Birthday Brass at Booth College

The powerful sound of brass music filled Booth College of Mission in Upper Hutt over King’s Birthday weekend, as the NZFTS Youth Band brought together young musicians from across Aotearoa New Zealand—plus representatives from Fiji and Tonga—for a weekend that was as much about faith and service as it was about music.

Made up of around 36 players aged 15 to 26, this is no ordinary band. Every member earns their place through audition, creating a high-level ensemble united by skill, dedication and a shared mission: to entertain, encourage and evangelise.
On Sunday morning, the band led worship at Upper Hutt Corps. Then, split into small groups, band members went out to serve the community—playing for a 70th birthday at a rest home, helping with home renovations, clearing weeds at Booth College and transforming spaces at Te Kura o Hau Karetu (formerly Maoribank School).