ensemble will play at the team’s
home games this season. Go the Crusaders!
Sarah Hickman (with helpers) driving the thistle-crushing tractor
Sam Hickman, Grace Seaton and Jacob
Hickman in the wood fire-warmed bath
While February’s Waitangi weekend is a much-appreciated
holiday for most, for the members of Woolston Brass it was
filled with extra rehearsals with the Christchurch Symphony
Orchestra under the baton of Kenneth Young in preparation for
the ASB Classical Sparks. Despite a cool wind, a large crowd
gathered in Hagley Park to enjoy the outdoor concert. Sarah
Hickman wowed the audience with her rendition of flugel horn
solo Air on the G String accompanied by Woolston Brass and the
CSO. The band then showed their traditional brass band skills
with a stylish performance of Burglar’s Holiday. The cornet trio
comprised Steven Chapman, Kyle Lawson and Denis Broadbent.
The evening concluded with an exciting performance from all
musicians of Richard Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries complete
with the ubiquitous fireworks.
On a beautiful sunny, windless day in mid-February, Woolston
Brass joined a variety of bands and soloists at the 2012 Flaxwood
Festival. Set in the beautiful grounds of Flaxton near Rangiora
the band performed alongside well-known country and rock
bands to entertain a large crowd of picnickers throughout the
afternoon. Vocalists David Fiu and Caroline Blackmore were in
fine form, with many in the audience genuinely surprised by the
versatility of band.
The festival was a great credit to the organizers especially the
Schuitman family, the owners of Flaxton, and a fitting tribute to
Hans Schuitman who died suddenly last September. This fantastic
day out raised funds for the following charities: The Salvation
Army, Christchurch Women’s Refuge, The One-2-One Charitable
Trust and Woolston Brass.
April Holland, Jacob Hickman and his Granddad make damper.
Events Calendar Wednesday 25 April 2:00 pm
Anzac Remembered at the Air Force
Museum, Wigram
Surrounded by fascinating aircraft, this
year’s concert pays tribute to the people
and the music of the Air Force.
Admission is $20; children under 12 free
of charge. Door sales will be available
on the day but seating is limited. Prebooking is recommended either through
Dash Tickets www.dashtickets.co.nz or
from the Air Force Museum.
We have five double passes to this
concert to give away. Just phone
Helen 960 8829 or email helen@
woolstonbrass.org by the 15th of April
to go into the draw.
Sunday 29 April
Canterbury Provincial Brass Bands’
Association Solo Competition.
At Selwyn House School
Sunday 6 May 4:00pm
Woolston Carnival ensemble to play
at the Super 15 home game of the
Canterbury Crusaders versus the
Queensland Reds at Rugby League Park.
Round the Bandstand
Life member and stalwart 1st Horn David
(Dave) Suttie has decided to retire from the seat
he has held in the band for nearly four decades.
Dave joined the band in 1976 and has been an
anchorman in the horn section ever since.
A perennial soloist, Dave represented Woolston
in countless solo and ensemble events over his
36 years in the band. In 2009 Dave was awarded
the “Bandperson of the Year” Trophy after his
magnificent, title-clinching performance with
the band at the National Championships of that
year. While top honours on the solo platform
may have eluded Dave, his effortless range
and strong, tuneful sound have always been
considered a prized asset of the band’s – and a
best-kept secret even! He will be greatly missed
in the horn section. Our thanks and best wishes go to Dave and Jaelene.
There has been some reshuffling in the eupho/baritone section as we welcome back
Davey Boyes to the principal Euphonium seat. First Baritone Connor Ellison has
resigned from the band due to university commitments. Meanwhile Mark vander
Klei has moved back to lead the baritone section while Ben Cuff returns to 2nd
Eupho.
Editor of The Woolstonian Sarah Hickman has stepped down from the role to take
up the opportunity to gain her teacher registration. We thank Sarah sincerely for
the enthusiasm and efficiency she has displayed in the role. Sarah of course will
continue to hold a principal seat in the band on flugel horn.
In November bass player Sam Pinder was re-elected Treasurer of the Canterbury
Provincial Brass Bands’ Association with Caroline Blackmore being elected to
the Association’s executive committee.
Congratulations to vocalist extraordinaire David Fiu and his bride Rebecca Urry
who were married on the 8th of March, and also to John and Roseanne Gardner
who were married on the 12th of January at St Andrew’s Church in Geraldine.
Saturday 30 June
All former members of Woolston Brass
are invited to attend an Open Rehearsal
at the Band Room.
