All that Brass

By Captain Sarah Heale

Over Waitangi Weekend, around 100 people from across the country met at the Silverstream Retreat, Lower Hutt, for Band Camp 2024! Brass players aged from 10 to 30 from Just Brass Programmes, corps bands and the auditioned members of the New Zealand Fiji Tonga and Samoa Youth Band spent the weekend learning, laughing, rehearsing, bowling, eating, chatting and connecting—all culminating in a concert on the Tuesday morning.

They were privileged to host and share this time with Stephen Stein, former Bandmaster and executive officer, who split his time between the youth and academy bands; he also shared his testimony and challenge at Nite Church on Sunday. 

Under Bandmaster Duncan Horton’s baton, the NZFTS Youth Band are now well prepared for another year of ministry, with trips to Wellington, Whangarei and a South Island tour this year, with an overseas tour of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa planned for 2025. Keep an eye out for a concert near you!

Congratulations go to Emily Allen, Jonty Zydenbos and Anna Dangen who applied and won scholarships to the WMI (World Music Institute) Music Camp to be held in America in July—well done!

We thank you for your ongoing prayer and support of these young adults and this group.

Here are some quotes from the campers and leaders.

What did you most love about Band Camp 2024?

‘The part I most enjoyed was the quiz night. That was very cool.’ – Soren, aged 12

‘Getting to meet all the new people.’ – Annalise, aged 15

‘Every minute of every day has been a highlight for me’ – Stephen Stein, guest conductor and former bandmaster of the NYB

‘Coco pops, late night shenanigans…’ – Emily, NZFTS member from Dunedin

‘Being in the best part of the youth band—the bass section.’ – Brennan, NZFTS member from Hamilton

‘The yearly intro update to the youth band members, who’s dating who, etc.’ – Gabby, NZFTS member from Cuba St

‘The whole package. I work all week, every week, so the thing I loved was the change of environment in a beautiful setting and a change of pace. Basically, not being at work! But also spending this time with like-minded musicians together.’ – Sarah, leader from Palmerston North

‘This is my fourth or fifth camp. The food is good!’ – Otahi, aged 16

‘It’s over! No, this is an inspiring camp. A great way to start the year. I teach every day in schools and by the end of the year I’m very tired. But then I come to camp, and the kids have done so well, and I can see their development, its inspiring.’ – Neville, leader from Palmerston North

‘This is my first camp. It’s a really good experience, especially to know more about our church denomination and sharing our great heritage of music.’ – Max, leader from Palmerston North

‘I really enjoyed the food and the music. The tropical sounds, and my laughing skills, and Sam’s laughing skills.’ – Charlie, aged 13

‘The big game of hide and seek.’ – Ella, aged 14

‘Nite Church and hide and seek.’ – Evy

‘Everyone’s laugh! We’ve been laughing so much, and it’s been amazing.’ – Zia, aged 13

‘The toast was bussin.’ – Hannah, aged 15

‘My highlight is just hanging out with my young people.’ – Scott, corps officer at Christchurch City

‘Percussion sectionals, aka Macca’s run…’ – Ben, NZFTS member from Whangarei

‘Meeting these great kids.’ – Paul, camp dad

‘Seeing plenty of new kids and seeing the ones we started off with years ago who are still sticking with it.’ – Colin, leader from Palmerston North

‘Playing with the youth band.’ – Shane, from Palmerston North who this year auditioned and earned a spot with the band for the first time (as a side note: he was desperate to get issued his official youth band jacket and then never took it off for the rest of the weekend. So proud!)

‘Actually, arriving after five and a half hours of stressful delays.’ – Jaedyn

‘A hot shower—finally!’ – Laura, NZFTS member from Auckland City

‘I would not recommend sleeping above Ben’s bunk…’ – Josh, NZFTS member from Whangarei

‘Ummm … visiting Wellington, meeting new people, going to Lazer Strike, the music was all right, just very long!’ – Emma, aged 14

‘Probably the music I guess and hanging out with new people.’ – Liam, aged 15

‘Steve’s musical ‘stuss’ was pretty, but also the life experience he spoke about. Nice to have a new perspective, a new voice.’ – Erica, NZFTS member from Christchurch City

‘Seeing everyone connect and including the newer members in the band.’ – Glyn, NZFTS player and leader from Christchurch

‘Watching the interactions between the young people, and the fun they have together. They’re learning and they get to know each other too which I think is lovely.’ – Raewyn (Aunty Ray Ray), camp mum

‘I won at cards once.’ – Emily

‘The music, I like the tune “Crocodile Rock”.’ – Marcus, aged 10

‘The music, it’s fun and it sounds great!’ – Keellee, aged 15