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 49 Sep tember 2011

ISSN 1175 3331 (Print) ISSN 1179-2493 (Online)

National Brass Band Championship on the North Shore by Sarah Hickman

Another year, another contest! Woolston Brass has this year proudly brought home the A Grade Championship title again, with a hat trick to boot. I would have to say this writer was none too confident two weeks out from the contest when we had only received the music for our Own Choice a few weeks earlier and we suddenly had no Principal Trombone!

Andrew Berryman from the UK (now living in United Arab Emirates) was originally planned for the seat, but after a nasty jet ski accident he was suddenly unable to come. Luckily, a keen young lad called Tom Berry put his hand up for the task of flying to New Zealand to join us. He joined Martin Britt on Soprano as our two professional players for the contest. Not only did these two perform beautifully, but they were super company as well. We certainly could not have done it without them. Thank you Martin and Tom.

Apart from the afore-mentioned drama the contest build up went pretty smoothly (bar a few earthquakes). It must be said that Woolston could not achieve all we do without the support of Christchurch and all our sponsors, with one of these sponsors going the extra mile (literally) to carry the band banner during the Street March competition.

The band also has many others who work behind the scenes making things run smoothly and contributing in no small way to the success.

Many thanks to Graeme Coomer (Band Manager), Eugene Puohotaua, Bob Neil, Colleen Hoy, Dave Johnstone (for keeping you informed via the website) and the Band’s President, Tony Lewis.

The contest week began with success in the ensemble events with the Octet winning the Open Ensemble B and Nigel Seaton and Philip Johnston winning the Open Duet. Nearly all members of

the band took part in the two ensemble events this contest as a thorough warm up for the big events. One of the quintets (plus conductor) was calculated to have a combined age of 300!

Kevin Hickman (Principal Cornet) won the Invitation Slow Melody. This event was once again turned into an exciting evening experience with the audience having the opportunity to dine while listening. Quite a nice atmosphere really with the odd clinking of glasses and cutlery refreshing after the usual tense silence in solo events.

Philip Johnston won the Open BBb Bass and Roanna Funcke won the Open Percussion. Roanna also won the trophy for receiving the highest points of any female competitor in the solo contest.

Georgia Hoy, the only representative at the contest from Woolston Concert Brass, was second in the Under 15 Other Instrument Section on the baritone for the second year in a row.

Graeme Bremner led the band to another great win in the Street March while also securing the Champion Drum Major award. He has now won the Champion Drum Major title six times which is the national record. Well done.

Woolston secured first place in the Test Selection and the Own Choice Selection and second place (behind Marlborough Districts Brass) in the Sacred Item. This gave Woolston the highest aggregate points and the A Grade Title followed by Dalewool Auckland Brass. The cornet section also received the Best Section prize for their work in the test piece.

Hat tricks have only been achieved three times (now four) in the last century - no mean feat. Well-done Graham Hickman!

A Big Thank You!Yet again we are the grateful recipients of financial support from the Mainland Foundation. Remuneration for our Music Director and Marketing Manager has been extended through to the end of July 2012. This is a huge boost to the financial welfare of the band in times when paid engagements are not the reliable source of income they once were. Thank you Mainland Foundation.

Graham Hickman and Lady Adrienne Stewart get serious at the Street March event.

The Gorgeous Squad: Sarah Hickman, Catherine Neal, Cathy Biddington, Emma Caunter and Caroline Blackmore

New Zealand composer Professor Emeritus John Ritchie will celebrate his 90th birthday during September. To acknowledge “Prof” Ritchie’s milestone birthday and his support as Patron of Woolston Brass since 1989, the band has performed one of his compositions at each of its concerts throughout the year.

John Ritchie was born in Wellington in 1921. He graduated in Music at the Otago University and trained as a teacher at Dunedin Teacher’s College. Ritchie served in the RNZ Navy in World War II and subsequently undertook post-graduate study with Walter Piston at Harvard University from 1956 to 1957.

In 1946 he was appointed to Canterbury University becoming Professor and Head of Music in 1962. Ritchie served as acting and Deputy Vice-Chancellor from 1973-83. During 1967-68 he held a visiting professorship at Exeter University and served on the board of Trinity College of Music, London.

