OUR HISTORY
The Napier Technical College commenced in 1909. Its brass band formed in 1929. Weekly practices were held in the evening between 7 and 9 pm much to the annoyance of the people attending night classes at the college. A quote from the college magazine 1929, "The Naperian" ".... though much discordant, our band is emerged into its present state ...this was due to the energy after Mr Hopkinson. We must not forget something for we are adept of £50 from the Borough Council toward our band expenses". At the time of the Napier earthquake on Feb 3 1931 the role was 338. Eight boys and one girl lost their lives at the school. The Napier Technical Memorial Band remains as a perpetual memory to these children and to the original band.
Following the earthquake the band continued its existence serving the people of Napier with concerts, carolling and dances. It also attended national and Central District Brass Band competitions. Between 1980 and 1990 Tea Dances held in the Technical Rooms in Whitmore Park were very popular with the public. However with declining interest in brass banding the switch occurred to a symphonic band in 1997 under the musical directorship of Martin Sobleman from USA, then head of music at Napier Boys High School. Subsequent musical directors have continued on this tradition. Brian Kennedy (1999-2002), Stephen Gibbs (2003 -2005), Angela Warmke (2006), Christopher Wilson(2007-2009), Jane Stone (2010-2014) and present musical director Mr Hoani Hawaikirangi. In 2013 with the assistance of treasurer Michelle Dunstall stunning new red uniforms were introduced.
Since 2010 the band holds regularly school holiday training workshops, open to all newcomers with the aim of encouraging new members to have the enjoyment of learning a new instrument and experiencing the commaraderie of band life. The band with its full complement of talented players is active in well supported and entertaining public concerts, turning out at Anzac day services in Clive and Napier, and at the end of the year plays Christmas carols from the back of Colin Smith's truck in Napier and Taradale. The band attends the National Symphonic Band festivals held in a variety of locations throughout the year, these being Auckland, Whangarei, Hamilton, Rotorua, Napier, Hastings, Palmerston North, Wellington and in 2016, Gisborne.
The Original Band in 1929 in front of the Napier Technical College.
