Havelock North Woodford House euphonium player Mami Koizumi, 16, is one of the 45 best young musicians in New Zealand. Photo / Rafaella Melo
Havelock North Woodford House euphonium player Mami Koizumi, 16, is one of the 45 best young musicians in New Zealand. Photo / Rafaella Melo
Three talented Hawke’s Bay musiciansare taking centre stage as part of the New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds (NZYSW), Aotearoa’s premier youth concert band.
NZYSW features 45 of the nation’s top young musicians aged 14 to 18.
The band meets twice a year for rehearsal and tutoring from some of Australasia’s best music educators and performers and has been rehearsing at Woodford House this week.
Sixteen-year-old euphonium player Mami Koizumi started playing in primary school in Japan.
After moving to Havelock North three and a half years ago she began learning from a professional teacher and joined NZYSW in 2024.
“There are not many euphonium players in Hawke’s Bay, so it’s been great interacting with people from all around New Zealand who have the same passion,” Mami says.
For tutor Simon Schofield, Mami is an example of local talent with national programmes.
A brass instruments teacher across many schools in the Bay, Schofield has a long history with NZYSW, having sent students to the festival for 12 years.
Schofield brings experience from Auckland, where he says standards are notably high.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect in Hawke’s Bay, but I have been pleasantly surprised. There’s a strong community with talented musicians and hardworking community bands.”
Clarinet player Emily Ding, 14, is participating in a NZYSW concert for the first time.
“It’s quite challenging, but I am so happy to be learning from those great mentors,” she said.
Clarinet player Emily Ding, 14, rehearsing with New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds. Photo / Rafaella Melo
Band manager Rosemary Johnson said participants must be at least grade six or seven in their instrument to qualify.
“We really get the best of the best.”
Johnson highlighted the programme’s inclusivity.
“We have students from all social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. For those needing financial assistance, we offer scholarships because we believe in developing talent. This is the future of music in New Zealand.”
Band Manager Rosemary Johnson says students involved in programmes such as NZYSW experience a boost in academic achievement, with improvements of up to 10% in subjects including maths and English. Photo / Rafaella Melo
Apsen Hardy, a 14-year-old percussionist, has been performing with orchestras since he was 5, but is debuting with NZYSW.
He invited the community to support the young talents in the Bay.
“Come and see us perform. It will be great, and I think you’ll love the music. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do while playing it.”
Apsen Hardy, a 14-year-old percussionist, is looking forward to playing with NZYSW band for the first time. Photo / Rafaella Melo
The concerts are set for Thursday at 7.30pm at the Blyth Performing Arts Centre Havelock North, and Friday at 11.30am at the MTG Century Theatre Napier.
Entry is $20 for adults and $15 concession on Thursday. Friday’s entry is by koha.
