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The Official Newsletter of the Woolston Brass Band Est. 1891. Patron Adrienne, Lady Stewart ONZM QSM LLD (Hon)

ISSN 1175 3331 (Print) ISSN 1179-2493 (Online)

ISSUE 57 December 2013

Merry ChristmasOur Christmas at the (Cardboard) Cathedral concert on Sunday the 8th December was almost our last gig for the year. A fortuitous but last-minute encounter with one Julian Hay (see story on page 9 for details) saw a good number of us ‘acting’ in a video production the recording of which went into the wee small hours of December the 12th. The video, featuring our handsome, and in two cases pretty faces will be uploaded to YouTube on the 22nd December.

Back at the Christmas concert, Woolston Concert Brass and their Music Director Nick Johnson started proceedings in convincing style with an emphatic performance of Gershwin! This was followed by Only Love, arranged by Greenslade and given tender treatment by tenor horn soloist, and Woolston Brass’ ‘First lady’, Tania McKay (nee Downard). This was followed by Derek Bourgeois’ Serenade and Langford’s arrangement of Greensleeves. A noticeably much-improved 2013 Concert Brass finished off their set with A Christmas Triptych by American composer James Curnow.

The big boys (and girls) then took to the stage and opened with Ray Farr’s cleverly arranged Troika. Songstress Caroline Blackmore’s Breath of Heaven received rapturous applause - and deservedly so. Then to the virtuoso piece for the day, Peter Meecham’s euphonium solo Auld Lang Syne, expertly handled by Davey Boyes. Something quirky now, A Christmas Pastiche arranged by Dave Collins - a curious weave of traditional carols and ‘The Edge’ radio station’s play list. Hark! written and performed by our new-found friend Julian Hay, was a late addition to the programme, but a very welcome one. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Christmas Bolero (arr: Peter Maunder) and Sandy Smith’s Santa Claus-trophobia preceded the big finale, Peter Graham’s arrangement of Verdi’s Dies Irae.

Concert Brass then joined the senior band on stage for Derek Ashmore’s Christmas Swing-a-long and - no prizes for guessing - Snoopy’s Christmas. Having the whole Woolston family on stage is such a great way to end the banding year!

We wish all our supporters the compliments of the season. A very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and if you’re holidaying out of town, safe and happy travels.

Contributions for this issue were received from: Emma Caunter, Caroline Blackmore, Andrew Yorkstone, Ken Baker (photography), Glenda Johnstone, Dave Johnstone, Nick Johnson, Meri Gibson and John Bartlett.

Nick Johnson

Hamish Upton

Phil Johnston

Nigel Seaton

Kevin Hickman helping Concert Brass out on the day. (as did Andrew Yorkstone and Phil Johnston)

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Band Solos: A Piece of CakeWe held our band solos at Eliza’s Manor House in the afternoon of the 3rd of November.

The venue provided a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. The tea and cakes were an added bonus that proved popular with both the competitors and audience alike!

Kevin Hickman took the top prize with a fantastic performance of Dennis Wright’s Cornet Concerto. Duncan Bickley from Woolston Concert Brass took first prize in the junior event.

Kevin performed the Cornet Concerto shortly afterwards as part of his FTCL examination. Andrew Yorkstone, who was also studying for his FTCL, made an impressive job of the Ernest Bloch Trombone Concerto. Davey Boyes’ playing of Variations on Auld Lang Syne was noteworthy too.

The proprietors of Eliza's Manor served a ‘high tea’ with cakes, sandwiches and slices during the performances. This made for a very pleasant atmosphere and a good number of supporters turned out.

The juniors did very well. They started with Lauren Smith (11yrs.) on cornet playing Peacherine Rag. Next was Hazel Wilson (9yrs.) tenor horn, playing America

Third up was Felix Backhouse (11yrs.) trombone, playing The Handbone Man. He won the audience over by playing a tuning note, then turning gracefully to the empty piano to wait for a reply (he was the only unaccompanied performer).

The previous three were all from the junior band. Last up was Duncan Bickley (16yrs.) bass trombone, from Woolston Concert Brass. He played a very competent performance of Moving On - and won the junior section!

The judge, Steve Miles, spoke to the senior competitors about presentation and interaction with the audience while playing. He suggested to the juniors that more obvious breathing would help the accompanist stay in time, as well as practicing with a metronome.

Julia Horsnell and Jill Pears were amazing accompanists. They both did a great job with very little preparation, as did Cyrene Seaton as compère.

