The NZ Army Band (OH08-0356-98)
26 November 2008
Two well-supported New Zealand events and local performances in Waikato and the Bay of Plenty will be among the highlights as the New Zealand Army band tours around the North Island over the next two weeks.
The tour will see the Band provide entertainment at the Around the Lake Cycle Challenge in Taupo as well as at the Santa Parade down Queen Street in Auckland.
Public concerts will also be held in Tauranga, Taupo, Rotorua and Hamilton (see tour itinerary below).
The Army Band is internationally renowned for their talents and has performed at a number of world-class events including the Edinburgh Tattoo.
Army Director of Music, Captain Leanne Smith says the band is looking forward to providing entertainment at two of New Zealand’s most celebrated events as well as the chance to visit areas they don’t often get to play as often as they would like.
“The public can expect to see our usual high-energy, entertaining style when we play and we welcome any and all who can come along to our performances,” Captain Smith says.
Itinerary:
Fri 28 November Officer Cadet School Graduation Waiouru 1000
Sat 29 November Around the Lake Cycle Race Taupo Lakeside 1100-1400
Sun 30 November Santa Parade Auckland City 1400
Mon 1 December Public Concert Red Square - Tauranga 1230
Tues 2 December Public Concert City Focus - Rotorua 1230
Wed 3 December Tauhara College Concert Taupo 1100-1330
Taupo RSA Concert Taupo 1830
Thurs 4 December Public Concert Civic Plaza - Hamilton 1000
ENDS
For more information please contact Bas Bolyn, Defence Public Relations on 04 496 0285 or 021 478 574.
Media Note: To find out further information on the Band and where they are playing please contact Warrant Officer Class I Graeme Bremner on 027 599 4562
Background: NZ Army Band
As soldier/musicians the band holds a unique position in the New Zealand Army. Their duties include performing at State and Ceremonial occasions.
However, the scope of performance that the New Zealand Army Band undertakes is immense and varied. Often they are able to show their ability as versatile performers promoting the New Zealand Army at home and around the world. Essentially a traditional Brass Band, the Band has incorporated into its ranks a complete rhythm section enabling the band to broaden their repertoire to keep up with modern music.
This enables the band to include a number of smaller ensembles that are adept at performing to specific audiences. The New Zealand Army Band's performances are as varied as their invitations as feature guests to Arts Festivals, International sports fixtures, school and public concerts. But mostly the New Zealand Army Band has earned international recognition and reputation as one of the finest marching bands in the world. This standard continually sustained through a regime of rigorous drill and rehearsal, evidenced by invitations to appear at numerous, prestigious world events.
Note: Currently 644 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on 16 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world, in places such as Antarctica, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands and Sinai.