We have hit the ground running since the Youth Band programme relaunched in March. I was delighted to welcome Scott Birrell (Head of Drumming) and Jack Spencer (Bass & Tenor) to the tutor team to deliver a world class musical programme. Jack is currently in Scotland playing with People’s Ford Boghall and Bathgate, so his experience overseas this year will be hugely impactful for the band when he returns.
Auditions for places in the band were held in April, and we limited the numbers this year to ensure we deliver a programme which supports the upskilling of each player. We had huge numbers express interest and audition for the Band, and it was awesome to see so much talent on display right across the country.
In total 18 pipers, ten snare drummers and five bass and tenor make up the new unit which I’m incredibly excited about. There’s a good mix of experienced hands as well as new, emerging talent, and the opportunities for the band this year are exciting.
We are doing things a little bit differently this year. Around Matariki weekend, our tutors are travelling to our different pod locations around the country to do an intensive six hour session with the players. This is ahead of a number of sessions later this year which are aimed at both preparing the band for performance as well as individually upskilling players. A big part of the new programme is building musicians and helping each individual achieve their potential.
Many of our players are out and about at solo competitions, travelling overseas to compete or preparing for events later this year. No doubt you will see many of them out in your communities so do not hesitate to have a chat to them if you’re interested in knowing more about the programme.
Look out for the Band’s first Spotify album later this year – it promises to be a cracker and an awesome opportunity to showcase the talent and class we have here in New Zealand.
Stuart Easton
Director – National Youth Pipe Band of New Zealand