Davey Boyes Andrew Yorkstone

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Answers to Issue 56 Crossword Across:

5: Ophicleide, 7: Dynamics, 9: Tape, 10: Divide, 11: Score, 13: Tree, 15: Note, 16: Marching, 18: Anacrusis, 21: Sectionals, 24: Fish, 25: Andante, 26: Title, 27: A Trill, 30: In Time, 31: Arena, 33: A Bit, 34: Nobels, 35: Skill, 37: Stand, 40: Weta, 41: Horn, 43: Ruse, 44: Chosen, 45: Iris, 47: Frozen, 49: Slide, 50; Bad Things, 53: Tuner, 55: Gap, 57: Music, 58: Abate, 59: Conduct, 60: Intonation

Down:

1: The Promised Land, 2: Blade, 3: Syncopation, 4: Scale, 5: Octave, 6: Ending, 8: Meet, 12: Read, 14: Thrice, 17: Recconaissance, 19: Uniform, 20: Blitz, 22: Nationals, 23: Philip Sparke, 27: Aranjuez, 28: Baton, 29: Beat, 32 Derek Bourgeois, 36: Chords, 38: Tuning, 39: Dress, 42: Mouthpiece, 46: Vibrato, 47: Fermata, 48: Harmony, 51: Star, 52: Twice, 54: Noon, 55: Phone

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9 10 11 12

13 14

15

16 17

18 19

20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31 32

33 34 35

36 37

38 39 40 41 42

43

44 45 46

47 48

Clues Across:

5 Her cry was strangely on top (6)

8 Then listing round about a quiet evening (6,5)

9 Strut around for belief (5)

13 He spoke thus in 2001 (11)

15 A bird not often found around Istanbul (6)

16 The drug I naturally base my logs on is a favourite baked dish (3)

17 Excel or with a snake’s head find that perfect place for a picnic (8)

18 A kind grin is, strangely, a common band pastime (8)

20 Found in math usually, it signifies the manner (4)

22 Seashore without a price (4)

24 A Roman hundred plus an Egyptian god? And they all start singing! (6)

26 Hemsworth or Wiggins? A god’s in there (4)

28 I am infinitively; it was Hamlet’s question (2)

30 I certainly think it’s an easy way to walk on water (3)

32 An alternating fit to swoon (5)

33 Sounds like two kinds of fruit (4)

35 Brown insect uses its tail as its head (3)

36 For a Greek couple, inside is for a wading bird (4)

37 Serve around; 24 Across’ partner (5)

38 Assert missing as backwards French trio (4)

41 The sound of uncooked bread might attract a female deer (3)

42 A fish sitting in a tree (5)

44 I still meet around nothing for a kiss (9)

45 The least he could do was give us AC (5)

47 The stable say it’s the inner Ted (6)

48 Sounds like he might kill the idiophones! Can’t you hear them jingling? (11)

Clues Down:

1 Swollen cereal in lost blood (4)

2 Footwear used for the storage of gifts (8)

3 A woozy sleeping sound in the homemade heads (5)

4 Though with or without being careless (8)

6 Hell ____ no fury (4)

7 Iron oxides are found in poor us too. (4)

8 Popular march, it’s a dog’s holiday (7,9)

10 Proud with the start of HalfLife to have a red nose (7)

11 It’s you and me or the United States (2)

12 The Really Young always have a go (3)

14 Motion of seas dies after the start of taxes (5)

17 Soon, tomato contains to set upon (4)

19 A bleeding steak is somewhat uncommon (4)

21 Allied, they found it in a funny dune (6)

22 Mad, it’s pulled with a bang (8)

23 My aunt’s class rearranges Father Christmas (5,5)

25 It’s very clear the six have been mixed to boo us (7)

26 Place in time stretched rigid (5)

27 A little preposition that signifies possession (2)

29 In the centre exit grows a tall plant (4)

31 Mixing a coil with grain is a common annual banding occupation (8)

34 Confused ate in the present (3)

39 Sun God ends in the Maori proportion (4)

40 An alloy of iron and carbon, it sounds like he might loot (5)

43 Starting South led to Santa’s transport (4)

46 A palindromic facial feature (3)

Emma Caunter’s Christmas Crossword

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The Bavarian Showdown – Wellington by Andrew Yorkstone

On Thursday 10th of October a team of musicians known as “The Shaky Plains” Bavarian band flew to Wellington to compete in New Zealand’s very first National Bavarian Showdown. The event hosted ten Bavarian bands from around New Zealand, all hoping to take out the title of New Zealand’s top Bavarian band.

The first night kicked off on Wellington’s waterfront after a morning of performing around central Wellington. Friday the 11th saw the first of the bands taking the stage at 4.30pm in Round One of the Bavarian Showdown. For round one each band played a bracket of 35 minutes giving the judges a chance to have a look at, and a listen to every band before picking the top five to make it through to the next round.

The evening concluded in very high spirits and was finished off with Christchurch’s Shaky Plains being the final band to take the stage in front of the 800 strong crowd, many of whom had come along to take part in the festivities despite the unfortunate spell of rain. This was certainly no spirit dampener. We concluded the night on a high note after making the final five before heading down Hashigo Zaki for a celebratory beer with a few of our Wellington mates.

