Nelson City Brass was a big winner during the New Zealand’s National Brass Band Championships.

Under the musical direction of Nigel Weeks, once again took out gold in the ‘C’ grade category, the same award they won last year.

The championships were held in Wellington, for the first time in a decade, from April 19 to 23.

Band member and secretary Wayne Jennens said the competition had gone “very well”.

“There’s three events on the stage and we won all of those last year and repeated it again this year.  Everyone was over the moon because a lot of hard work went into it.”

Jennens said Nelson City Brass was likely to be promoted” to the B-grade after their second gold win.

Jennens said the band usually rehearsed once a week for two hours, but in the lead-up to the nationals they had been practicing two days a week plus some weekends. “A lot of commitment for people, especially those with families,” Jennens said.

Nelson City Brass is made up of about 30 people, the youngest brass player being 15 years old and the oldest members in their late 70s.

Jennens said the reason he loves playing in the band was the camaraderie and friendships that were formed.

“That’s probably the same with anyone that plays a team sport, well, it’s not a sport but more a team effort.

“And we obviously quite enjoy winning too, because you’re putting all that work in.”

Jennens said walking off the stage knowing they had done the best they could was the most important thing.

Article courtesy the Nelson Mail.

By the Nelson Mail