Brass band to celebrate notable 135-year history

Jim Edmondston, a Hawera lawyer, plays tenor trumpet in the 135-year-old Hawera Brass Band. PHOTO/FILE

The Hawera Brass Band is up and playing, even though most of New Zealand's regional brass bands went down the tubes decades ago.

The South Taranaki band is preparing to celebrate 135 years of resounding musical success on October 19, in Hawera.

Jim Edmondston, tenor trumpeter in the band since 1963, said his instrument was not a pure-bred brass horn, it was more a hybrid derived from the French horn.

The Hawera lawyer had started with the band for two reasons.

"My friends wanted me to join them and the neighbour across the road was in the band and he used to practise his trombone every day for hours. I can remember it well, listening to him blowing in and out, so it was a bit like if you can't beat them ... join them. And I did," he said.

It was sad that brass bands weren't attracting young players any longer.

"And, of course, the rest of us are getting older and older. Youngsters are not interested in brass bands. They've got a lot more going on in their lives these days."

The Hawera band still played, but usually only at civic occasions, he said.

"I don't know what will happen in Hawera come the day when the brass band doesn't march through town. It will be terrible."

The band had an impressive history as a New Zealand A-grade band and champion in those early years, Mr Edmondston said.

The band was put on its feet and trained up by Harry Fox, acclaimed New Zealand jazzman Rodger Fox's grandfather.

"It has a remarkable history with the talented Fox family."

Born and bred in Hawera , Mr Edmondston said he even surprised himself that he had never moved away.

"And I'm still living in the family home."

Band chairwoman Christine Cameron is keen to find as many past members as she can for the reunion. Even though she sent out dozens of invitations to previous players, she realises not everyone will attend.

"Well, not everyone is still interested."

The Hawera Brass Band was formed in June, 1878, with 12 instrumentalists and a big drummer, she said. But today there were just 10 players.

Mr Edmondston said: "Well, sometimes there are 12 of us."

Even though it was a struggle for the band he said he was convinced it wouldn't fold.

"I don't think so. We're an institution, you see, and a very strong one at that."