Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass (EBOP Brass) have once again proven their competitive strength, earning second place in their grade at the New Zealand Brass Band National Championships held in Christchurch earlier this year.

This result follows their second-place finish at last year’s nationals in Auckland.

Musical director Andrew Leech said he was “absolutely delighted with the very solid result”.

A standout was winning the prestigious Reflective Item, a section that highlights a band’s tonal maturity and emotional range. Their winning performance of Reflections in Nature was particularly poignant as it was dedicated to baby Navy, the daughter of a band family who tragically passed away at birth.

This was the band’s first win since reforming after Covid.

Several EBOP members also shone in the solo competitions, including Clyde Dixon (cornet), Danielle Oram (tenor horn), and Jeshua Oram (bass).

For the first time in several years, EBOP Brass claimed the Waikato Bay of Plenty Brass Band Championship (WaiBop) title, held in Hamilton last month.

This year’s win was especially sweet, as EBOP Brass triumphed over long-time rivals Hamilton City Brass, an A-grade band.

“I am so proud of the band and thought our playing, especially in the hymn and solo item [featuring Jeshua Oram], were memorable," said Leech.

The performance was enhanced by the lively stage presence of emcee and EBOP Brass president Patrick McCarthy, whose humour and energy tied the performance together.

The band also celebrated several solo and party event wins, including Leech’s first place in the Open Slow Melody competition.

EBOP Brass continue to be active in the community: A recent quiz night at Mata Brewery raised funds for upcoming events, while their smaller ensemble, Octuba Brass, performed as part of Octoberfest celebrations at The Comm.

What’s next for EBOP Brass?

The band have their sights set on the National Championships in Wellington in April 2026, where they’ll be aiming to secure the top spot after two consecutive silver medals.

Meanwhile, EBOP’s jazz ensemble, The EBOPers, conducted by Maurice Reid and joined by guest artists The Tequila Mockingbirds, will headline Hops & Horns at Mata Brewery on November 29 and 30.

Described as a “hugely entertaining night of brass, brews, and jazz,” tickets are limited to 100 and available through TryBooking.com or by scanning the QR code on event posters.

Another highlight this season is the Across Aotearoa NZ Composers Concert, on Sunday, November 16 at the Whakatāne Little Theatre.

This special event showcases new works by local and national composers, including bandsman Fraser Bremner and Jack Bewley. Bewley’s recent composition, Apokalypsis, performed by Wellington Brass, has been gaining international attention.

Bremner, a talented percussionist and composer, will also lead composition and percussion workshops in Eastern Bay schools the week before the concert.

Tickets are on sale now via TryBooking.com and at the door, or by scanning the QR code on an Across Aotearoa Poster.

To wrap up a successful year, EBOP Brass will perform at Carols by Candlelight at the riverside amphitheatre on December 13.