Sunday 1 July 6:00 pm
Seriously Brass Concert at the McComb
Performing Arts Centre Cashmere High
School. Defending National Champions
Woolston Brass join Woolston Concert
Brass to perform their contest music
prior to attending the 2012 New Zealand
National Brass Band Championships.
Admission $10.00 at the door.
Wednesday 4 July to Sunday 8 July
The New Zealand National Brass Band
Championships - Timaru.
Solo and Ensemble events on
Wednesday and Thursday
Band events on Friday and Saturday
Band of the Year entertainment concert
on Sunday.
Details on www.brassnz.co.nz
The start of the year has seen a few new faces around the bandstand as well as
some returning players. Kyle Lawson, Raynor Martin and Louisa Moroney on
cornet, Cathy Biddington on Tenor Horn and Jordan Seaton on Eb Bass – just
like his dad Nigel. We hope these new players enjoy the experience!
A Tribute to Bruce Wright
We are saddened to record the passing of one-time player and long-time supporter
Bruce William Wright, who died suddenly on Friday, January 27. Bruce first
joined the band in 1978 during the “Waters’ Era” playing BBb bass. He was a
consistent and determined starter in solo and ensemble events throughout the
1980s and into the ‘90s, meeting success as NZ Open BBb bass Champion in
1986 and 1987. Bruce also won the BBANZ veterans’ trophy in 1987 and 1990.
His wife Margaret was an accomplished pianist who accompanied Bruce and a
great many other Woolston soloists during their time with the band. Survived by
Margaret and their two children Michael (a Woolston cornet player at one time)
and Dorothy, Bruce has five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He will be
fondly remembered as a cheerful, kind and generous man, a fine musician, and a
great Woolstonian.
World Music Contest Invitation
Exciting news as Woolston Brass has received an invitation to
represent New Zealand in the brass band competition at the 2013
World Music Contest being held in Kerkrade, the Netherlands.
This is a tremendous honour for the band as invitations usually
go to the National Band of New Zealand, who won the event
in 1985. The World Music Contest is held every four years and
brings together thousands of brass, percussion and woodwind
musicians from around the world to compete in stage and
marching events over a three-week period in July.
Competing overseas is always a huge challenge for New Zealand
bands and a huge effort must be made to raise the required funds.
Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have Woolston Brass on stage at this
world event to show not only their musicianship but also their
tenacity in the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes?
Brass Academy Update
Barrie Aldridge 1939 – 2012
Woolston Brass Life Member Barrie James Aldridge
passed away on the morning of Saturday February 25.
A member of Addington Brass at the time of his passing,
Barrie represented New Zealand as a member of the
1962, 1974, 1980, 1985, 1989, 1990 and 1992 National
Bands.
An eminent New Zealand bandsman, Barrie started his
banding career under the tutelage of his father Vic with
Derry’s Brass in 1950. In 1961 he joined Woolston and
remained there until 2004 when he joined Addington
Brass.
In 1959 he and Rodney Sutton won the 1959 Australian
Duet title. Barrie went on to win the Australian Tenor
Trombone Championship for that year.
Barrie won six NZ Tenor Trombone solo titles throughout
his near life-long banding career, and was runner-up in
this event no less than 14 times!
Alongside Tony Lewis and the late Des Hoy, Barrie
amassed a staggering 21 Trombone Trio titles from 1953
to 1995. With Richard Hogarth added to the mix on Bass
Trombone, the Woolston trombone quartet added seven
more titles to the tally. With an extraordinary total of 35
group championship titles to their credit, the Skellerup
Woolston/Woolston Brass trombone section, led by
Barrie Aldridge, was for nearly three decades considered
utterly invincible. The supremacy of its trombone section
was no doubt integral to the band’s dominance of the
contesting scene throughout this era.
Barrie had a huge appetite for life. In fact, some would
say he had a huge appetite, period. Though there was
never a scrap of fat on him, Barrie’s propensity for eating,
although one of his less well-known traits, was the
“stuff” of legend. Yet it’s no wonder his fuel consumption
was high. While growing and maintaining a family, a
profitable business as a Master Builder, and performing at
top level banding, Barrie represented Canterbury on the
Senior Men’s Hockey field from 1959 to 1978. Somehow,
he also managed to find the time to play tennis as a
Canterbury Representative from 1954 to 1970.
Barrie and his wife Janet were married in 1962. The
National Band Tour of that year was their honeymoon!
The couple have four children and seven grandchildren.
Players and parents returned to the Bandroom at the end of
January to begin another busy year of music making. The first
event for both the Concert Brass and Junior Band was a concert
at Scarborough Reserve in Sumner as part of the Garden City
SummerTimes Sunday Bandstand programme. Although the wind
was cold and rain was in the air, both bands acquitted themselves
well with the Concert Brass gaining praise from none other than
Phil Johnston. As we go to print both bands will have performed
again as part of Sunday Bandstand at the Central Lawn of the
Botanic Gardens.
