Starting in 2001 the National Secondary Schools’ Brass Band is an annual training course for brass and percussion musicians who attend New Zealand secondary schools.
Players are selected for the band annually by audition. During the training course, players rehearsal as a full brass and well as dividing into sectionals where they are mentored and trained by champion adult players. The Band then performs concerts in the local community to not only entertain but to put their improved performance skills to the test. The players then give back to their community bands and schools through sharing the knowledge and experience they have gained.
Follow our Facebook page to find out about the 2024 camp being held in Nelson from 1 to 5 October or email nssbrassbandnz@gmail.com
The History
Musical Director 2023 & 2024
Vickie van Uden, Christchurch
Having emigrated from the UK at the end of 2021, Vickie lives in Christchurch, where she is the musical director of Woolston Junior Band and Sumner Silver Band. She has recently started teaching brass in primary schools, bringing the Wider Opportunities music programme to local schools. Vickie ran this programme for the Richmond Music Trust in the UK, along with her work as Brass Team leader, visiting music teacher, and ensembles director.
Graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music, Vickie is a music teacher, professional trumpet player, and founding member of Bella Tromba. However, she is equally at home with brass bands, having conducted the Richmond Brass Band of London and played cornet with many championship section bands.
To learn more about Vickie, follow this link.