He conducted many choirs and in 1959 formed the John Ritchie String Orchestra and later the Christchurch Civic Orchestra. He guest-conducted the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and for the New Zealand Ballet. In 1974 he was Music Director of the Xth Commonwealth Games and in 1986 the Papal Visit of Pope John Paul.

As a composer he is known for choral music, music for brass, concerto-type works, carols and church music. These include Partita for brass quintet Introduction and Allegro for euphonium and piano, Threnody (written in 1989 as a tribute to Mervyn Waters), Papanui Road Overture (full orchestra) and Flourish for an Occasion a fanfare written for Skellerup Woolston Band to perform at the opening of the Christchurch Town Hall auditorium in 1972.

Professor Ritchie will celebrate his birthday with the band at their AGM by conducting the band’s rehearsal prior to the meeting.

Radio New Zealand’s Concert programme will feature Professor Ritchie as their “Composer of the Week” from 25 September. There will be a talk at 9 am Sunday (repeated 7 pm Monday), with selections of his music played from 9 am each day of the week.

Happy Birthday Professor Ritchie

The Flaxwood Festival (held on April 3) was a fantastic day of music and entertainment for all involved at the stunning country estate of Hans and Carolyn Schuitman. (See photos and review in the last issue of the Woolstonian.)

Hans and Carolyn Schuitman hosted the event, and many local musicians and personalities gave freely of their time. Norm Withers donated a guitar signed by Cliff Richards and the Shadows, John Dunne was compère/auctioneer extraordinaire, and the Flaxwood Festival Patron, Adrienne, Lady Stewart, was tireless in her efforts.

The event raised over $16 000 for Woolston Brass. We are extremely grateful to all involved. Thank you.

Welcome Back Helen HoyHelen Hoy returns to Woolston Brass as the recently appointed Marketing Manger for the band. From 1997 to 2003 Helen was the administrator of the Woolston Junior Band. Not many people would list being involved with a junior band as a highlight of the banding career, but Helen does. “It was a very busy, buzzing atmosphere and wonderful to work beside Dennis Spurdle and David Gallaher.” During this time the organization grew to 70 players with the Junior Band winning the D Grade National Championship twice and recording a CD.

Helen is probably best known for her administration work as the manager of the BBANZ National Championships from 2003 to 2008, but she was originally a player. “I started playing the tenor horn in the Matamata Band at the age of nine. My father, Bob Lee, taught my brother, sister and I. He was from a brass banding family. His three brothers all played the cornet as did their father, who also conducted.” Helen has played baritone for Timaru and Addington Brass, Woolston Junior and the Sunnybank Districts Brass in Brisbane.

Helen works part time at Canterbury Museum. She has two teenage children: Cameron is in his last year of high school and plays guitar in a band called “Villain” who were placed 2nd at Rockquest regionals. Georgia is in the specialist music programme at Burnside High, where she plays in five different music groups on both trombone and baritone. She is also a member of Woolston Concert Brass.

Flaxwood Festival Proceeds Gratefully Received

Adrienne, Lady Stewart presenting the cheque to Band Chairman Gary Pinker

Events Calendar

Sunday 25 September. 3pm Wigram Air Force Museum. Christchurch Arts Festival ‘Christchurch Memorial’ combined concert with STRIKE Percussion. A new work by Gareth Farr depicting the resilience of Christchurch’s people will be performed. Tickets are $20 and are available from: www.artsfestival.co.nz

Wednesday 28 September – Woolston Brass AGM The Annual General Meeting of Woolston Brass at the band room in Dampier Street. A band rehearsal will be directed by Professor John Ritchie 7.30 until 8.30, followed by the AGM.

Tuesday 1 November – Apprentice Graduation Ceremony Woolston Brass to entertain at the Apprentice Graduation Ceremony.

