Woolston Brass
How would you describe what you do?
We are traditionally a brass band, that has over 120 members across three bands and a learner’s group, and we exist to learn, play, perform and perform to inspire each other and our communities with excellent and diverse musical experiences.
What was your most recent project?
Christmas Brass Celebration Concert in the James Hay Theatre featuring all three of our bands, Woolston Brass, Woolston Concert Brass and the Woolston Junior Band.
What project have you worked on that you’re the most proud of?
Building the organisation to be relevant in modern society and attract young people to play brass and percussion. Encouraging collaboration and cultural diversity across our organisation and our concerts.
What is essential for creatives to have in their life?
Ability and opportunity to perform, not just rehearsing. This is our creative outlet.
What inspires you about Ōtautahi?
Creative, resilient, innovative, and the diversity of artforms out there. We really respect and support all the other creatives out there, their passion and commitment to their artform.
What piece of advice about your creative work has served you well?
Enjoy what you do, and show the audience that you are enjoying it
What’s the biggest misconception about your creative work?
That brass bands play marches and hymns and they are for old people. We do play hymns and marches, but brass bands have the ability to play any musical genres and is easily able to collaborate other groups. Also, as we have attracted young to our organisation we have 40% under the age of 20, another 40% under the age of 40, and the final 20% over 40.
What Christchurch artists do you most admire?
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, The Eastern, Voices Co., Marlon Williams, All Girl Big Band, Delany Davidson, Hayley Westenra & The Feelers
What artwork/piece of music/performance has taken your breath away?
Woolston Brass performing with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra at the reopening of the Christchurch Town Hall in 2019. They performed the Respighi’s “The Pines of Rome, the Appian Way”. Wow!!! It was incredible to hear live music back in the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium after 8 years of silence.
What do you wish you’d have known about creative work when you were younger?
How artforms and all genres can enhance your lives. Be calming, be an escape, inspire, excite, make you smile, laugh and cry. Basically, it awakens your senses and makes you feel, brings all of your emotions to the surface.
What’s your favourite hidden secret in Ōtautahi?
At any time of day or night different types of art is being created in our bruised, but beautiful city Otautahi.