NZ Army Band members deploy to other bands and triumph at prestigious brass championships 

About 40 bands across four grades – ranked A to D, plus a youth grade - competed in Wellington over five days last month. 

First held in Christchurch in 1880, it has run almost every year since, pausing only for major events such as the world wars, the 1931 Napier earthquake and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The NZ Army Band was strongly represented, with its members performing in a wide range of civilian brass bands from across the country. Their talent especially shone in the soloist categories.

This year’s winners included Staff Sergeant Kevin Hickman (Open Flugelhorn Solo, Open Slow Melody), Lance Corporal Aishah Leitner (Invitation Slow Melody, Open Tenor Trombone Solo), Corporal Joel Williams (Open Eb Bass Solo, Open Duet), Lance Corporal Lachlan Grant (Open Bb Bass Solo), and Private Cameron James (Open Baritone Solo).

There were also some strong placings. Staff Sergeant Hickman placed second in the Masters event and third in the Open Champion of Champions, Lance Corporal Jean-Luc Pitcaithly took second in the Amateur Cornet Solo, and Private Brady Foxley-Conolly placed third in the Open Bass Trombone Solo. 

Private Walter Hughes was recognised on the final night of competition, receiving the prestigious “Outstanding Soloist in the Test Piece” award for his performance as Principal Euphonium from Hamilton City Brass.

This was a significant achievement, with Private Hughes competing against brass soloists of all types during the highly competitive test selection event.

Alongside her solo success, Lance Corporal Leitner performed as Principal Trombone with the champion A-Grade band, North Shore Brass, joined by Corporal Cameron Burnett on percussion. Corporal Burnett’s percussion section was awarded ‘Best Section in the Test Piece’; a notable honour, and the first time since 2017 that it was presented to a percussion team.

“The North Shore Brass band is 102 years old and this is the first time it has won the A-Grade section,” Corporal Burnett said.

“Competing was a lot of work, but it's fun work. It’s voluntary, so everyone's there because they want to be there. It's a lot of work getting the music to as high a standard as you can, it's fun and collaborative, but also quite nerve-wracking.”

After all the results were known, the team was elated, with Private Hughes’ award topping the night.

“Walter is only 20 years old and was up against much older players who had been competing and performing for decades.”

NZ Army Band Officer Commanding, Major Julie Richardson, said the band was lucky to have some of the best musical talent in Australasia.

“Their success at the National Championships shows just how many years of effort they’ve put into honing their skills, along with their genuine passion for music and drive to keep improving. Huge congratulations to all the musicians for what they’ve achieved.”