It’s where the future generation of brass instrument performers go to learn. And the more experienced members of Tauranga City Brass Auxiliary Band are helping calm the nerves of the youngest before their Summer Concert on Sunday, December 8.

Caleb Botha, a Year 6 ACG Tauranga student, has been learning trumpet for about six months. He believes playing with the band has helped him progress faster than he would have if he’d been practising alone.

“I’m a bit nervous about the concert,” said the 11-year-old. “I’ve never played in front of that many people before, but I listen to advice from Annabelle.”

Musical director Annabelle Stewart started the auxiliary band about 12 months ago after finding the older average age of band members made it hard to attract new musicians.

“When I first joined Tauranga City Brass around eight years ago, I was usually the only girl and the youngest by a good 10 years,” said Stewart. “I teach plenty of young students, so this is an opportunity to get them into a brass band that’s more accessible. Also, with their younger age, we can have a bit more fun with the music.”

Cruz Estall, a Year 7 Tauranga Intermediate student, started playing trumpet at the start of the year. “Both my dad and my poppa played brass instruments. I like that they make cool sounds,” said the 12-year-old.

Harper Shallard, a Year 9 Mount Maunganui College student, has played the cornet for about three years and encourages other kids to get involved. “It’s really fun being part of the band,” the 13-year-old said.

“I have some senior members of the City Brass Band who just sit and help us,” said Stewart. “For the concert, we have more older musicians, so the kids don’t have to worry about playing the right note. They can go along and have fun.”

The Tauranga City Brass Auxiliary Band Summer Concert features Christmas carols, music from the big screen and traditional marches and hymns, from 3pm on December 8 at Wesley Methodist Church Hall, 100 13th Ave, Tauranga. Entry is $5 a student and $10 an adult. For more information go to www.taurangacitybrass.com

– SunLive