Bio

Howick Brass has been an integral part of the community since 1959, starting out as the Howick Citizens Band through to Smiths Locksmiths Manukau City Brass in the 90’s and 2000’s, up until the present day where the band has returned firmly to its roots as Howick Brass Inc. Throughout that time the band has existed under a number of sponsors and funders, with the two most notable examples being Smiths Locksmiths and the Auckland Council – Howick Local Board (previously Howick Ward and Manukau City Council). Howick Brass is enjoying a strong period of activity and is one of Auckland’s most active and versatile brass bands.

Howick Brass is also a highly competitive contesting band and regularly [successfully] competes on both regional and national levels. The band has been National C Grade Champions twice, with the most recent win in 2013 at the National Championships held in New Plymouth. For at least the last ten years, Howick Brass have placed in the top three bands at a national level and have won numerous individual sections on each occasion. The band also enjoys the reputation of being one of the finest marching bands at a national level, and fulfils many civic duties in the capacity of a full and complete marching band. At a regional level, the band have been B-Section Champions for the last 6+ years and recently won the C grade section at the 2016 Waikato/Bay of Plenty (WAIBOP) Regional Championships, being placed 3rd overall in the Open Grade Section.

The band has a very enviable player-base, with many players having competed successfully as soloists and chamber musicians at both regional and national championships and selected as representative players for the National Secondary Schools Band, the National Youth Band, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, the National Band of New Zealand and the New Zealand Youth Brass Ensemble. The band is made up of members from all walks of life, right through from professional musicians and composers, teachers, lawyers, architects, engineers, nurses, accountants, students and doctors – including one Doctor of Toots!

Howick Brass Inc. is fortunate to be generously supported by an enthusiastic core family of sponsors and supporters. These organisations allow the band to deliver free events to the community of Howick to the highest level achievable, and have contributed hugely to the success of Howick Brass in the community. Howick Brass Inc. is proud to acknowledge and publically thank this core family of supporters, consisting of the Howick Local Board (Auckland Council), Dr Toot and New World Howick.

Links

• Artist Website