Are you keen to develop your musical performance skills or just to play in a band with others?

At Aspire you don't need to be a virtuoso to play in a band. If your skills are at an intermediate level, Aspire can give you the opportunity to play or sing in a big band, which is a lot of fun. You can enjoy playing music with others while you develop your skills under the leadership of Philip Hawkey and Phil Daly.

Joining the Aspire Academy Band will also give you opportunities to perform in public. Check out the following shot of the band performing for a Wellington Free Ambulance fundraiser in June 2011 at St Andrews on the Terrace in Wellington.

Why join the Aspire Academy Band?

The Aspire Academy band is a great vehicle for both developing your skills, and having fun by playing music with others.

Many members found it a great way to get back into music when they hadn't been playing much for a few years.

Aspire does not teach musicians from scratch. You must already at least know how to play your instrument to a basic level, and have some ability to read music. If you have mastered the basics, Aspire can offer you something. If you are already taking private lessons in your instrument, Aspire can complement this with the opportunity to play in a group.

The current band makeup includes one or more of all the following instruments: trumpet, cornet, trombone, euphonium, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute, guitar, piano, bass, drums and vocals. Whatever instrument you play, we'd love to hear from you.

Opportunities to perform

In 2010 and 2011 the Aspire Academy band has been performing at a number of community events in and around Tawa. These included a cabaret show, Tawa School fair, a Tawa community dinner, Tawa historical walk, Longview aged care home, Wellington Free Ambulance fundraiser, and Christmas carols at Tawa Salvation Army.

You may also like to complement your participation in the Aspire Academy Band by taking advantage of the free educational services on offer at Aspire.

To make enquiries about joining the Aspire Academy Band, either email info@aspire.ac.nz or phone the band's manager, Ric Godenho on 021 515414.

Rehearsal times

In 2011 the Aspire Academy Band rehearses most Mondays from 7:30-9:00pm.

Repertoire

We play a range of easy and intermediate level big band and ensemble charts, including:

In the mood

They can't take that away from me

Night and day

I get a kick out of you

I've got you under my skin

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing

How high the moon

Sway

and plenty more