Joint Concert - Programme Notes
Welcome
Welcome to this very special joint concert featuring Waitākere Auckland Brass and The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery.
Today, more than fifty musicians unite on one stage to celebrate the richness, excitement and versatility of brass music. From stirring military marches and traditional favourites to spectacular solo features, contemporary masterpieces and iconic popular classics, this afternoon's programme has been carefully selected to entertain audiences of all ages.
We sincerely thank you for your support and hope you enjoy this unique musical collaboration.
Musical Director
Steven Booth
Steven Booth is widely recognized as one of New Zealand's leading brass musicians, conductors, composers and educators. With an extensive career spanning performance, conducting, composition and music education, he has earned a reputation for musical excellence, innovation and inspiring musicians of all ages.
As Musical Director of Waitākere Auckland Brass, Steven has played a significant role in the band's continued development, fostering a culture of commitment, musicianship and enjoyment. His leadership has helped shape the band's musical identity through challenging repertoire, engaging rehearsals and performances that connect with audiences.
Beyond the conductor's podium, Steven is an accomplished composer and arranger whose music is regularly performed by brass bands throughout New Zealand and internationally. Through SBMusic, he has produced a growing catalogue of original compositions and imaginative arrangements, ranging from major concert works and contest repertoire to accessible music for community and youth ensembles.
Today's concert brings together more than fifty musicians from Waitākere Auckland Brass and The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery in a celebration of musical excellence, collaboration and community.
Master of Ceremonies / Compere
Bob Davis
We are delighted to welcome Bob Davis as today's compere.
Bob immigrated to New Zealand from the United Kingdom in 2002 and immediately became involved with The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery, where he has served as Secretary and Events Manager since 2007.
A former Officer in the Royal Artillery (UK), Bob developed a passion for military bands from the age of six. His enthusiasm for military music led him to serve for eleven years as Chairman and later President of the International Military Music Society, promoting military music and its traditions throughout the world.
His knowledge, warmth and passion for brass music make him the ideal host for today's concert.
Concert Programme
Part One
1 Strike Up The Band George Gershwin Arr. Goff Richards
Combined Bands
2 Death or Glory R B Hall
Combined Bands
3 Le Roi d'Ys (The King of Ys) Overture Edouard Lalo Arr. Frank Wright
Waitākere Auckland Brass
4 The Way We Were Marvin Hamlisch Arr. Steven Booth
RNZA Band, Soloist – Matt Russell on Tenor Trombone
5 Prismatic Light Alan Fernie
RNZA Band
6 Bee Gees for Four Trombones The Gibb Brothers Arr. Steven Booth
Waitākere Auckland Brass Trombone Feature Stu Ritchie, Kento Oyamada, James Marriott & Andrew Lile
7 World O World Jacob Collier Arr. Steven Booth
Waitākere Auckland Brass
8 Paint It Blacker Mick Jagger, Keith Richards Arr. Steven Booth
Combined Bands
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Interval
Please enjoy refreshments available in the foyer.
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Part Two
1 Famous British Marches Arr. Gordon Langford
Combined Bands
2 Les Misérables Music & Lyrics By Claude-Michel Schonberg & Alain Boublil
RNZA Band
3 The Piper O' Dundee Kenneth Downie
Waitākere Auckland Brass Soloist – Matt Howell on Soprano Cornet
4 The Golden Lady
RNZA Band
5 Enter The Galaxies Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Waitākere Auckland Brass
6 Bohemian Rhapsody Freddie Mercury Arr. Darrol Barry
Combined Bands
7 Carnival Cocktail Steve Skyes
Waitākere Auckland Brass Soloist – Linda Filimoehala on Euphonium
8 You'll Never Walk Alone Arr. Darrol Barry
Combined Bands
Encore
Don't Stop Me Now Combined Bands
About Waitākere Auckland Brass
Founded in 1951, Waitākere Auckland Brass is one of New Zealand's longest-established and most respected community brass bands. Based in West Auckland, the band has proudly served its community for more than seventy years through concerts, contests, civic events and community performances.
As an A Grade brass band, it performs an extensive repertoire ranging from traditional brass band classics and major concert works to film music, Broadway, jazz and contemporary compositions.
The band is committed to developing musicians of all ages through performance, education and mentorship, providing opportunities for players to learn, grow and contribute to a thriving musical community.
Under the direction of Steven Booth, Waitākere Auckland Brass continues to build on its proud tradition of musical excellence while embracing innovative programming and exciting collaborations such as today's performance.
Click Here to book your next Waitākere Auckland Brass concert!
About The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery
The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery is one of New Zealand's oldest and most distinguished military bands, with a proud heritage spanning more than 150 years.
Today the band comprises dedicated volunteer musicians who continue the traditions of military music through ceremonial duties, commemorative services, concerts and community performances throughout New Zealand.
Renowned for its precision, musicianship and versatility, the RNZA Band performs a broad repertoire that honours its military heritage while embracing contemporary concert music.
Under the direction of Steven Booth, the band continues to inspire audiences while preserving the proud traditions of New Zealand military music.
The Artillery Band recently produced its own impressive Challenge Coin. Such coins represent membership, camaraderie and heritage of military, police and similar units, in the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand and around the world, who each have their own exclusive coins, which have become collectors’ items. The Band have brought some of their coins with them today, which are available for sale at $25 each at the front desk
Challenge Coins – What are they? Click Here
Acknowledgements
The bands gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our volunteers, families, supporters, sponsors and community partners whose encouragement makes today's concert possible.
Special thanks to:
- Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre
- Front of House Volunteers
- Concert Production Team
- Families and Supporters
- Waitākere Auckland Brass Committee
- The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery Committee
Thank You
Thank you for joining us this afternoon.
We hope you have enjoyed this unique collaboration between Waitākere Auckland Brass and The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery.
We look forward to welcoming you to another performance in the near future.
Safe travels, and thank you for supporting live brass music.
Thank you to our Supporters
