NBS Nelson City Brass is saddened to announce the departure of Nigel E. Weeks, QSM, as Musical Director, following a decade of outstanding service and success with the band.

The committee has recently, and with genuine regret, accepted Nigel’s resignation.

Under Nigel’s leadership, the band has experienced the most successful period in its history. This includes progression from C Grade to becoming one of the top bands in the country by 2024. Alongside contest success, the band has delivered many memorable concerts across a wide range of genres and venues.

Nigel’s contest achievements with the band include multiple regional successes and winning the C Grade National Championships in both 2016 and 2017. In 2018, Nelson City Brass was promoted to B Grade, achieving second place, before winning the B Grade Championship in 2019 and securing promotion to A Grade. In 2024, NBS Nelson City Brass were runner-up at the National A Grade Championship.

During his tenure with NBS Nelson City Brass, Nigel also served as Musical Director of the National Band of New Zealand (2014–2017), achieving runner-up at the World Championships in the Netherlands.

Nigel leaves a significant and lasting legacy within our organisation. He remains in high demand as an adjudicator across New Zealand and Australia, and as a guest conductor for leading bands. We wish him every success as he continues to contribute to the wider banding community.

We are pleased that Nigel will continue to support the NBS Nelson City Brass youth programme, and young people in Nelson are fortunate to benefit from his expertise.

NBS Nelson City Brass will shortly announce guest Musical Directors for upcoming events and will begin the process of appointing a new Musical Director in due course.