Nayland College Head of Performing Arts, Mr. Nigel Weeks, is on his way to the world championships as conductor of the National Band of New Zealand.

The National Band showcases New Zealand's best brass and percussion players and its unique brass repertoire at international concert and contest events. The National Band is formed periodically for specific purposes by auditioning top brass and percussion players throughout New Zealand. It is truly a New Zealand representative band. It was first formed in 1953 and has a considerable record of international success since then.   Mr. Weeks joins an elite group of conductors of this outstanding ensemble. 

In July the National Band will perform at the World Championships in Kerkrade, the Netherlands. Only 10 bands are invited to compete in this championship which is held every four years. Other bands invited come from England, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. All ten bands compete twice, the first day on a set test piece, a new commission by Swiss composer Oliver Waespi and the second day on an own choice programme of 40 minutes. Included in the National Band's programme will be three pieces which are brand new compositions. One of those is from the well-known New Zealand composer Gareth Farr. The champion band will be the winner on aggregate over both competitions.

The National Band will also present a concert as part of the 20th Anniversary Celebrations of the creation of the Special Administrative Region, commonly called the handover from the United Kingdom to China. Other participants in these celebrations include the Berlin Philharmonic and the Louvre.

The band will be in camp in Auckland preparing for these two engagements and other concerts for a week from 23 June 2017. It leaves New Zealand on 1st July 2017 but before doing will give a farewell concert in Hamilton 28 June and Auckland 30 June.

The National Band will be featured on TV One's Breakfast show next Tuesday 27 June.