It was a slow start Saturday morning. However it wasn’t long until we were in the car and back on the road to perform our kids concert bracket to the public of Wellington in preparation for the main event that afternoon.

After a relaxing afternoon lounging about central Wellington, feasting on the many delicacies Courtenay Place’s Burger Fuel had to offer, it was time to put on our game faces and head down to the marquee. Lee Family Barbers had us looking sharp with freshly groomed beards and sculpted side burns ready for action. As we wandered down we could see a crowd gathering around the tent, rearing to go for the big night. Backstage in the performers’ tent the first band was already prepping their gear and filling their glasses while they got ready to go on and warm up the crowd for the many acts that followed.

Pumped and ready to go, we took the limelight and kicked off with our cracking arrangement of Macklemore’s Can’t Hold Us, setting our bracket up for guaranteed success. As each chart flies by our 50 minute bracket comes to a close and we found ourselves walking off stage with a buzz, thinking we had nailed it, an opinion confirmed by a screaming crowd that were left chanting for more. Our job was done.

After a quiet beer in the performers’ tent to celebrate a stunner of a performance, we joined the crowd in anticipation of the results.

The “Thank you’s” were made, and ex Woolston members Leighton Roberts and Casey O’sullivan were given a nod for their mammoth effort in organising, supervising and coordinating the event, and for making it such a success. Next, our champion band Wellington Bavarian were crowned winners with Wanganui claiming third and Shaky Plains taking out a very respectable third place.

With a round of applause from the crowd and a final couple of charts from the massed Bavarian bands, the night came to a close and we found ourselves reminiscing over the days just past before saying our final goodbyes and hitting the hay to sleep off the excesses. This concluded a brilliant trip.

A man of few words, Sam was born 25 years ago, raised in Timaru and, lucky for us, moved to Christchurch to study at Canterbury University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2010. He currently works as a TradeMe Manager for a local furniture and antique dealer. By his own admission, Sam is somewhat overqualified for his current position, but nevertheless, it’s a job he loves. He blew his first notes on a baritone as a 10 year old under the tutelage of David Wolff at Waimataitai School in Timaru.

DJ: Hey Sam, just a little phone interview here for the Woolstonian. OK? SP: Hmmm, s’pose.

DJ: What do you like most about playing in Woolston Brass? SP: Er, team spirit, and er, socializing... s’pose.

DJ: Favourite piece? SP: That’s a hard one. ‘Extreme Makeover’. Even though I didn’t actually play in that particular performance.

DJ: Highlights? SP: Winning four A grade titles in a row.

DJ: What do you do in your spare time? SP: Practice.

DJ: Shoe size? SP: 12. DJ: Star sign? SP? Cancer.

DJ: Siblings? SP: Older brother and sister. Sarah and Thomas

DJ: What was the last CD you bought? SP: Don’t buy CDs. I download stuff.

DJ: Last book you read? SP: Can’t remember the title. It was a book about NZ Pottery.

DJ: Last meal? SP: Tuna McNoodles.

DJ: Tuna McNoodles? SP: TWO MINUTE NOODLES!

DJ: Sorry Sam, bad line. Favourite Movie? SP: Inception

DJ: Favourite band outside Woolston? SP: Led Zep.

DJ: Advice for younger players? SP: Now you’re really putting me on the spot.

DJ: Anything you’d like to volunteer Sam? SP: Yeah. One of the things I’ve really enjoyed about the band has been sitting next to Gary Pinker. I hope he comes back to band soon. I still meet up with Gary for the occasional beer.

Player Profile Dave Johnstone talks to

Sam Pinder

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As we approach the end of another year, and my first as the conductor of Concert Brass, I thought I would put fingers to keys for the ‘Woolstonian’ with my thoughts on the year and what we have achieved.

Firstly I have found the role to be everything that I had hoped and wanted it to be. On arriving in New Zealand back in 2009 I was slow and reluctant to involve myself in the brass band scene although always willing to help out rehearsing bands or playing as required. When the chance to take Concert Brass came up I felt it was just the right time to commit myself to the responsibility, and with my lack of general brass band experience a C grade, one rehearsal a week band was ideal.

The year started with the Brass in the Park concert at Scarborough Domain. This gave me the chance to make a start on one of my aims with the band which was to increase the amount and range of repertoire that we can play at relative short notice. I think this came as a shock to some as new pieces kept emerging at rehearsals but the band’s sight-reading skill certainly benefitted.

We then had a break from performance as we embarked on planning for the National Contest although probably due to this being my first as a conductor we may have started our preparations too early. A very successful KIDSFEST concert in Linwood was a welcome distraction on the same day as our pre contest concert with the Senior Band at Christchurch Boy’s High School. This gave us the opportunity to perform our programme to family and friends as well as to a more discerning audience.

