From the Archives
Wellington Brass Band has over 100 years of rich history under many alias
The histories project was collated by Merv Allison, Don Bly, Chook Henderson, Jack Schaef and Colin Rogers.
Wellington Corporation Tramways brass band. 1910. Tesla Studios: Negatives of Wanganui and district taken by Alfred Martin, Frank Denton and Mark Lampe (Tesla Studios). Ref: 1/1-020824-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23217784
Onslow Brass Band
In 1964, the last tram to run in Wellington (and NZ) saw WBB send off a tribute of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ on the ceremonial journey. WBB moved to the northern suburbs, becoming Onslow Brass Band with naming rights sponsorship from Wellington’s “Evening Post” newspaper, the band occupying the old Returned Service Association hall.
At the demolition of the RSA Halls, Wellington Brass Band to have a purpose built venue. On the land it now owns.
In 1988 the band changed its name to The Evening Post Wellington Brass Band, to better reflect its position as the city's brass band, and the Wellington Region's premier A-Grade band.
Community
Wellington Brass has always been a band with the community at heart.
Performing in civic functions; commemorations and celebrations, to performing in collaboration with many artists.
Wellington Brass Band has commissioned numerous works by New Zealand Composers. A collection of these works have been recorded by SOUNZ - Toi te Arapūoro.
Involved with numerous project collaborations. Including touring with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (Respighi - Pines of Rome), performances with Dave Dobbyn and the Orpheus Choir. Collaborations with artists such as Rex Richardson and Peter Moore. WBB has had numerous recording projects, and work in film and television, including projects for comedian Guy Williams - “NZ Today” and the Film - Red, White and Brass.
Wellington Corporation tramways band
Founded in 1905, at a time when brass banding was often affiliated with the military or trade unions. For the first 50 years WBB band represented the Tramways (many workers were playing members) and its practice rooms were a hall adjacent to the tram sheds in Newtown.
Accounts of the bands beginnings exist in minute books and extracts from the AGM. The NZ Listener of 1956 ran a 50th Anniversary feature.
Bands of World 1970 stating “It was formed in 1905 as the Wellington Municipal Tramways Band. Originally a military concert band, it adopted all-brass instrumentation soon after it began to enter contests in 1908.”
Brass band on a Wellington wharf, welcoming back New Zealand soldiers from overseas. 26 July, 1943. Ref: 1/4-001130-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23058755
Contests
The New Zealand Brass Band Championships are regarded as the oldest music competition in the World. Records of WBB performances and contest results date back to 1911. Wellington Brass Bands have had wins in all Grades, with mixed results in the Marching categories. Wellington Brass Band has toured internationally, with an invitation to perform at the highest caliber- British Open in 2016, and has contest wins in Australia. Wellington Brass is the only band to have 6 consecutive victories at a New Zealand contest in the A Grade.
