About Us

In February 2005, a group of musicians and conductors got together to discuss the formation of a new, independent wind band in Hawke’s Bay, and Bay Cities’ Symphonic Band was born.

The task of conducting the band was initially shared by the four men who inspired the vision: John Snowling, Director of Music at Lindisfarne College; Brian Kennedy, an experienced bandsman and past conductor of the Salvation Army Band; Neville Stewart, music teacher and co-conductor of the Hastings Citizens’ Brass Band and David Sullivan, Head of Music at St. John's College, Hastings.

The line-up has changed over the last couple of years with Neville and David taking a break and John mentoring some young up-and-coming conductors. We currently enjoy playing under the baton of the well experienced John and Brian and also flute players Joanna Bradnock, an experienced conductor who moved here from Australia, and Melanie Musther, our newest trainee who made her conducting debut in 2010. Laura Grady, a French horn player and music teacher at Kereru School, helped us to win a Gold award with her conducting debut at the 2008 Fielding Festival. She currently on maternity leave, having had her first baby in March 2011.

In addition to presenting local concerts, the band often takes part in the Hastings Blossom Parade, Carols by Candlelight, Pukehou Carol Service, and encourages school bands by performing concerts with them, for example, Central HB College, Lindisfarne College, Taupo-nui-a-tia (Taupo College).

For the past three years the NZ Concert Bands Association has run a ‘Seniors Band’. This year 10 of our members took part in the band held in Masterton which culminated with a very well received public concert.

Each year the band attends the Hawke’s Bay Festival of Bands early in the year, the Feilding Festival in June and the National Concert Bands Festival in August/Sept. We have achieved:

• HB Festival of Bands:
  - Gold award 2007-2010 (2011 Festival not held)
• Feilding Festival of Bands:
  - Gold 2005-2008, Silver 2009, Gold 2010-2011
• NZCBA National Festival:
  - Festival Performance: Gold 2005 – 2011 (non-attendance in 2009 due to clash with Brass Band Central Districts Contest)
  - Entertainment Performance: Gold 2005-2007, Silver 2008. In 2009-2010 this event was replaced by public performances in the city holding the festival.

These results reflect the hard work of our conductors and also the players themselves. The dedication put into the weekly rehearsals flows through to our concerts, ensuring we provide the best possible experience for our audience.

We are a true community organisation with members ranging in age from music students to senior citizens. We encourage young players in the band and offer a sense of belonging whilst they learn about commitment and respect and improve their musical skill. We have members coming from Hastings, Havelock North, Napier, and Central Hawke’s Bay. Some of our younger members are boarders at Lindisfarne College and come from as far as Wairoa and Dannevirke.

We share a passion for promoting quality wind band music throughout Hawke’s Bay. We strive for musical excellence whilst encouraging friendship and camaraderie.