Our young players have the opportunity to attend the Canterbury
Bands’ Association training weekend at the Blue Skies campsite
in Kaiapoi from 23 to 25 March. Tutors for the weekend band
camp are Nick Sharpe from the Nelson Vivace Youth Brass
Band and Woolston’s Davey Boyes. You can guarantee that by
the end of the weekend the youngsters will have sore lips (from
playing) and will have made new friends from other Canterbury
and Nelson bands. That’s what band camp is all about – as well as
developing playing skills of course.
After the Concert Brass’s good showing (on the day) at the
Canterbury Contest in November, musical director Steve
Chapman is readying the band to compete at the National
Championships in July. Steve obviously likes to be organized as
rehearsal has already begun on the band’s own choice selection
and the first (of perhaps many) motivating emails has been
received by band members.
NZ National Championships 2012
Test Music Announced
A Grade: Breath of Souls: Paul Lovatt-Cooper
B Grade: Variations for Brass Band: R Vaughan Williams
C Grade: Triptych: Philip Sparke
SOLO TEST MUSIC:
Eb Soprano Cornet Jenny Jones: W Rimmer
Bb Cornet Championship Prelude and Capriccio: E Gregson
Bb Cornet Amateur Song and Dance: Philip Sparke
Flugel HornFantaisie En Mi Be mol: C Saint-Saens
Tenor Horn At Hells Gate: Bertrand Moren
Baritone Anastasia: Helen Johnson
Euphonium Rustiques: E Bozza
Tenor Trombone Piece in E Flat minor: J Guy Ropartz
Bass Trombone Fancy Free: Clay Smith
Eb Bass Sonata No1 In F Benedetto: Marcello
Bb Bass Introduction and Allegro Spiritoso: Senaille
The Chief Adjudicator for the contest is Dr Robert Childs from
Great Britain. Dr Childs last adjudicated in New Zealand at the
Christchurch contest in 2004. This time he will bring his son
David with him as his Assistant Adjudicator.
Museum Exhibition
Canterbury bands have been looking through their archives
to find interesting items and photographs for an exhibition at
Canterbury Museum.
Brilliant Brass – Banding in Canterbury will open to the public
on August 3. The aim of the exhibition is to gently remind the
public of the role brass bands have played in Canterbury life
over the past 130 years and to let them know that bands are still
making music. The exhibition will run for three months.
There will be opportunities
for the bands to perform in
the Museum during that time.
2 PM Wednesday 25th April, 2012
Air Force Museum, 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram
Admission $20 Children under 12 FREE
Book at: www.dashtickets.co.nz (Booking Fee May Apply)
Pre-booking and door sales available at the
Air Force Museum
Canterbury Japan Day Images
Relics – Woolston’s black cat mascot and Sid Creigh’s 1950
contest programme
Player Profile – Steve Chapman
Steve Chapman joined Woolston Brass on
soprano cornet last year and has become a
valuable member of the cornet section. He
is also the conductor of Woolston Concert
Brass.
When did you start playing cornet and why?
Do you play any other instruments?
I started playing cornet at age eight. I had
wanted to learn the drums but my mother
wouldn’t allow it due to the noise issues! I
began learning the piano at age four and still
tinker away on the keys from time to time.
Have you always been playing in brass bands? What sort of musical
groups have you been involved in?
I learnt the cornet through the local brass band in Whakatane so Brass
Bands have always been part of my life since I began playing. I’ve
been fortunate enough during my life to have performed with various
groups: New Zealand Army Band, National Youth Band, National Youth
Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia, Christchurch Symphony and even
The Exponents.
Why do you like being a part of Woolston Brass? What does it mean to
you to be a Woolstonian?
Woolston Brass is the epitome of brass banding in the country. It is full
of dedicated people who turn up regularly and practice regularly. Each
individual knows it is their responsibility to have their own parts right
and if not, they will be exposed. Woolston demands the highest standards
of playing from each member and that is an attitude that I can totally
relate to.
Clockwise: Playing at the Flaxwood Festival, Gary
Pinker (bass) and Caroline Blackmore (vocals)
Favourite piece of music and why?
Hmmmm. So many. Brass band wise I would have to say Bram Gay’s
Les Preludes that was the test piece last year. The piece was beautifully
orchestrated and was a masterful test of intonation and balance of the
ensemble. It was the first time in many years that I had massive chills
going down my spine as the band played through the final page on stage!
