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 rehearse 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 not only to entertain but to put their improved performance skills to the test. The players then give back to their community bands and schools by sharing the knowledge and experience they have gained.
Follow our Facebook page to find out about the 2025 camp being held in Wellington from 30 September to 4 October or email nssbrassbandnz@gmail.com
The History
Musical Director 2025 & 2026
Linda Filimoehala, Auckland
Since the age of eleven, Linda has won many competitions throughout her playing career. In 2013, she achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Pacific Islander and euphonium player to reach the Auckland University Graduation Gala Concerto Competition finals. This feat remains unparalleled to this day. Her prowess continued to shine as she secured a Gold in the New Zealand Concert Band Association (NZCBA) solo competition and claimed victory in the open-age category from 2017 to 2022, holding the record of five consecutive wins.
Hailing from a family of talented Tongan musicians, Linda's commitment to her craft extends beyond personal achievements. Her family shares her passion for music, creating a harmonious legacy that resonates through generations.
In 2015, Linda achieved one of her most significant milestones—opening a music academy that provides free education and instruments to children who otherwise couldn't afford music lessons. This charitable endeavour, undertaken with her family, showcases Linda's deep commitment to making the transformative power of music accessible to all.
In 2020, Linda took on the role of musicial director for Kumeu Brass, where she has found ways to explore the boundaries of her creativity. Her dedication and willingness to continuous learning have allowed her to become more confident as a musician and expand her experience outside the brass world.
Linda is one of Auckland's busiest musicians, juggling roles as a euphonium player in three brass bands, the music director of a fourth, and a dedicated music educator in her family's music academy and local schools.