Tuesday 1 November – Woolston Brass Academy Open Night (date to be confirmed - check out website for updates) Come along and have a peek at the rehearsals of our learner groups, Woolston Junior Band at 6.30pm or Woolston Concert Brass from 7.30pm

Saturday 5 November – Canterbury Provincial Contest Canterbury’s bands will battle it out in Timaru in the CPBBA Contest. Theatre Royal Timaru

Sunday 4 December – Christmas Concert Woolston play a variety of music including some Christmas music. This would usually be held in the Cathedral but as that is not possible this year the venue will be St Christopher’s Church, 244 Avonhead Road, Avonhead.

Frosty the Snowman...

The Pohutukawa StandsThis year we commissioned a Sacred Item for the National Contest. Davey Boyes (former Principal Euphonium and Deputy Conductor) suggested Peter Meecham as a composer, and when approached was immediately excited about the idea. Peter studied at the Royal Northern College, and later the University of Salford. He has been the Composer in Residence for Black Dyke Band. He writes mostly for wind and brass instruments and his music has been performed and recorded extensively around the world.

Says Peter,

“The earthquake that hit Christchurch in February 2011 took the lives of 181 people. Being asked to write this work in their memory was an honour, but I didn’t want it to simply be performed as a memorial. I wanted to compose a work that conveyed the sadness and grief for those lost - a work of remembrance - but also a piece of music that represented peace, hope and strength.

The title and dedication come direct from the commissioners of the work, Woolston Brass Band. The pohutukawa trees stay standing and secure, defiant of the earthquake, in Christchurch’s Garden City, and the pohutukawa tree also has a special significance beyond its physical appearance.

According to Maori mythology, the spirits of the dead travel to Cape Reinga on their journey to the afterlife to leap off the headland and climb the roots of the 800-year-old Pohutukawa Tree and descend to the underworld to return to their traditional homeland of Hawaiiki-a-nui, using the Ta Ara Wairua, the spirits pathway.

The Pohutukawa Stands is dedicated to the lives lost in the Christchurch earthquake.”

Woolston Brass is honoured to have worked with such an exciting composer and have enjoyed the challenge of playing his wonderful music.

Combined Concert with “Strike” PercussionWoolston Brass will join with New Zealand’s premiere percussion group, Strike in a Christchurch Memorial concert as part of the 2011 Christchurch Arts Festival. The concert will feature a new commissioned short work by leading New Zealand composer Gareth Farr, which draws on the resilience of the people of this city in the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes.

Not only is this concert a fantastic opportunity for Woolston Brass to expand its repertoire and to work with such an outstanding professional group, but it also brings together the Hickman family with Murray Hickman the leader and a founding member of Strike joining his brothers Graham and Kevin.

Founded in 1993 Strike is a high-energy drumming group made up of New Zealand’s most outstanding percussionists, specializing in movement-based, choreographed percussion. Pacific, classical and contemporary musical influences, combined with a movement and theatre-based presentation have thrilled audiences throughout the country.

The Christchurch Memorial concert will be held at 3 pm on Sunday 25 September at the Wigram Airforce Museum. Tickets are $20.00 and available from the Arts Festival website www.artsfestival.co.nz

This is not just a Woolston Brass snowman but also a sign that Richard Hogarth should once again dust off his copy of “Frosty the Snowman” for the Christmas Concert!

CONTEST PICTURE GALLERY

Looking sharp on the Street March. Note Adrienne, Lady Stewart – standard bearer!

Kevin Hickman on his way to winning the Invitation Slow Melody event

The “300 Years Young Brass Ensemble”. Eat your heart out Philip Jones...

Father and Son: Denis and Christopher Broadbent Bird’s-eye view of Street March

proceedings...

Mates: Merton Tapp, Nigel Seaton and Denis Broadbent

NORTH SHORE AUCKLAND 2011

.. Marching practice at Takapuna Grammar

Englishmen Tom Berry (trombone) and Martin Britt (soprono cornet) flew to New Zealand to join us for the contest. They were extremely decent chaps – neither felt inclined to wear an All Black strip!

Sarah Hickman, Graham Hickman, Adrienne Lady Stewart, Gary Pinker and Graeme Coomer seize the day in sunny, aftershock-free Takapuna.

All ours! The prize haul

Front row cornets – in order of prettiness...

A very scarey man, Champion Drum Major (x6!) Graeme Bremner demonstrates his winning technique, and his wonderful bespoke jersey

You ‘orrible shower!Get those knees up!

