NBS Nelson City Brass is excited to announce a line-up of guest conductors for our upcoming events.

Mark Carter

Sunday Melodies, Sunday 26 April, Nelson Cathedral

We are delighted to welcome conductor and trumpet player Mark Carter as guest conductor for Sunday Melodies, 2:00pm on Sunday 26 April at Nelson Cathedral. Mark is currently Sub-Principal Trumpet with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 1996.

Originally from Dorset, UK, he began his musical life in the brass band tradition, playing cornet from the age of seven before studying trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music.

Since settling in New Zealand, Mark has built a wide-ranging international career, performing with major orchestras across the UK, Australia, South Africa, and Asia. He is Assistant Conductor of Stroma, New Zealand’s leading contemporary music ensemble, and Music Director of both Wellington Youth Orchestra and the Hutt Valley Orchestra. He also regularly conducts orchestral and brass ensembles throughout the country.

Mark teaches at the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī and is currently Musical Director of the National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand, reflecting his strong commitment to the brass band movement. Known for his clear, encouraging rehearsal style and his ability to inspire confident, musical performances, he is an ideal choice for this concert. Tickets are selling fast and are available through NCMA.

Tickets are selling fast – available through NCMA.

Andrew Snell

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Regional Band Competition

Originally from Somerset in the UK, Andrew began playing trombone at age 10 before studying Band Musicianship at University College, Salford. He then spent 11 years with the internationally renowned Grimethorpe Colliery Band, touring globally and winning both the National Brass Band Championships and the British Open Championships. During this time, he also featured in the iconic film Brassed Off!.

Since moving to New Zealand and Australia, Andrew has built an outstanding reputation as both a conductor and arts leader. He has led championship bands to multiple major titles, including a record seven Victorian A-Grade State Championships in eight attempts. His leadership roles have also included senior positions with Victorian Opera, Ara Institute of Canterbury, and the Australian Music Examinations Board.

Andrew is deeply passionate about music education and the role of the arts in enriching community life. We are thrilled to welcome him as conductor for the regional competition at the Whitehaven (ASB) Theatre in Blenheim on Saturday 13 June.

Interim Musical Directors

We are also pleased to confirm that band members Mike Ford and Ross Gerritsen will support the band as interim Musical Directors for rehearsals and community events over the coming months, until a permanent appointment is made.

Mike (current New Zealand Tenor Horn Champion) and Ross (current New Zealand Baritone Horn runner-up) are exceptional musicians, and we are fortunate to have this level of talent within the band. We look forward to working alongside them in the months ahead.