Big Band
Whenever the RNZN Band plays it is customary for the Big Band to play a few numbers as part of the concert. This year the Big Band has had the opportunity to perform alone and with the full Concert Band in a larger, more public manner.
The first of the major gigs for the Big Band this year was during the Napier Art Deco Festival in February. The full RNZN Band went to Napier to perform at schools, RSAs and street marches. Performing a two and a half hour concert at the Napier Sound Shell was the highlight of the tour. The Big Band played the second set, performing dance numbers to the near capacity crowd. Some came with picnics to watch the show and others danced at the front of the stage.
When the opportunity presents itself, we often invite special guests to perform with us. In the past we have had the pleasure of playing alongside Erna Ferry (Vocals), Rodger Fox (Trombone), Peter France (Saxophone), Brian Henderson (Piano) and Jon Pappenbrook (Trumpet), Mark Denison (Saxophone), Jackie Clarke (Vocals) and Mark Hadlow (Vocals).
The Big Band often plays high profile gigs such as:
- Charity and RNZN Balls
- Festivals
- Fundraising Events
- Community Concerts and Celebrations
- Dinners and Tea Dances
Instrumentation:
Alto Saxophones Tenor Saxophones Baritone Saxophone
POMUS Michael Miller * POMUS Kelly Kahukiwa AMUS Timothy Christie
AMUS Kevin Yu AMUS Jonathan Franklin
AMUS Matthew Shone
Trombones
POMUS Elizabeth Lawrence
POMUS Riwai Hina *
AMUS Serguei Khousnoutdinov
AMUS Andrew Lile
Trumpets
POMUS Joanna Spiers *
POMUS Michael Kenyon
AMUS Craig Thompson
AMUS Oliver Furneaux
Rhythm Section
Keyboard: LMUS Craig Simpson **
Guitar: AMUS Colin Blakely
Bass: AMUS Moses Sulusi
Drums: CPOMUS Michael Tan, AMUS Leni Sulusi
Vocals: POMUS Kelly Kahukiwa
* Denotes Section Leader
** Denotes Band Leader