The whole process of getting to New Plymouth, let alone making sure we were correctly prepared, was a monumental task. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tim and Janet Powell (Zac’s parents) who did a great job in ensuring that we all got there safely and then looked after us all so well. The accommodation was sparse but very adequate with a very homely social area/kitchen. I think the main complaint was the lack of power sockets in the cabins where we slept for the multitude of devices that now require constant charging – never mind! I must give another thank you here to the conductor of the New Plymouth Band, and ex Army Band bass player, Leigh Martin. Not only did he give us access to his band room for rehearsals but he also, through his food distribution business, managed to coerce the local supermarkets into donating bread, cereal, pies, milk, slices and other goodies for our hungry hordes – thanks Leigh. It was great to see how everyone interacted so well socially over the 5 days, the whole experience was exhausting but very enjoyable.

We experienced something of a ‘mixed bag’ when it came to our contest scores. With good results in both our test and own choice we didn’t impress with our hymn setting, which was mainly due to my choice of work, and something that we struggled to recover from. This is something that I have learnt from and I’m already thinking about our choice next year. But as I am always being reminded - ‘that’s contesting!’

So yes, we will be going to Invercargill next year, especially as the Rotorua contest in 2015 will, I think, be beyond our financial means.

After the contest I went away to Edinburgh with the Army Band but was fortunate to leave the band in the capable hands of Chris Campbell from Canterbury Leopardline Brass who clearly did some great work on improving sound quality and intonation.

On my return we had just 3 weeks to put our Provincial Contest programme together which with the work Chris had done was

relatively easy. I certainly enjoyed the more relaxed approach to the Provincial Contest which I think reflected in the band’s performance. We chose a new test piece, not using what we had performed at National level, which again helped to expand our repertoire. The scores awarded to us by Ken Young, the adjudicator, were excellent and not too far behind the B Grade bands.

Whilst initially finding the idea somewhat daunting, the Big Brass event in Hagley Park as part of the Christchurch Arts Festival was a great experience, particularly for our younger players. There can be nothing more inspiring for a young player than to play alongside some of the great brass players that we have in our City based bands.

So this leads us on to our Christmas preparations and the end of the year. We are very much looking forward to playing in the Transitional Cathedral as part of the Woolston Brass concert and currently putting together a very varied programme. We also have some community based carol singing events to perform at.

Finally, I would like to thank the members (and the parents of the younger players whose support is invaluable) of the band for their commitment and loyalty throughout the year. With the eclectic mix of ages and experiences I hope I haven’t been teaching too many to ‘suck eggs’ but thank you for your perseverance and at times, patience!

I feel it has been a very productive year and I look forward to what 2014 brings.

News from Woolston Concert Brass by Nick Johnson (MD)

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Meet Meri Gibson... our New Marketing Manager

Meri Gibson has been appointed as our new Marketing Manager. Meri’s CV details a long and distinguished career as a business executive specialising in consultancy, brand management, communication, product development and marketing. Meri’s past employers include Fulton Hogan, Environment Canterbury, Coupland’s Bakeries, Skellerup Footwear and Brierly Investments. She has also served on a number of boards such as Architectural Designers of NZ and the International Ballet Academy Charitable Trust. Meri has been appointed Chair of the Richmond Fellowship, Rainbow Children’s Health Trust and Chambers Public Relations.

Heavily involved in dragon boat racing both regionally and nationally as a competitor and as an administrator, Meri has collected a slew of medals for her efforts on the water. Her most recent adventure saw her paddling the Vogalonga in Italy.

“Vogalonga literally means ‘long row’ and it is a very long row, (30 kilometres). We usually only race two kilometres. The event takes us in, out and through the canals of Venice. It was initially started as a protest against the motor boats on the canals. We also paddled on the Arno river in Florence. I’m currently planning a trip to Italy for the world championships in September 2014 and also to an event in Florida in October 2014”.

Meri likes to write. In 2006 she published a book called “Each Day is Blessed” - a personal account of growing up in New Zealand as the child of an immigrant family. Since 1994, Meri has also contributed to magazines such as She, More, Grace, The New Zealand Woman’s Weekly and The Money Line offering “unique pearls of financial and personal wisdom”! Meri also writes and broadcasts a weekly movie reviews for Plains FM, so she gets to see a lot of films!

A recent inductee to the world of brass bands, Meri is looking forward to working with us. She has added brass bands to her list of interests alongside dragon boating, waka paddling, sailing, interior design, reading and writing, music, classic cars and armchair athletics.