Player Profile ~ Callum HewsonCallum Hewson has recently rejoined Woolston Brass on Tenor Horn after a number of years out of the civilian brass band movement.

When did you start playing Tenor Horn and why? Do you play any other instruments?

I’ve been playing Brass for probably the best part of 30 years. Originally started on Cornet in the Tenderkist Wanganui City Silver Junior Band, and then progressed to Tenor Horn before then being persuaded by Kevin Jarrett to move onto Flugel Horn, which then got me into the Senior Band. From there my career began to slowly blossom with numerous successes. After advice again from Kevin Jarrett and Colin Spencer who was also teaching me then, I then made the change back to Tenor Horn which was very successful and resulted with both selection for the National Band of NZ and joining the NZ Army Band where I have been ever since. I did also ‘dabble’ with piano lessons which gave me a good grounding with music.

Have you always been playing in brass bands? What sort of musical groups have you been involved in?

It’s been Brass Bands from my childhood days with the exception of the ‘Big Band’ groups beginning from the Wanganui Boys College School Band to where I am now in the NZ Army Band. Since being down in Christchurch I have played for several Bands as well as even helping out Wanganui when required. I did however take a substantial ‘time out’ from the full-time commitment to civilian based Bands as I was fully committed to performing solely with the NZ Army Band, it was a hard decision at first.

Why do you like being a part of Woolston Brass? What does it mean to you to be a Woolstonian?

Having experienced performing with numerous ensembles including the NZ Army Band, at the recent contest in Auckland after we’d won it was clear to me that I was again part of one of the most professional musical organisations not only within NZ, but a Band that is truly world class. It’s a proud feeling to be part of such a professional organisation. I look forward to the Band being able to maintain its echelon amongst the world’s finest musical ensembles.

Favourite piece of music and why?

Many pieces performed with the NZ Army Band, civilian Bands, and solo arrangements I’ve done for myself and other musical colleagues. I’d have to mention the Band’s performance at the North Shore contest – it was an absolute pleasure to be part of such a well-balanced and full ensemble of sound. There’s no better feeling than to be playing in the middle of such a purely magnificent musical ensemble which is at the control of a champion conductor.

What is the highlight of your musical career so far?

Musical highlights can only happen with people involved and it’s those various fellow musical colleagues amongst the musical ensembles in which I’ve performed who to me, are the real ‘highlights’. There are many musicians in this category,

however I would have to single out the late Mark Liefting who was definitely both an inspiration and a wonderful person. ‘Lefty’ was all set to take me to Woolston for the first time in 1994, however he sadly passed away. Nevertheless, I still joined and that year was quite a special one with both myself and the Band dedicating our music to him. Elgar’s Enigma Variations was a fine choice by Ken Smith that year and our ‘clean-sweep’ of that contest would definitely rate amongst my highlights. I was also selected for the National Band of NZ in 1992 and 1995. Achieving my LTCL performance in 2009 was also a nice bonus.

What are some of the contest successes you have had in the past?

There have been numerous solo and party event successes over the years. The main one’s would be winning the 1988 Australian ‘A’ Grade with Wanganui, winning the Junior Flugel in 1986, runner-up in the Open Tenor Horn Solo in 1994, and with Woolston, it’s 2 out of 3 so far with ‘Champion Band’ titles in 1994 and 2011, and 2 out of 2 with Champion ‘Ensemble’ (1996 & 2011). Within the NZ Army Band, I’ve managed to win the Brass section aggregate in our annual Solo competitions on 3 occasions including this year. It certainly was a thrill to achieve my latest Solo success and it was quite a humble feeling to have done so against some of this country’s finest Brass players who we are lucky enough to have within our organisation.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I think it’s important to have a good and sensible balance between music and the rest of our lives. Obviously for me, music is also part of my job, so when I do get spare time I like to achieve the balance and ‘time out’ that one needs. Relaxing at home and spending time with my partner Evgeniya and of course our free-range Budgie ‘Boris’. Maintaining a sense of well-being also is important and this can be done by eating sensibly, and doing some form of exercise each day. And finally of course there has to be music. Listening to, practising, researching, learning from, or just relaxing to.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time with life/brass bands?

