There’s a new man at the front of NBS Nelson City Brass, and he’s about to make his debut with the baton.
On Saturday, 5 September, NBS Nelson City Brass will take to the Theatre Royal stage for NBS A Night at the Opera, its first concert under new musical director Ross Gerritsen.
While Ross is no stranger to conducting, this will be his first concert at the helm of the award-winning ensemble, after more than 40 years of playing in brass bands.
The head of arts at Nayland College says he wasn’t initially looking to give up his principal euphonium seat for the conductor’s podium.
Playing, he says, is his “first love”.
But when the band advertised for a new musical director after Nigel Weeks’ 10-year stint, and interest was limited, Ross decided to throw his baton in the ring.
“I’ve done a lot of conducting at a school level in the past, mainly in musical theatre and concert bands... so this is an opportunity to take over that space in the band.”
He has now been in the role for about eight weeks and, while he’s no stranger to conducting, there’s a lot more that comes with leading a band at this level.
“You’re responsible for working with 25 other people, making sure they’re all working at their best.”
There are scores to prepare, tricky passages to identify and workshop, and rehearsals to manage.
Then there are the younger players, including school-age musicians, who need a little extra coaching.
“And, I guess, that’s where the school teaching comes in,” he quips.
Ross says the key is balancing that coaching with keeping the band’s highly experienced players challenged and engaged.
“That’s probably the biggest challenge of taking over a role like this.”
Then there's choosing the music. He spent hours listening to dozens of pieces before settling on the programme for NBS A Night at the Opera.
Ross says there will be a mix of both familiar and less expected choices, with opera, classical music and rock opera all featuring.
Joining the band will be soprano Antonia Brightwell and tenor Ivan Zhang, along with Nelson pianist Sarah Watkins and Nayland College student and classical guitarist Joe Gavin.
“It's a really diverse programme; I think it’s going to be a cracker.”
Looking ahead, Ross says there are Christmas concerts, Opera in the Park, and preparations for the national championships in Invercargill in April 2027.
“I’d love to continue the work the band’s been doing... I think it’s just about sustaining good quality music for our community.”
NBS A Night at the Opera by NBS Nelson City Brass is on Saturday, 5 September, at 7pm at Theatre Royal Nelson. Tickets are available at www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz
