Group photo of members of the Air Force band taken during the visit of Spanish King and Queen in 2009. (OH09- 0392-005)
20 July 2009
Members of the RNZAF bands have been selected for sought-after positions in two of New Zealand’s premier National musical ensembles. The National Band of New Zealand and the NZSO National Youth Orchestra are the epitome of non-professional National representation in music and the inclusion of RNZAF musicians reflects the high standard of music in the RNZAF.
Both ensembles are formed annually and selected by nationwide audition; a stressful and nerve-wracking undertaking. In 2009 around 95 musicians were selected for the National Youth Orchestra, and thirty for the National Band. Both groups are undertaking landmark tours; the band traveling to the World Music Championships in Kerkrade, Holland, and the Orchestra celebrating its 50th year with a tour of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, as well as a weekend reunion in Wellington.
Musicians F/S Denis Teeling from Base Woodbourne Band, and Bandmaster F/S Clyde Dixon and cornet player LAC David Maas from Base Ohakea Band, are part of the National Band. Clyde Dixon, who has been a member of a number of national bands during his career and is one of New Zealand’s top cornet players, says, “this opportunity to perform at an international event is one not to be missed. It is something which is remembered for a lifetime”.
The Central Band of the RNZAF, based in Wellington, includes a plethora of young musicians selected for the National Youth Orchestra. These are:
on Trumpet:CPL David Kempton, LAC Danny Kirgan, LAC Slade Hocking and LAC Chris Woolley.
on Trombone: LAC Mark Davey and LAC Tim Walsh.
on Clarinet: LAC Hayden Sinclair, LAC Andrew Durant and LAC Anna McGregor.
on Flute: LAC Hannah Darroch.
on Bassoon: LAC Alex Chan.
on French Horn: LAC Shadley van Wyk and AFCDTY Tim Myhill.
on Percussion: LAC Bent Hunt
They will be joined at the reunion events for the 50th anniversary by one of the band’s longest serving members, Drum Major W/O Bob Gillies, who was a member of the 2nd National Youth Orchestra.
The Central Band of the RNZAF has served as a stepping stone onto professional careers for many New Zealand musicians. A number of wind, brass and percussion players of both the NZ Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra spent time earlier in their career as Territorial (now Reserve) musicians in the Central Band, as have some of New Zealand’s top jazz musicians.
Ends