***COVID-19 UPDATE***

Feilding Brass is returning to band practice on 17th June, as we are now in Level1.

So joyous brass band music shall once again be heard in our friendly town.

More to come soon…

Hello and welcome to the August E-letter from Feilding Brass.

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.

Just over a month ago the band came back from competing in the 2019 National Brass Band Championships in Hamilton where we came a very respectable 4th in the C Grade competition. There is rest for us at the moment.

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 Speirs Centre, Palmerston North Boys High School starting at 10.45am on the Saturday with Solos & Party events, and on the Sunday starting at 9am with the Band events.

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.

There will be 6 bands competing this weekend and we look forward to seeing you there.

As the band moves forward and the years roll on, we sometimes can forget about our past and the many smiling faces that made up the band and shaped us into what we are now. Some have moved on to different things, greater things and some have passed away. In the photo above, there are only two members that are still in the band today which goes to show how far we have come with the new faces that have joined us over the years and enhanced our band with their sound and knowledge. The question is…..which two?

How many in the photo do you recognise?

“Copper instruments make the symphony sounds, so much better than brass.
Copper is a much better conductor.”

February sees Feilding Brass in full swing, rehearsing for our first gig for 2019 which    is on Sunday 24th March as part of Brass In The Park, a free concert in Levin, hosted    by Levin & Districts Brass.

Starting at 12.30pm, the concert features Levin Centennial Concert Band,
Levin & Districts Brass, Feilding Brass, Trust Porirua City Brass and
Kapiti Brass.

This will truly be an afternoon of wonderful brass playing full of entertaining music.

Feilding Training Band started up on 11th February, and have 3 new learners who have joined the group which is a great sight to see. One of which is learning the drum kit, so Steve better look out. He has competition now. It’s great to see Senior band members coming along to help out and guiding the learners during practise.

Also on our radar is the New Zealand Tattoo being held in Palmerston North on the 12th & 13th April,  which Feilding Brass is participating in.  Playing alongside such great bands as The NZ Army Band, Brass Wanganui and Royal New Zealand Air Force Band and others, this is going to be an amazing experience for everyone.

Watch this space.

Tickets are available at www.nztattoo.nz

On January 30th, at our bandroom Feilding Brass started practise for the new year ahead, blowing out the cobwebs with a few new pieces donated to the band and others to get our lips back into shape.

With Carissa and Stephen at the helm, and a new year planned with exciting activities, along with our regular community events, we will be a very busy band, and look forward to seeing you at them.

Watch this space!

Feilding Brass Training Band starts back up on Monday 11th February 2019 at 5pm at the bandroom, so if you know of anyone who would like to learn a brass instrument come along and have a chat with the Training Band conductor, Catherine Duxfield.

2018 was a good year for Feilding Brass, and we have put together a slideshow of our events.

December, as always has been a busy time for Feilding Brass with 3 Christmas parades and ending with Feilding Carols by Candlelight, and Living Xmas in Manchester Square.

As 2018 comes to a close, we would like to thank everyone who has supported Feilding Brass over the year, and look forward to seeing you all in 2019 as we do it again.

Gigs coming up in the New Year : Brass In The Park, ANZAC Day Services x 3 and Feilding Festival of Bands to name a few.

Feilding Brass rehearsal starts up again on Wednesday 30th January 2019 at 7.30pm and Training Band starts back on Monday 11th February 2019 at 5pm.

Have a safe and happy New Year.

Feilding Brass wishes to acknowledge the passing of  Ray Toy on the 8th October 2018.

Ray was a big part of Feilding Municipal Band as it was known back in the day.

He was involved with the junior band and conducted the Senior band for a number of years. Ray was National Open Baritone Champion.

He also had an agricultural shop in Feilding for awhile, called Allegro Agriculture.

Rest in peace Mr Toy, you were a huge influence on many an aspiring brass band player.

Dan Griffiths – Director/Sales – Symon Business Equipment, Palmerston North

Feilding Brass has been very fortunate with the kind generosity from Palmerston North business, Symon Business Equipment, who has donated a Sharp Multifunction Printer to the band.

Dan Griffiths, Director and Sales at Symon Business Equipment, has been a huge  supporter and playing member in Feilding Brass for many years.

It is with great appreciation from the Management Committee and band members, that we accept this generous gift, and thank Dan and his business for supporting Feilding Brass.

Symons started in 1986. They have been helping businesses and organisations for a long time and you can be confident that they are here for you now, and into the future.

Symon Business

58 Taonui Street
P.O. Box 4335
Palmerston North 4442

View Map

Ph: 06 356 2330
Fax: 06 356 2331
Email: info@symonbusiness.co.nz

One part of being in a community group is fundraising. To enable us to continue what we do in the community to entertain you.

Along with Concerts and Community Events, one of our other fundraising activities is on Trade Me.

Whether you are  looking for a bargain or want to support Feilding Brass Band, then please head over to the Feilding Brass Trade Me Page where you may well find yourself a treasure, and you will be supporting our band as well.

If there is another way you would like to support us, please email us at feildingbrass@gmail.com and we will get in contact with you.

Thank you for your support.

One great thing about playing in a musical group is not just playing a tune, its also about learning, no matter how old you are.

At senior band rehearsal tonight, percussionist Steve is showing new percussionist Sarah the correct technique for doing a cymbal roll.

Good to see the young ones interested in music, and the more experienced players willing to teach their skill.