The Manukau Concert Band (MCB) will be having a gala celebration to celebrate 50 years of music-making.
It will be held at Picton Centre, Howick on Saturday May 29 at 7:30 pm.
As previously reported by the Times, the band members hail from across east and south Auckland and are very involved in the community, playing at Anzac Day services and performing at concerts.
The concerts may include visiting groups, other community ensembles and special guests.
They were first formed by the Manurewa Kiwanis Club in 1970 then became an incorporated society in 1971. The name was changed from the Manurewa Kiwani Military Band to Manukau Concert Band as members increased.
They rehearse weekly at the Howick Presbyterian Church.
“We have around 10 performances per year,” Jan Eckersley, the co-president, says. “The band’s been very important to the Manukau music industry.”
Currently they have around 40 members.
Some are recent. Many members, Eckersley says, have been with the band for 10-20 years.
Members in the early years recall attending marching practice – where they’d march and play an instrument at the same time.
She is marking her 20th anniversary with MCB this year.
“A prominent New Zealand composer, Anthony Ritchie, has composed a piece we’ll be performing,” Eckersley says. “We’re very excited.”
Other works featured are Dmitry Kabalevsky and Frank Ticheli.
While it begins at 7:30pm, the doors open at 6pm.
There is free finger food and a cash bar available.
Anyone wishing to hear a variety of music and passionate musicians are encouraged to drop by this Saturday to hear them perform in Howick.
Additionally the committee is keen to hear from past members who would like to be involved or attend the upcoming gala.
Tickets can be purchased from Eventfinda.
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/gala-celebration-50-years-of-manukau-concert-band/auckland/howick