On the home front: Meri lives in Fendalton with her dog Jasper. (a bichon/Jack Russell terrorist fluffball). She also has a 22 year old son, Jordan, who lives in Auckland. A few weeks ago Meri was officially registered as a Marriage Celebrant. She has been conducting weddings, naming ceremonies and funerals since the 28th of November. Here’s hoping we can fully utilise Meri’s services in the former rather than the latter capacity!

Band “Awards” DinnerUnder the stewardship of Davey Boyes (organiser) the band set out to make this year’s “Awards” Dinner a lavish affair, and it certainly was that. At 7pm on Saturday 16th November the red carpet was rolled out at Eliza’s Manor House in Bealey Avenue and we were greeted on arrival with a complimentary flute of bubbles. Way to go! It was a great start to what turned out to be a memorable night.

Kyle Lawson was presented with the Pheloung Family Cup for the Most Improved Player by Vince Pheloung himself, and Caroline Blackmore was awarded the Gallaher Family “Woolstonian” Trophy for all-round sterling effort. In a break with tradition, the Band Person of the Year was elected by the band rather than appointed by the MD. This year that distinction went to Richard Hogarth. (Pictured below) Quite literally, a popular choice!

The 2013 Section of the Year Award went to the horn section led by Callum Hewson. Past and present members posed with Callum for the picture (below): Sarah Hickman (Flugel) Roseanna Dale (now resident in Perth, WA), Emma Caunter and Tara Hardman (Absent: Cathy Biddington and Merton Tapp)

It was great fun, and it was all over too soon! The food was first class too, so big ups* to Eliza’s Manor! (Generous Sponsor of our Second Trombone Chair) *(for people over 50, read “significant acclaim”)

Band person of the Year: By popular vote, The megga-urbane Richard Hogarth

Section of the Year: The horns (and friends) Absent: Cathy Biddington and Merton Tapp

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Band President Tony Lewis

and his wife Abigail.Making an entrance - in a limo, no less!

Outgoing and in-coming Chairs Gary Pinker and Mark vanderKlei

Davey Boyes and a glamorous friend

Sophie and Gary Pinker with Denis Broadbent and friend

Mark and Tessa vanderKlei

Georgia Hoy, Louise Moroney and

Hamish Upton

Just visiting, but very welcome all the same, Katie Blair and Roseanna Dale

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John BartlettIn a “Return of the Prodigal Son” moment, we have been delighted recently to welcome John Bartlett back as a playing member of our band. John is known to many of us already, but for those of you with shorter memories or fewer years, here are some catch up notes...

At primary school John wanted to be a drummer in a pipe band. His organist mother would have none of that and marched him down to the Nelson Garrison band room aged 8 where he was given a cornet. A defining moment he reckons.

Moving to Christchurch in the early 60’s, Derry’s Brass was home including a period as Principal Cornet before joining the then Skellerup Woolston Band. Selection for the 1970 and 74 National Bands followed before moving to Blenheim (and 13 years with Blenheim Municipal under Dave Johnston) to begin a long flying and aviation career.

John’s musical interests widened to include playing with a number of professional jazz ensembles in both big band and small groups including jazz standard vocals! Extensive recording in both radio and television followed as did a lifelong love and association with musical theatre. John has also enjoyed spanning those genres as a Director of Music in contemporary church settings. 1974 was a benchmark year personally too, beginning a now 40 year marriage to Ann. They have two daughters and three, soon to be four, grandchildren and enjoy gardening on their rural lifestyle property in Mandeville.

Johns aviation and corporate journey also spans 40 years both flying and in leadership and governance roles. John flew many aircraft types including Bristol Freighters and Boeing 737’s, pioneering the development of jet operations into Queenstown with “Whisperjets”. A highlight of his flying career came with his appointment as Commander of the Royal Flights for the 1990 NZ tour by HM the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

Joining the Virgin Group in Australia in the early 2000’s, John held several executive roles culminating in his appointment as Director and CEO of Pacific Blue Airlines, leading the airline to several business awards including the NZ Tourism Awards and Champion Canterbury 2007. “Retiring” from full time corporate life in 2011 John was appointed to directorships of the Civil Aviation Authority and the Aviation Security Service. He also sits on a number of advisory boards including the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) program at CPIT, the Bachelor of Contemporary Christian Music program (Vision College) and The Salvation Army. John also does some international consulting in strategic risk primarily in aviation and defence governance.

In this last year John has joined the Woolston Foundation as a Trustee and more recently accepted the office of Chair. “The Foundation’s long term vision and the focus on youth are key”, says John.

The “quieter” life has renewed John’s musical interests. and he is now enjoying playing in symphonic, chamber music, jazz and contemporary as well as, once again, brass band settings. John holds an AMusTCL and enjoys arranging and producing backing tracks in his home studio most recently for his grand children’s school productions. A chance invitation to be “an impact marcher” at the recent New Plymouth contest (the first contest for John in 27 years!) renewed his direct involvement with the band and he is currently enjoying a fill-in playing slot in what he describes as the excellence and musicianship that is Woolston. That led him to buy a new cornet! Another defining moment perhaps?

