News
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.
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.
Join NBS Nelson City Brass for our first concert of 2026 on Sunday 26 April at 2pm – a 75 minute showcase of music in Nelson’s most iconic acoustic space.
Treat your senses to a masterclass in brass. Set within the soaring, majestic acoustics of Christ Church Cathedral, this curated 75-minute performance blends power and precision. From soaring classical themes to vibrant modern favorites, our award-winning ensemble, featuring world-class soloists, will fill the Cathedral with a rich, captivating sound.
The details:
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When: Sunday, 26 April | 2:00pm
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Where: Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson
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Duration: Approx. 75 minutes (The perfect afternoon escape)
🎟️ Tickets & Booking:
Experience professional-grade artistry for the price of a movie ticket.
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Adults: $20.00
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Students: $10.00