As you are all aware by now, Covid-19 has taken a hold of the world, and here in New Zealand we are starting to feel the effects.

Ministry of Health – Covid-19

As of last week, all Feilding Brass band events are cancelled until further notice, and band rehearsals have also been suspended until further notice.

In a message from our Musical Director, Carissa Davies, “Considering the current situation it is in the best interests of our players, our families and our community that we do what we can to minimize the risk to our health and wellbeing.
You will of course be kept posted on any changes to this situation – the time frame at this point is unclear.”

As hard as this is for our band and many other bands and musical groups, for the time being home practice is a must to keep you in form.

The last playout our band has had this year so far was on 12th March at the opening night of the 2020 French Film Festival NZ at Event Cinemas in Palmersrton North.

Steve Mackley, Dan Griffiths and Nigel Towers provided music as the guests mix and mingled with each other prior to the first movie starting. It was a great atmosphere where Steve sang “Beyond The Sea” in French. Well done guys.

The band has had 6 events cancelled due to Covid-19. Brass in the Park in Levin was due to be held on Sunday 22 March, The New Zealand Military Tattoo was due to be held on Saturday 4 April, 3 ANZAC Day services on 25 April and Feilding Festival of Bands which was due to be held on Sunday 7 June 2020.

With the government announcing indoor and outdoor restrictions on gatherings, the call was made for the sake of public health and safety that these events will not go ahead.

The senior band and training band have also made the call to suspend all rehearsals for the time being.

As ANZAC Day services have been cancelled this year, the public are being encouraged to stand at dawn at 6am at the end of your own driveway for a minutes silence.

A few individual members from the band will be playing The Last Post on their respective instruments at the end of their driveways on ANZAC Day.

Together, we will remember them.