Sallies' youth band set to delight

The Salvation Army Media Release

Sallies' youth band set to delight at Queenstown Winter Festival

Wellington, 5 June 2007 - The streets of Queenstown will resonate with the sounds of brass during the Queenstown Winter Festival's opening weekend.

The Salvation Army's National Youth Band is set to give two free performances at Queenstown's Earnslaw Park on Saturday, 23 June. The interactive shows starting at 11.30am and 1.30pm will feature an upbeat selection of Christian music, movie themes and popular tunes.

Between performances, the 30-member band will be on the move, taking part in the city's festival parade, which kicks off at 12noon.

National Youth Band Musical Director, Stephen Stein, says that the Earnslaw Park shows aim to be vibrant and as entertaining as possible,
with some soloists moving about and playing amongst the audience.

'We're trying to show the diversity of band music and disprove the myth that brass band music is dull or old-fashioned.

'Brass bands are a relevant and dynamic musical force that can communicate directly with any audience.'

Mr Stein says that the National Youth Band gives only three weekend performances each year and this is the first time in Queenstown. While in Queenstown, the band will also play during 120th anniversary celebrations of The Salvation Army's Queenstown Corps (church).

The National Youth Band is currently made up of musicians aged between 16-30, and selected from the ranks of Salvation Army senior soldiers (or members) from throughout New Zealand. Players are auditioned from members of The Salvation Army's National Development Youth Band. The band currently includes six members from the South Island.

Mr Stein has been associated with the band for almost 20 years, first as a player, then since 2001 as musical director.

ENDS

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