It’s definitely an interesting time at the moment with my Army career nearing its conclusion. Having now spent over half of my life both in the Army Band and in Christchurch it’s a tough choice between where I call ‘home’, however I think like most things one has to follow their ‘heart’ when it comes to such important matters. It’s hard to imagine work outside of music, however it’s a reality that I will eventually be faced with I guess so in the meantime it’s great to have Woolston there. Who knows, maybe an overseas option could arise also.

Any advice for the next generation of brass players?

One great piece of advice I did get was from ‘Lefty’, and that was ‘listen to as much classical music as you can’. We can learn so much about how music should be truly played. Listen to the phrasing and styles, especially of the accomplished performers, and try to then apply it to your own playing. Music to me is also not all about winning the medals & trophies as not everyone can win. I was taught to play your best and if you do so with learning from each performance, then any results will take care of themselves. ‘Relax and breathe.’ Simple yet so many brass players don’t and they wonder why it’s just ‘not working for me’. And finally, a formula, which I came up with and have stuck with ever since;

‘Self discipline + Preparation = Maximum Performance’.

New Musical Director of Woolston Concert BrassSteve Chapman is the new musical director of Woolston Concert Brass. Steve Chapman began learning the cornet at age eight under the tutelage of Jamie Ford in Whakatane. Through his school years Steve played with the Whakatane Citizens Band and Rotorua Brass. He became the Itinerant Brass Tutor before moving to Auckland to commence his Bachelor of Music (performance trumpet) degree. After a year of study at Auckland University, he moved south to join the NZ Army Band and complete his degree. Back on civvy street after 13 years, Steve is currently pursuing his Graduate Diploma in Teaching at the Christchurch College of Education. A successful soloist, Steve has been selected for five National Youth Bands and the National Youth Orchestra. He has played in both the APO and the CSO.

Steve is a keen sportsman and on a free day he can often be found on the golf course – probably trying to win a beer off Phil Johnston and Nigel Seaton!

Steve says…

It is with much excitement I accepted the position of Musical Director of Woolston Concert Brass recently. Firstly, I must thank Tristan Mitchell for all his work as the Musical Director, Drum Major and arranger for the band since 2003. Having known (and worked with) Tristan for over 13 years now, I can assure you he put in an enormous amount of time and effort with Woolston Concert Brass over his tenure, and that commitment is sincerely appreciated. Also, it is great that Tristan has availed himself to continue as a player within the band. His knowledge and advice will be invaluable. Thanks Mitch.

My plan with WCB is one of progress. I believe it is essential that the members of the band continue to present concerts to the public and to contest regularly at both national and provincial level. I am of the firm belief that having events throughout the year provides a means of motivating the band and, combined with a challenging yet manageable music programme ensures the continual improvement of the players and consequently the ensemble as a whole.

Our next (my first) engagement will be at the Canterbury Provincial contest on the 5th of November being held in Timaru. It is my opinion that bands (especially those comprised mainly of youth) need to be graded according to their current capability and not according to the standard they would like to be playing at or have played at in previous years. With this in mind, we will be considering whether WCB should regraded to ‘D’ Grade, to allow the band to play challenging music, but within ‘D’ grade parameters. It is a goal of mine to have the band return to the ‘C’ grade via winning the national ‘D’ grade contests.

In these first few weeks since I began with WCB I have been delighted to work with such enthusiastic young (and some not quite so young!) people. It gives me great expectations for the future of WCB. It is very heartening to see the Academy programme working so well and this is due in no small part to the dedication from the likes of Bill Vail and Jill Pears.

Finally, I would like to extend an open invitation to anyone whom is interested in playing with WCB to come along and join in. Rehearsal is on Tuesday evenings at Dampier Street from 7.30pm through until 9.00pm. All are most welcome and the more the merrier. If you are curious as to how things are sounding or just wish to show your support please do drop in at any rehearsal and enjoy the band’s playing! If you wish to contact me for any reason, please don’t hesitate to call or text me on 021 665756 or email me at stevechapman9@hotmail.com

Best in banding, Steve Chapman

Woolston Personnel ChangesSince June there have been several changes within the ranks of Woolston Brass.

