An Interview with Hamish Williams
As published in the NZ Mouthpiece:
Next-Gen
In this issue, Lachlan Spence interviews
17-year-old Hamish Williams, who plays for Wellington Brass, Buzzing Brass and the RNZ Air Force Band.
How did you come to join a brass band?
In early 2018, I was in Lower Hut with my mum and just so happened to watch Hutt City Brass play. I straight away knew I wanted the biggest horn. I initially didn’t want to play in a brass band with the tuba, but after some looking around, my mum discovered Buzzing Brass. Once she got the offer of a free instrument if I played with the band, it was decided for me. I’ve been playing with Buzzing Brass since then.
Does musical ability run through your family?
My family is pretty musical in a casual way. They all play instruments, though not as hard out as I do. I have three sisters: one plays bass guitar in an Indie rock setting, one plays guitar in high school bands, the last sister and my mum play in the Capital City Wind Band on sax and clarinet, respectively, and my dad jams drums at home.
What have been some of your musical highlights?
The 2023 Nationals was definitely a musical highlight as it was my first year playing with Wellington Brass in the A Grade. It was a huge step up from playing in D Grade with Buzzing Brass the year before. The music choice was amazing; having such a skilled band around me was awesome experience. Competing in the Under 19 duet competition with Malachy Holborow was also a ton of fun. For me, duet playing is the hardest to get right, but when it all works it’s the most rewarding.
What have you gained from being in the Secondary Schools’ and National Youth Bands?
Mainly, what I got out of these programmes was meeting people who are just as passionate about music and working just as hard as I am. Playing some cool music is a big part of it, giving everyone a common goal to work towards. But making friends around the country who share your interest in music is so special; it makes all the hard work everyone puts in worth it.
Who or what has been your greatest inspiration?
My biggest inspirations have been Nick Scott and Byron Newton. Nick Scott is a phenomenal player and listening to him across from me playing in Wellington Brass really expanded my view on what is
possible on the instrument. I also learned so much from him as the 2023 national youth band tutor. Buzz (Byron) is also an amazing player, but I also love what he is doing with Buzzing Brass. It’s the youth bands that keep the brass band tradition alive. I certainly would never have gotten so into brass banding if it wasn’t for Buzz and Buzzing Brass.
What’s the best thing about being in a brass band?
The community and competitions. There aren’t really many other music competitions like brass band championships. It gives you a week of the year to catch up with friends from around the country and to show off what you’ve been working on for months.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you with your achievements thus far?
Buzz, for introducing me to brass bands; James Sutherland, for being my tuto for six years; and Dave Bremner and Wellington Brass, for giving me something to work towards and a high standard to strive for.
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I’m not pursuing music as a career, but when I move to Christchurch to study engineering, I hope to join a band I can call home for a few years while studying at Canterbury University.
Quickfire questions
What type of music do you listen to most?
Jazz fusion like Snarky Puppy and Shubh Saran.
Other interests?
Cooking and baking.
Favourite food?
Neapolitan pizza.
Favourite place?
Inside by the fire on a rainy day.
Favourite film?
Inception.
Favourite instrument?
F tuba would be my favourite because of its beautiful sound in the upper register, but the cello is also a very beautiful instrument.
Favourite piece of music?
Audivi Media Nocte
What do you dislike most?
Hangnails.
For the more technical amongst us, what make of instrument do you play?
A Sovereign 982 Eb tuba.