Late November and all of December are always a busy time of year for Feilding Brass, but this Covid year even with all its disruptions, has been no exception for the band.

November 14, Feilding Brass had its end of year community concert with special guests Paddy Evenson and Lydia McDonnell.

We also had items from Annika McBrearty and Steve Mackley which made for a wonderful afternoon of glorious music. The band wishes to thank Musical Director for her hard work in putting together a programme to share with our community.

Also performing at the concert, was the Feilding Brass Training Band under the baton of Catherine Duxfield, which was a great experience for the learning band to share with the senior band. The Training Band had its own end of year concert on November 30 at the bandroom which was received by a full audience. Thank you Catherine for all you do with the training band and tutoring the learners as they progress throughout the year.

On November 30, Feilding Brass along with Levin Salvation Army Band joined Levin & Districts Brass Band in their “Home Grown” concert series. A huge afternoon with 3 bands playing a mini concert and then coming together at the end for a massed band playing 3 pieces to entertain our Levin audience.

December, and that means Christmas parades, and to kick us off Levin had their parade with Feilding Brass and Dannevirke Brass helping Levin & Districts march down their main road with Santa just behind.

This year throughout December, saw members of Feilding Brass playing Christmas Carols at Melodys New World and Pioneer New World in Palmerston North to do a bit a fund raising as we havent been able to get out and about due to covid, so we would like to thank both New Worlds very much for allowing us to do this.

This time round it was time for Dannevirkes Christmas parade, and with the help of Feilding Brass, Levin & Districts Brass and this year Palmerston North Brass, we had a huge 33 strong band marching down Dannevirke high street with an awesome parade behind us.

Ashhurst parade would be our second to last parade for 2020 where we had Levin & Districts Brass and Palmerston North Brass come together to give some cheer to the local residents. Plus we played a few carols for them afterward. Such a great day.

Our last parade was of course our very own Feilding parade, and once again with our helpers from Levin and Dannevirke, we had THE best parade of them all. Just before the parade, a few Feilding Brass players got together to play some carols by the clock tower.

And finally……to finish the year off, Feilding Brass played at the Feilding Carols by Candlelight with a half hour mini concert, then straight into the carols that everuyone loves to sing.

This year being what it has been, has been quite tough for the band both musically and financially. We have been very humbled by the collection that was taken up at the carols unbeknownst to us and we are very grateful for the support we received that night from our community.

As 2020 comes to an end the band looks forward to 2021 and all the good things that are returning, which will include the 25th Feilding Festival of Bands amongst other exciting events.

The Management Committee along with the playing members of Feilding Brass and the Training Band would like to thank you all for your support and wish your a safe and happy holiday, and look forward to seeing you in 2021.