Hi there, my name is Sandra Ginever, I play 1st trombone in Hamilton Auxiliary Brass Band. I began my journey into brass banding in 2017 when our family joined Hamilton Brass Factory and Hamilton Auxiliary Brass Band. My Husband, son and daughter now play for Hamilton City Brass senior band, and I keep making improvements in HAB. It's been a great organisation to be part of and I am glad to still be playing and having such a great time meeting new people from around New Zealand.
Bullet points of my musical journey with the band:
- 2017 My son, Leighton, was taught by Tracey Seifert (our current Brass Factory Musical Director) and she invited him and my husband, Quentin, to join the Brass Factory (with Glenn Richards Musical Director) in the back row cornet section. Both moved up to Auxiliary pretty soon after under the Musical Directorship of Te Reo Genefaas (nee Hughes). Leighton moved onto playing Tenor Horn, and Quentin moved up in the cornet section (enjoying playing repiano for some time)...
- Brass Razoo I watched Hamilton Auxiliary Brass perform at the Brass Razoo and I figured this was a great organisation to be part of. I helped out as the kitchen doing dishes while the band rehearsed. The men of my house were having such a great time that I decided I would like to play...
- I couldn't play a note on cornet, but when my husband bought a trombone on Trademe I figured that would be my instrument. I started with lessons and straight into the Brass Factory. Soon after our daughter, Anessa decided to play as well.
- In September 2018 I played my first solo in front of an audience at the Waikato Bay of Plenty regional competitions as a beginning player. This was really scary as I could hardly play a solo in front of the Auxiliary band without shaking like a leaf. It was a really awesome experience though, and a confidence builder for the future. I also played in the D Grade winning Auxiliary band and that was a real thrill.
- In 2019 I played in the NZ National Brass Band championships as a member of Hamilton Auxiliary Brass Band. We came second in the D Grade, and I'm super proud of our achievements as a band. My son, Leighton also participated in the U19 solo contest playing Eb Tuba. Leighton went on to represent New Zealand as a Tuba Player at the National Secondary Schools' Brass Band.
- In 2020 I did the unimaginable alongside my daughter Anessa. We both sat and passed Trinity music trombone exams (Grade 4 for me and Grade 3 for Anessa). I was so nervous at first because it's been over 30 years since I sat a music exam but after a year of determination I am really proud of myself and feel more confident in my playing.
- 2021-2024 I became the manager of the National Secondary Schools' Brass Band. This was an amazing opportunity to give back to the brass band community. Yes it was time consuming, but I gained a lot of confidence, made new friends and supported young musicians from around New Zealand. Unfortunately the 2021 course was cancelled by Covid19, but we held an online course and then 2022 was Christchurch, 2023 Cambridge and 2024 in Nelson. I've met hundreds of people in this and now I really enjoy going to band national contest because I know so many people who love the hobby I love too.
2024 NSSBB Band Picture
- 2024, I continued to push myself and play solos at regional contest. I'm no longer an intermediate competitor but I'm certainly no pro. I've placed last two years in a row in the Open Air & Variation. I don't mind... I continue to have lessons with Colin Smith and I do believe I'm making solid progress.
- 2024, this was the year I became the only one in my family playing with Hamilton Auxiliary Brass. However, it is for good reasons. Now Quentin (2nd Cornet), Leighton (Eb Bass) and Anessa (2nd Trombone) play in the Hamilton City Brass Band. They come to support Hamilton Auxiliary Brass often for regional contests and play outs such as Matamata Festival. We play as a family busking and more recently at the Auxiliary Friends and Family play out... I am just glad all four of us have found a hobby we enjoy together.
- 2025 now that I'm not the manager of the NSSBB, I have decided to apply (and been selected) for the Bras and Brass (all female brass band which raises funds and awareness about Breast Cancer). I want to focus on my career (teaching) and my music. Life is good!
A much more confident player in 2024
If you are wondering - should I play a brass instrument???
The only advice I have for anyone wanting to pick up a brass instrument is to give it a go. From what I have experienced so far age doesn't seem to be a barrier. I started age 38 and with a bit of hard work, patience and perseverance it becomes easier and more enjoyable with every practice. It is an advantage if you can already read music, but this is not to say that you can't learn this skill as an adult.
The Hamilton City Brass Band Inc Has been an incredible organisation to be a member of, players are so friendly and it doesn't take long for the band to become your family.
Good luck to you in your own musical journey. I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I have enjoyed putting it together.
Sandra Ginever
January 2025.
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