The baritone and euphonium sections have had a wee shuffle around. Davey Boyes, our Principal Euphonium for the last few years, has decided to have a break from Woolston Brass. He is still involved in banding and enjoying doing some conducting and playing for other bands around the country. This leaves young Ben Cuff in the Principal Euphonium hot seat, with Mark Van der Klei moving from 1st baritone to provide some experience on Second Euphonium. Connor Ellison moves to Principal Baritone, with Vince Pheloung being his wingman. We also have a new addition to the band in Georgia Hoy on baritone. You may recognize the name as her mother Helen is the band’s Marketing Manager, grandmother Colleen is the band Secretary and her father Brent was a player for many years in the band on cornet and soprano. Welcome Georgia.

Callum Hewson joined the ranks of the band for the contest and he is still coming to rehearsals so we are happy to welcome him into the band. It is always great to have a strong horn section and Callum certainly adds some wonderful sounds to the section.

The band’s contest manager and treasurer extraordinaire Graeme Coomer has been nominated by the band to stand for the National Executive committee of the Brass Bands Association of New Zealand.

Kidsfest ConcertOn the 17th of July the Woolston Junior Band played its annual concert for Kidsfest in Cashmere High School’s auditorium.

It was very good as we had a full house. Many parents turned up with their children and their friends; lots of musical instruments came as well! We had everything from the simple hand clap, to maracas, bongo drums and even a miniature set of tubular bells! Children also marched and danced around the room while playing their instruments in time to the music. The band played a variety of tunes, from well known screen compositions such as Star Wars to their very own Woolston Junior Blues composed by our conductor, Jill Pears. We had practised a lot beforehand and all that hard work paid off on the day. When the concert was finished and the day was over everyone had to agree that they’d had a great time.

By Joseph Hardman

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

Next Issue InformationThe next Woolstonian will be released in December 2011. To receive your copy via email, or if you have any contributions please contact Sarah Hickman 3661566 email: sarah@woolstonbrass.org

Readers wishing to join our email database for concert alerts should email: helen@woolstonbrass.org.

Contacts: Chairman – Gary Pinker: gary@woolstonbrass.org M.D. – Graham Hickman graham@woolstonbrass.co.nz

Acknowledgements:We are grateful to these individuals and organizations for their continued support:

Seat SponsorsPrincipal Cornet Adrienne, Lady Stewart Solo Cornet 1 Simon Hocking House of Travel Solo Cornet 2 Henshaw Developments Trust Solo Cornet 3 Lane Neave Lawyers Solo Cornet 4 Gilbert and Patricia Glausiuss Soprano Cornet Derek and Lynn Anderson Repiano Cornet Hans and Carolyn Schuitman Second Cornet 1 The Ron Ball Charitable Trust Second Cornet 2 Judith and Graeme Coomer Third Cornet 1 Jenny and Lindsay Moir Third Cornet 2 J Ballantyne & Co Solo Trombone J Ballantyne & Co Second Trombone Robert and Valerie Blackmore Bass Trombone Michael and Lesley Pettersen Principal Euphonium Anonymous Second Euphonium Triple Forte First Baritone Alan Reay Consultants Second Baritone Coupland Bakeries Ltd Flugel Horn HongKong and Shangai Banking Corporation Solo Tenor Horn Murray and Bernice Ireland First Tenor Horn David and Hilary Stock Tenor Horn 2 Keith Laugeson Charitable Trust Tenor Horn 3 Christchurch Casino Principal E flat Bass Archibalds Motors Second E flat Bass Hunter Furniture Principal B flat Bass Prof. John Ritchie Second B flat Bass Ron and Audrey Harris Percussion 1 The Ron Ball Charitable Trust Percussion 2 David and Robyn Marriott Percussion 3 Bell Lamb and Trotter Funeral Directors

Project Supporters:Christchurch City Council, The Trusts Charitable Foundation, The Canterbury Community Trust, New Zealand Community Trust, The Eureka Trust, The Southern Trust, Mainland Foundation

One proud, cross-eyed Woolstonian – Vince Pheloung

Yep, they’re all in step!