Feilding Brass Press Release:
New Musical Director Appointment for Feilding Brass
Feilding Brass has a history of over 130 years continuous presence in the community. For the first time in the collective memory of its present members, a new musical director has been appointed from outside its membership for many years, following a nationwide search.
On April 26th, Iraja Max Haas da Silva (Max) was welcomed to the podium after joining the band for its Anzac parades a day earlier. Originally from Brazil, Max and family have transferred to Feilding from Queenstown where he has worked as a music teacher and trumpeter in the local jazz orchestra.
Max grew up in a musical family, with his father being the leader of a military band. With over 20 years’ experience teaching brass a percussion Max has conducted and performed in a wide variety of music settings including Big Band Jazz, Marching Band and church worship bands.
The outgoing musical director, Carissa Davies has stepped down after 5 years leading the band (including through the Covid lockdowns) and is continuing as a playing member of the band. She remains active on the management committee.
Feilding Brass meet for weekly rehearsals on a Wednesday evening. After years of disruption due to Covid, the band is again enjoying and looking for opportunities to reconnect with the local community. Recently the band participated in 6 Anzac commemorations in the district; 4 Christmas parades and the community carols. In September the band will represent this district at the Central Districts Brass Band Contest.
Currently preparations are under way for the bands first performance under Max’s leadership on 28th May. Weather permitting the band will be playing from 11am in the square opposite the Feilding Cenotaph. The music repertoire will continue the Feilding Brass tradition of playing upbeat, popular music as well as more traditional brass numbers.
Max has noted, “Feilding Brass has a very good sound, but we are a little short on players. I intend to work to fill the vacancies that are still open (mainly the rhythm section) as well as offering technical support to everyone. With our committee, I’m another hand wanting to help and certainly this is a great time for us to welcome new members.“
Both the senior band and the training band have vacancies and offer opportunity to develop music skills and engage in a lifetime of music making. Connect with Feilding Brass via our Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/FeildingBrassBand/
Earlier this month, Feilding Brass Euphonium player Michael Ashdown has been selected in the 2020 National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand. Mike is a very accomplished musician and is a valued band member. As a Feilding Brass member, the band is very proud of you and look forward to seeing and hearing you play next year. Details to come at a later stage of where the National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand will be performing. Well done Mike.
Coming up this weekend, 31st August & 1st September is the Central Districts Brass Band contest being held this year in Palmerston North. The venue for both days is at 
The band is once again in contesting mode and Musical Director Carissa Davies is keeping her eye on the prize and making sure we are on target for another musical competition. As with any musical group, it takes a great leader to lead a group of people like us, but with our best foot forward with her guidance, we will prosper.
Feilding Brass wishes to acknowledge the passing of Ray Toy on the 8th October 2018.
Feilding Brass 