North Shore City,

Auckland,

New Zealand

Musical Director: Claudia Price.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY IN A CONCERT BAND?

We are looking for players all the time. At the moment we are looking for percussionists, brass and sax players, but we are welcoming anyone.

So what is a Concert Band?

A Concert Band is a development of the American Military Band of the Second World War, and is essentially an orchestra without the strings. The instruments include Flutes, Clarinets, Oboes, Bassoons, Trumpets, Trombones, Baritones, Tubas, Saxophones and Percussion. It started in World War Two, when the late, great Big-Band director Glen Miller (and everybody knows him!) was drafted into the Army as Major G. Miller, Bandmaster. He had been instructed by his immediate superior (a very straight-laced Colonel) to play only marches during the march-past under pain of death! Miller stood it for as long as he could, but then finally could not take it any more. In the middle of a huge parade and right in the middle of a march-past he brought the current march to an end, and instructed his band to get out one of his most famous arrangements. To the delight of the whole parade the band suddenly and without any warning whatsoever broke into one of the most famous swing pieces, 'In the Mood' – and this was in the days when swing-jazz was king! The platoons were almost swinging by the podium and every face had a delighted grin as the wonderful music poured out! The salutes had never been given with such aplomb!

Of course, after the parade, the Colonel hauled Miller into his office and was just about to start tearing strips off him, which would probably have led to Miller's court-marshal (!!!) when the General who had taken the salute entered. "Who authorized the jazz for the march-past?"

"Major Miller sir!" shouted the by-this-time-utterly-furious Colonel.

Then to his surprise and shock the General cried, "Well done Major Miller! That was one of the most delightful parades I have ever taken! We'll continue to have that sort of music!"

And the rest, as they say, is history - the Concert Band was up and running, and is now part of the musical backdrop of the world.

(To see the full story, watch the film ‘The Glen Miller Story’ starring James Stewart)

The Concert Band has a far wider range than the Brass Band, and has a mellower tone. It can play anything from rock to classical and everything in between. It is also very versatile, as it can play indoors or out, on podiums, stages, and even on the ground! We have played at MOTAT, The Playhouse Theatre, the Pumphouse, in several shopping centres, and have an annual performance at the great Farmer's Christmas Parade and the Takapuna Christmas Parade.

The Concert Band performing at the Pumphouse.

Performing prior to the huge Farmers Parade in Auckland City

The Band rehearses in the auditorium of Birkenhead College every Tuesday evening at 7.30 pm, and everyone, whatever you play, is welcome!

Any more information, please contact your web master and concert master, Steve Dale

A WORD FROM OUR MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR BAND MEMBERS - CLICK HERE

Our next playout is in the Northcross Rest Home on 15^th March at 2.30 until 3.30, for the entertainment of the assembled populous!

The following playout is in the Northcote Shopping Centre on 21^st March, 11.30 to 1.30.

Come along and enjoy our music!

The North Shore Concert Band –

Where Music is Made!

This Page updated on Saturday, February 28, 2009