2014 National Youth Band AnnouncedThe BBANZ has announced the members selected for the 2014 National Youth Band of New Zealand. Musical Director Peter Adams and Director of Education, Kevin Dell selected the band from 57 applicants under the age of 23.

The band will meet from 1st - 9th February and perform concerts in the Wellington region. Australian baritone player Kristy Rowe will perform with the band as guest soloist

Congratulations to all the successful representatives, in particular our own Miles Bennett, Georgia Hoy and Jordan Seaton.

Hardy CarollersThanks to Andrew Yorkstone, Richard Hogarth, Graeme Bremner, Callum Hewson, Dave Johnstone and Raynor Martin who fronted up to play carols and herald the arrival of Santa Claus with a fanfare on Friday 22nd November in the Restart Mall. The occasion was of course the annual opening of Ballantyne’s “Christmas Window”. J Ballantyne & Co are generous sponsors of our third Cornet and solo Trombone seats. Only seems fair...

Louise’s Last RehearsalSecond cornet player Louise Moroney has come to the end of her studies at the University of Canterbury and her hard work in the library has paid off. She has just graduated with a degree in chemical engineering and she has a job in Australia with Holcim starting in the new year. Our loss, Aussie’s gain!

At her last rehearsal with the band on the 13th of November band Chairman Mark Vander Klei presented Louse with our customary parting gift, a stand banner, and Louise shouted some savouries and beer “out the back”. Louse’s bright and bubbly personality will be missed as will her rock solid playing in the back row. Louise made a great contribution to our band as a playing member. We wish Louise all the best in her new home and her career.

Brainy girl power. Louise with Caroline Blackmore

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Happy Collaboration with Julian HayWe’ve been enjoying the company of Julian Hay at rehearsals and recording sessions lately. A self-confessed ‘music nerd’, local lad Julian is a hugely talented composer/singer/songwriter.

Aspiring to pursue a career as a film-composer, Julian has embarked on a self-produced series called The DIY Music Project 2013 - an online (YouTube) video ‘resume’ that showcases his creative versatility and unique style.

The DIY Project is an ambitious undertaking, with Julian producing a new song every month for the duration of 2013. He has involved a raft of other local artists and performers in his project – not just musicians but film-makers, photographers, writers and producers too. Most of the monthly projects feature Julian as both singer and songwriter, alongside collaborators such as Anna Whitaker, Tim Sellars, M3 Creative, members of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and now, Woolston Brass! All the pieces are professionally mixed and mastered, combined with a visual element, then released on Julian’s YouTube channel. Our online contribution is currently in production. We presented the première performance of Julian’s composition Hark! as a last-minute addition at our Cathedral Concert programme on Sunday the 8th December. That’s how much we liked it. We’re sure you will too! www.julianhay.wordpress.com

The Woolston “Tannery” Opens with a Fanfare On the evening of Thursday October 24 we played at the opening of the The Tannery Boutique Retail and Arts Emporium in Garlands Road, Woolston.

The Victorian shopping/bar/cafe/restaurant arcade is built on the site of the old Woolston Tannery. The developers, Christchurch businessman Alasdair Cassels and his family, are determined to breathe new, post-quake life into the suburb of Woolston. They thought it would be very fitting to have the Woolston Brass Band play at their opening ceremony, and we agreed!

With Davey Boyes taking the helm, we played a half-hour bracket of suitable material from our “entertainment” repertoire

Historical Note: Our records show that in 1923 the price of 22 shillings and 6 pence (about $2.25) per man was quoted by The Woolston Tanneries as the fee for playing at a work’s picnic there.

The Christchurch City Council helped get the year’s engagements started when they too offered to have the band play at their work picnic. This latter job was quickly accepted at the same price of £1.2.6d ($2.25) per man.

The band was also querying the Tramway Board about its insistence that instruments being carried on trams be paid for. It seems that there were very few cars owned by bandsmen in those days, and of course there are many instances within living memory of our own members of not too many years ago, riding their bikes to and from the bandroom.

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Around the Bandstand“Whaddaya doin’ for Christmas?” Microphone in hand, we put the question to...

Mark vander Klei recently obtained a Masters Degree in Commerce and Information Systems and is planning on some respite from his academic pursuits. He’s going to spend Christmas at home before going to Auckland to catch up with family and friends in the North.

Retired school teacher Mert Tapp has temporarily come out of retirement as he’s been marking exam papers. Mert isn’t exactly sure what he and his wife Sue are going to do over Christmas. “We don’t decide until late, but we will be taking a break - perhaps we’ll hire a motor-home and tour the South Island, or parts thereof”.

