Playing from the heart.
A grant from the Rotorua Trust has helped the city win accolades for its staging of the National Brass Band Competition in July.
Glenys Searancke, the president of Rotorua Brass, says the event could not have taken place in the desired venues without the Trust’s support.
The venues used included the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and the Princess Gate Hotel, as well as the Rotorua Lakes Council Chamber.
The event attracted 1,000 band members from throughout the country, and one band from Australia, along with many family members in support. They utilised a range of accommodation right through to the Rotorua Boys’ High School hostel.
Given the size of band numbers and supporters, Rotorua gained greatly from the money spent on accommodation and other services.
Glenys says Rotorua proved to be popular for the bands as the events were central and within easy walking distance. Although held in the middle of winter, the weather relented for the street march and it was cold but sunny with a great turnout from the public.
Rotorua Brass was the runner-up in the C-Grade, which Glenys says was an improvement given it had been down in numbers in the past but had surged again recently.
Glenys says it was gratifying for organisers to see how overwhelmingly positive the feedback was from visitors.
Glenys Searancke
07-349 4243
Jim McGregor
07-349 0219