EBOP Brass works with the EBOP Children’s Music School (Facebook) to provide two levels of support for beginning/developing brass players.
The beginners are typically children who have never played an instrument before: we help not only with their choice of instrument, but also provide a tutor book, music, and instruction. We offer a wide range of brass instruments to these beginners (e.g. Bass, Euphonium, Baritone, Tenor Horn, Trombone, Cornet) on a loan/rental basis, matching people to instruments depending mostly on their size and interest. This group is usually about 10 -12 children.
The Development Squad (DS Band)is the next level of band, with beginner students typically moving up in less than a year. This band is a stimulating combination of young players, parents, and a few older brass players … both experienced and otherwise! The DS Band plays a wide range of music, including fun movie and pop tunes, traditional marches, reflective pieces, and serious band works. The music is chosen not only to extend the players’ abilities, but also incorporates some easier pieces to build their confidence.
Students in both these groups are enrolled through the Whakatāne Childrens’ Music School, listed as beginners and advanced brass classes respectively. EBOP Brass appreciates the support of the music school, and the DS Band always joins the other branches of the music school in their end-of-year concert.