What is the highlight of your musical career so far?
Again, a tough one. I had the privilege of serving in the NZ Army
Band for 12 ½ years and within that time there were so many amazing
highlights! But, if I had to choose one then it would be playing ‘Reveille’
at the dawn service at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli in 2008 – just the most
moving experience and one I shall always treasure.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love my sport. In my spare time (something I used to have before I
started teaching!) I like to get out to the golf course as much as possible.
Spending time with my fiancée, April, is wonderful too!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time with life/brass bands?
I am sure that I will still be in brass bands to one degree or another. I am
enjoying the challenge of conducting at the moment and I would like to
think that my career will develop further in that role but I will always
be a player at heart! Life-wise I would like to think I will still be in the
education system somewhere. I have a real passion for teaching and
hopefully I might even be pretty good at it!
Any advice for the next generation of musicians?
You will only ever get out of music what you put into it! No matter how
important you think sight-reading is, it’s more important! Remember
that you can’t learn everything by watching and listening to your band
conductor – there are some pretty good institutions of learning out there
that offer certificates, diplomas and degrees in music so don’t be afraid to
go to them to enhance your musical language and understanding.
1st Horn Emma Caunter dresses appropriately for
Canterbury Japan Day
Flaxwood Festival 2012
Acknowledgements:
Download Your Support!
MP3 tracks from our CDs, Millennium, ANZAC,
Sacred, and Rhythm ‘n’ Brass are available on-line
from the world’s leading music distributors, CD
Baby, Amazon.com and iTunes. You can download
single tracks for about 90 cents or full albums for
$10!
We are grateful to these individuals and organizations for their
continued support:
Seat Sponsors
Next issue information
Principal Cornet
Solo Cornet 1
Solo Cornet 2
Solo Cornet 3
Solo Cornet 4
Soprano Cornet
Repiano Cornet
Second Cornet 1
Second Cornet 2
Third Cornet 1
Third Cornet 2
Solo Trombone
Second Trombone
Bass Trombone
Principal Euphonium
Second Euphonium
First Baritone
Second Baritone
Flugel Horn
Solo Tenor Horn
First Tenor Horn
Tenor Horn 2
Tenor Horn 3
Principal E flat Bass
Second E flat Bass
Principal B flat Bass
Second B flat Bass
Percussion 1
Percussion 2
Percussion 3
The next Woolstonian will be released in June 2012.
To receive your copy via email or if you would like to join
our email database for concert alerts please contact Helen
Hoy 03 960 8829 helen@woolstonbrass.org.
Christchurch City Council, The Trusts Charitable Foundation,
The Canterbury Community Trust, New Zealand Community Trust,
The Eureka Trust, The Southern Trust, Mainland Foundation
Best of all, the money comes straight back to the
band, so every on-line purchase you make helps
us get by! This is such a great way to show your
support for the band, efficient, fun, and you get to
collect lots of great music!
Physical audio CDs will still be available for
purchase at our concerts.
Special Note of Thanks
All at Woolston Brass would like to acknowledge the
following trusts for the grant money we have received:
Canterbury Community Trust for a flugel horn and
percussion instruments
Rescue Services Limited for music-stand lights
First Sovereign Trust for a digital piano
Endeavour Community Trust for marching drums
Adrienne, Lady Stewart
Simon Hocking House of Travel
Henshaw Developments Trust
Lane Neave Lawyers
Gilbert and Patricia Glausiuss
Derek and Lynn Anderson
Hans and Carolyn Schuitman
The Ron Ball Charitable Trust
Judith and Graeme Coomer
Jenny and Lindsay Moir
J Ballantyne & Co
J Ballantyne & Co
Robert and Valerie Blackmore
Michael and Lesley Pettersen
Anonymous
Triple Forte
Alan Reay Consultants
Coupland’s Bakeries Ltd
HongKong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
Murray and Bernice Ireland
David and Hilary Stock
Keith Laugeson Charitable Trust
Christchurch Casino
Archibald Motors
Hunter Furniture
Prof. John Ritchie
Ron and Audrey Harris
The Ron Ball Charitable Trust
David and Robyn Marriott
Bell, Lamb and Trotter Funeral Directors
Project Supporters:
Contacts: Chairman – Gary Pinker: gary@woolstonbrass.org M.D. – Graham Hickman graham@woolstonbrass.co.nz
Woolston Brass, 37 Dampier Street, Woolston, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Telephone (03) 389 6340 (Band Room). Established in 1891. Music Director: Graham Hickman.
P.O. Box 8187, Riccarton, Christchurch. Email: info@woolstonbrass.org Website: www.woolstonbrass.org