Musical talent leads to national appointments for musicians

Young Whanganui musicians Ethan Mancer and Sarah Wright have been selected for both the National Youth Brass Band and the National Secondary Schools' Brass Band.

The Whanganui High School students, both 17, have been selected from Brass Whanganui.

They say most of the touring will be during school holidays so it shouldn't interfere with their studies too much.

Euphonium player Ethan is following a family tradition. His older brothers Jacob and Brad have played with both bands.

Ethan will play second euphonium with the National Youth Brass Band.

Whanganui High School students Ethan Mancer and Sarah Wright have been selected to play in two national brass bands. Photo / Bevan Conley

Cornet player Sarah has moved to Whanganui from Alexandra to board with the Mancer family.

"I will be playing repiano cornet with the youth band which is very exciting," she says.

"I'm not sure how old I was when I started playing but I know you have to lose your first teeth before you start so I think I might have been about 6.

"My mum played and she encouraged me but I've always loved it."

Ethan says there was no family pressure for him to play a brass instrument and follow his brothers' lead.

"I started playing when I was 10 and I've always enjoyed playing and enjoy practising so it's not like it's a chore or anything."

Whanganui High School's head of music, Jeannette Jones, says the school is very proud of the selection and will support the young musicians.

"They are both very motivated and good at managing their time but I'm here to encourage them when they need it."

The young musicians will be working with the youth band in Hamilton during July and there will be South Island tours later in the year.

There will also be rehearsals to prepare for the National Youth Brass Band's 2019 Australian tour.