Ace academic Caroline Blackmore has had a high pressure couple of months culminating in a Post-Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology. Our Caro is now a Registered Industrial Organisational Psychologist. She and partner Todd Turner have rented a house in Wanaka where they plan to meet up with family members on Boxing Day.

Speaking of Todd Turner, he has a new job at V-base as their Hosting Manager. Todd has had an especially wide Christmas grin on his face recently as Santa squeezed down the band room chimney with a very early present for our Principal Percussionist in the form of a brand new set of tymps! Rather well deserved we think, as Todd has done a tremendous amount of work in securing grants and raising funds for the band.

Kevin and Sarah Hickman are meeting up with family members at a bach near Lake Hawea while Davey Boyes plans on “drinking, having a festive time at home and long skype sessions with the folks back in Yorkshire”. Davey deserves a little respite. His day job as an electrician has placed heavy demands on his time recently, as it has with all local ‘tradies’ involved in the Christchurch rebuild.

Ben Cuff is planning on spending Christmas drinking and having a festive time with Davey Boyes. He’s also starting a new job as a Chemical Engineering graduate with a local oil company.

Phil Johnston will be listening to cricket and painting his house over a long summer break from his NZ Army duties. There have been hints that a keg may be produced as an inducement to other cricket-lovers and would-be sanders, scrapers and painters. Phil will of course be spending Christmas day with his girls; Jilly, Bailey and Zoe.

Chris Reside will be pottering round in his garden over Christmas and taking it quietly as there are “major family celebrations to be attended across the ditch later in January”, though Chris reckons there might be time for the odd game of golf before he and Margot fly out bound for Perth, WA.

Bob and Faye Neil will be “at the bach” (Selwyn Huts). Golf is forecast, as is a spot of fishing. Bob may even venture out for a spot of dinghy sailing on Lake Ellesmere. Air Search and Rescue have been put on red alert.

Georgia Hoy is staying home over Christmas to practice her parts the National Youth Band tour. She’ll also be looking forward to mufti day and her final year at Burnside High School in 2014.

Dave and Glenda Johnstone are flying to Hamilton to spend Christmas with Dave’s North Island Whānau, after which they plan to spend a few days roaming the Coromandel.

Upcoming Dates 2014

Monday 27th January First rehearsal for 2014Friday 14th February Concert with Adam Page at

the Aurora CentreSunday 2nd March Flaxwood FestivalFriday 25th April ANZAC Remembered

According to Nigel Seaton, Cyrene, Jordan, Tylor and he are heading of “to the river, (in the Pareora Gorge) for a couple of weeks of tents, caravans, hot tubs, swimming, flying foxes (into the river), pizza ovens, whole-lamb spit roasts, tractor rides, shooting wallabies, golf - plenty of golf at the Maungati Golf Course - you name it we do it, what else d’ya wanna know...”

Cam Lee is going hunting - red stag at Lake Sumner with some old mates from primary school days.

Graham Hickman is staying home. He, Catherine and baby Sophia are looking forward to Catherine’s folks coming down from the North Island to join them. John Bartlett’s family are coming home so he too is staying put on the “farm” that has been his home since 1995.

Brothers Ross and Andrew Yorkstone are returning to home town Invercargill for Christmas with their family. Ross says he’s looking forward to attending the Rhythm and Alps Music Festival being held near Wanaka on the last couple of days of the year. Andrew, who is waiting on the results of the FTCL examination he sat earlier this month, is planning on a bit of a road trip. “I’m going to Queenstown for New Year, then to a mate’s place in Arrowtown. We’ve got a car full of tents and sleeping bags. We’re going to start at Kaka Point on the other side of the Catlins and drive round the coast for a bit.”

Anthony Bracegirdle and Emma Caunter are going to Hamilton and Wellington to visit their respective families, then to Gisborne for Ant’s friend’s wedding. The couple are both graduating next year, and both have summer scholarships. Emma is working at Tait Electronics doing security analysis and algorithm implementation, and Anthony is working at the Oculus Rift (a virtual reality headset) at Canterbury University.

Callum Hewson, his wife Evie and Boris the Budgie wish all the Woolston family their warmest season’s greetings. It’s been another busy year for the Hewsons and they are all looking forward to a relaxing break. Evie has to work a few ‘stat’ days at Transfield over Christmas, however the couple will be making a brief trip up to Wanganui to see family and to celebrate the New Year, and Callum’s birthday. Callum, Evie and Boris also send their best wishes to the chickens at the Johnston/Pears household.

Win some lose some: We’re bracing ourselves for the loss of Miles Bennett who is heading off to England with his family to visit relatives for Christmas and New Year. Miles has spent a very large part of his life as part of the Woolston Band family having started playing as a tiny-tot in the Junior Band. He will return for a month or two, but will eventually move to Auckland to study Computer Science at Auckland University.

