The National Youth Brass Band consists of New Zealand's most talented young brass and percussion musicians.
The band members are all under twenty-three years of age and are selected from nationwide auditions of young band members from community-based brass bands. There is no automatic selection for a place in the band, as each player must audition annually.
Many band members have gone on to professional careers in services bands, the NZ Symphony Orchestra, professional conducting and of course the National Band of New Zealand.
The National Youth Brass Band training programme has developed a successful formula that both challenges and encourages our young musicians. Band members participate in a five-day training course which includes section work with some of New Zealand and Australia's finest musicians followed by a concert tour.
The annual Summer Courses have been an outstanding success both musically and profile wise for the brass band movement in New Zealand. The band has undertaken some ambitious tours to include the main centres, holiday resort towns and even vineyards, always with a loyal following and with an emphasis on having a lot of fun in the music-making.
Guest soloist Nic Scott, Musical Director Tyme Marsters and Assistant Director Phil Johnston.
Make friends with the band
The Youth Band has been financially supported by generous individuals and organisations who make an annual donation to the band through a Friends programme. If you would like to support the National Youth Band in this way.
Friends of the National Youth Brass Band
Barrie & Janet Aldridge (in perpetuity) E Aldridge (in perpetuity), Dennis & Margaret Dawson, Pete & Billie Harbidge, John & Norah Hollick, Trevor & Carol Kempton, Ian & Denise Levien, John McGough, Owen Melhuish, David Miller, Graham & Christine Moseley, NZ Army Band, Evan & Lorraine Sayer, John & Rachel Sullivan, the Estate of Joan Norma Morris.
Musical Director 2023 to 2025
Tyme Marsters, Christchurch
Tyme Marsters is from the South Island town of Westport, where he first took up cornet playing at ten. After school, he joined the New Zealand Army Band, simultaneously embarking on a nine-year tenure with Woolston Brass in Christchurch.
During his time with the New Zealand Army Band, Tyme held many positions, including Acting Bandmaster. Tyme was appointed Music Director of Woolston Brass in February 2015, and after only six months at the helm, the band won the A Grade Test at the New Zealand Brass Band Championships.
As a soloist, Tyme has an impressive record of success, including winning ten national titles, with seven of those on flugel horn and winning the coveted Champion of Champions title in 2008. Tyme has also represented New Zealand in two National Youth Bands and seven National Bands.
After retiring from a 20-year career as a military musician, Tyme founded the Brass Factory Canterbury, where he is the director and principal tutor. Here Tyme utilises his extensive experience in brass bands, big bands, orchestras and musical productions as a full-time educator.
Band Manager 2023 Emily Richards, Wellington: nybb2023@gmail.com
