Four talented young musicians from Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass have been selected for the prestigious 2025 National Youth Brass Band.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the four are siblings: Jeshua (tuba), Isaac (trombone), Danielle (tenor horn), and Ethan (cornet) Oram. They are also the only musicians from the Bay of Plenty chosen for the band.

Jeshua, 21, Isaac, 20, and Danielle, 18, have previously been selected for the national youth band, but this is the first time for youngest sibling, Ethan, who auditioned for the first time.

Sixteen-year-old Ethan has been named solo cornet player, a role he admits came as a surprise.

“I was surprised I was picked, but it’s cool,” he said.

Jeshua is named as principal bass in the youth band, Isaac is second trombone and Danielle is first horn player.

Jeshua, who also serves as the assistant conductor of EBOP Brass, is looking forward to the experience. “It’s going to be a raucous time with all four of us in the band,” he said.

The Oram siblings will head to Christchurch in January for five days of intensive rehearsals with the rest of the band, followed by a tour and several performances across the region.

“After rehearsals, we’ll have three or four shows, so we’ll be travelling around the area,” Jeshua said.

The National Youth Brass Band, led by musical director Tyme Marsters, consists of 36 of New Zealand’s brightest young brass and percussion musicians, all under 23.

Aspiring musicians must audition for a place in the band, with many going on to pursue professional careers with service bands, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and the National Band of New Zealand.

The Orams are part of EBOP Brass Band, who have been making waves at competitions across the country. Recently, they excelled at the Waikato Bay of Plenty Championships and achieved second place in the National B Grade competition.

EBOP Brass ensembles will also be performing around the region during the festive season, including a Christmas concert at the Salvation Army Hall this Saturday and at the annual Carols by Candlelight performance at the riverbank amphitheatre on Saturday, December 7, at 7.30pm.