Brass Bands' Association of New Zealand

On Tour with the National Youth Brass Band 2006 

Wanganui players in the 2006 National Youth Band with Kevin Jarrett

I was fortunate enough to be selected as a member of the 2006 National Youth Brass Band. The course took place in Wellington over 7 days and concluded with a 3-day tour of the upper South Island. We performed concert is Upper Hutt, Blenheim, Nelson and Greymouth and recorded a CD.

This was the 3^rd course I’ve been involved in. As with previous years, I have been very impressed with the significant progress made in only a few short days of practicing.

Following our first concert to a full house in Upper Hutt, and after only 5 full days together, we recorded a CD. This was a great experience, and a first for many of the band members.

We then went on to perform to great audiences in Blenheim, Nelson and Greymouth, where we were received very well, and also given a standing ovation on more than one occasion.

Throughout the tour John Lewis, a very accomplished cornet soloist, accompanied us. Listening to John play flawlessly each and every time has given me the inspiration I required to put in the extra effort to improve and achieve success. And I am sure many others feel the same also.

Overall this tour has been an awesome experience involving great music, great people and great organisation!

Ben Burnell
Canterbury Brass
3^rd Cornet NYBB

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