On the plus side, we are delighted to welcome Brent Hoy and his partner Corrina Lee Dennison back to Dampier Street. Brent and Corrina have bought a house in Bishopdale which, as Brent points out, is not far from Vince Pheloung’s place and the Harewood Tavern! Speaking of Vince, he’s stopping home this Christmas for the first time in seven years. He’s looking forward to entertaining the whole family at his place, just for a change.

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Learners' ConcertThe Woolston Academy's biannual learners' concert was held at the Woolston bandrooms on 10th Dec at 6pm, and was well attended by both players and supporters.

Almost 20 learners performed to an audience that barely managed to squeeze into the back room (since the junior band was playing in the front room). As could be expected for this time of year there were a lot of Christmas carols played (among them We Wish you a Merry Christmas, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Silent Night), but there were also some different pieces like the Theme from Polovtsian Dances, Always look on the Bright Side of Life and a medley from the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Everyone brought a plate and there was a spread afterwards to celebrate the end of another successful year of lessons.

Hazel (horn) and Lauren (cornet) play their duet ‘The Pirates of the Caribbean’. Below left: Elijah Dixon, he is the only one currently learning the bass! Below right: Brendon Lancaster playing ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’.

Bill Vail’s trio of new adult learners: Gill, Melissa and Katrina.

Shemaia Dixon playing ‘My Favourite Things’. She will be moving up to the junior band next year.

The audience!Clare Hardman, another of Bill’s adult learners.

Dail Hounsome-Vail helps out Nic Ward playing ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’

Jonty Coulson playing ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ from Monty Python

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Woolston Brass, 37 Dampier Street, Woolston, Christchurch, New Zealand.Telephone (03) 389 6340 (Band Room). Established in 1891. Music Director: Graham Hickman.

P.O. Box 8187, Riccarton, Christchurch. Website: www.woolstonbrass.org

Contacts: Chairman – Mark Vander Klei: mark@woolstonbrass.org M.D. – Graham Hickman graham@woolstonbrass.org

Acknowledgements:We are grateful to these individuals and organizations for their continued support:

Seat PatronsPrincipal Cornet Adrienne, Lady Stewart Solo Cornet 1 John and Helen Thomson Solo Cornet 2 Henshaw Developments Trust Solo Cornet 3 Asko Design and Peter and Jean Hyams Solo Cornet 4 Gilbert and Patricia Glausiuss Soprano Cornet Derek and Lynn Anderson Repiano Cornet Carolyn Schuitman Second Cornet 1 The Ron Ball Charitable Trust Second Cornet 2 Judith and Graeme Coomer Third Cornet 1 Jenny and Lindsay Moir Third Cornet 2 J Ballantyne & Co Solo Trombone J Ballantyne & Co Second Trombone Eliza’s Manor Boutique Hotel Bass Trombone Michael and Lesley Pettersen Principal Euphonium Struthers Funeral Consultants Ltd Second Euphonium Triple Forte First Baritone Available Second Baritone Sara Daly Flugel Horn Derek and Lynn Anderson Solo Tenor Horn Murray and Bernice Ireland First Tenor Horn David and Hilary Stock Tenor Horn 2 Keith Laugeson Charitable Trust Tenor Horn 3 Christchurch Casino Principal E flat Bass Available Second E flat Bass Archibald Motors Principal B flat Bass Available Second B flat Bass Ron and Audrey Harris Percussion 1 The Ron Ball Charitable Trust Percussion 2 Robin and Ralph Redpath Percussion 3 Coral Mazlin-Hill

Project Supporters:Christchurch City Council, The Trusts Charitable Foundation, The Canterbury Community Trust, New Zealand Community Trust, Air Rescue Trust, The Southern Trust, Mainland Foundation

Download Your Support!MP3 tracks from our CDs, Millennium, ANZAC, Sacred, and Rhythm ‘n’ Brass are available on line from the world’s leading music distributors, CD Baby, Amazon.com and iTunes. You can download single tracks for about 90 cents or full albums for $10! Best of all, the money comes straight back to the band, so every online purchase you make helps us get by! This is such a great way to show your support for the band. Efficient, fun, and you get to collect lots of great music!

Early Photo UnearthedWe very grateful to Mrs Jill Schumacher and her father Mr Don Wood for this photograph of Dick Estall’s 1924 - 25 Woolston Band.

Mrs Schumacher gifted the print to the band after discovering it amongst her late mother’s belongings. Gordon Nunns, a cornet champion of the era, is Jill Schumacher’s grandfather. (Sixth from the left in the third row)

Friday 14 Februaryat the Aurora Centre.

Woolston Brass in Concert with multi-instrumentalist

Adam Page