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NAVY BAND ON THE ROAD FOR WEST COAST CONCERTS

Wednesday 9 March, 2005

26 members of the Navy Band from the Devonport Naval Base, will be performing three school concerts in Hokitika and one public concert in Greymouth on 15 and 16 March 2005.

The Navy Band is in the Timaru/Akaroa and Lyttelton areas in support of the Farewell Tour for the Navy’s last steam driven frigate, HMNZS CANTERBURY Farewell Tour prior to decommissioning from operational service on 31 March 2005. The Navy Band has a two day break in the programme to travel across to the West Coast to perform for two schools and a public concert.

In a hometowner twist, a Navy Band musician, Able Musician Craig Simpson, is originally from Hokitika, attended Westland High School, and is looking forward to performing a concert at his old school.

Programme

• Hokitika Tuesday 15 March
• 1115 am School Concert Westland High
• 7:00 pm Public Concert Regent Theatre – gold coin donation to raise funds for theatre
• Greymouth Wednesday 16 March
• 0945 am School Concert Greymouth High
• 2:10 pm School Concert John Paul Second High School

Ends

For further information please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Navy Public Relations Officer, Ph: (09) 4455002 or Mob: 021-2440638

Media are invited to attend the Navy Band performances and interviews will be arranged as requested.

Background

The Navy Band was formed in the early 1960’s from a nucleus of formal Royal Marines musicians who remained in New Zealand after the Royal Marines Band was recalled to the United Kingdom. Today, the Navy Band's primary role is to satisfy the ceremonial requirements of the Navy, which includes support at Royal, Vice Regal and State occasions. When not on the parade ground or supporting official ceremonies, the Band supports local charities and community based organisations with concerts and other high profile performances. Over time the Band has diversified to meet the changing needs of the public and a number of new groups have formed within the band including a Big Band, Rock Band, Jazz Combo, and Brass Group.