Tauranga City Brass is putting on a show for members of the community to display their skills and draw in some much-needed new members.

“Celebrations of Brass” at Graham Young Youth Theatre this Sunday, June 1 at 5pm, will offer the audience an evening of bold and brilliant music from one of Tauranga’s leading musical groups, Tauranga City Brass, led by talented conductor Steve Thompson, said flugelhorn player, committee chairwoman and conductor of the auxiliary band Annabelle Stewart.

Varied programme

“Featuring a varied programme including test piece, this concert highlights the skill and versatility of the band across styles and eras.”

Stewart said the show is a must-see for lovers of live music and brass band tradition. “It promises to be a great night for the whole family.

The band is desperately trying to find more players. “Usually we go to a contest every year, but we’re not going this year because we don’t have enough players available. This is our big concert of the year to make up for it.”

The concert will include soloists from most sections of the band, jazz pieces, test pieces, marches and more. “You’ll get to have a really close-up experience.”

Ticket sales will go towards covering costs of the event and if a profit is made it will go towards fixing the hole in the band room’s leaky roof.

 Tauranga City Brass Band Bb bass player and helper in the Tauranga City Brass Auxiliary, Graeme Thomas, and cornet player in the Tauranga City Brass Auxiliary Harper Shallard. Photo / Brydie Thompson

Players and volunteers wanted

In a bid to attract more interest, the committee is looking to provide a scholarship to a tertiary student interested in committing at least one year to the band.

“We’re quite motivated to support tertiary students so we are looking at putting a scholarship up at the end of the year. It’s a great opportunity for people who are thinking about playing,” said Stewart.

“We also have an active learner band – called the auxiliary – which is mainly aimed at school-aged learners, with six different schools represented by our players. The youngest player is just 9 years old.”

Stewart conducts this band and actively encourages all learners to join the group: “We welcome all abilities and can help with sourcing lessons and an instrument.”

The committee is also looking for volunteers to fill the roles of treasurer and a general committee member.

“There are so many different ways that we want to bring the community together with the band,” said Stewart.

Brass banding is a supportive and encouraging community, Stewart said. “You don’t have to be a prodigy.”

To find out more about joining the band, visit https://www.taurangacitybrass.com/

For tickets to the show, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/celebrations-of-brass. Door sales will be limited.