June receives top honour for playing second fiddle

BRASS BAND Association Accompanist of the Year June Higham. 194061AD

By Dean Taylor

In the musical world it is the soloist who gets all the glory - be they the singer or musician. It has applied for years in the brass banding world - until recently.

New Zealand Brass initiated an award for top accompanist just three years ago - and twice it has come to Waipa.

This year Accompanist of the Year from the New Zealand Brass Nationals is well known Te Awamutu pianist and organist June Higham. She follows on from last year’s winner, Barbara Smith of Cambridge.

The award recognises the importance of the accompanist to the solo performer. And in terms of experience, Mrs Higham is hard to beat. She was nominated by Castle Trust Hamilton Brass whose members she shares a long association.

Mrs Higham has been an exceptionally committed accompanist since her introduction to brass banding in 1970 as accompanist for the Te Awamutu Municipal Band. She attended her first national contest as accompanist in 1973 and has only missed one contest in the following years to date, giving her 33 national events.

Mrs Higham has travelled from one end of the country to the other and has twice attended the Australian nationals with Castle Trust Hamilton Brass with considerable successes. Playing for all age groups and levels of ability, from novices through to ‘Champion of Champions’, has given Mrs Higham a chance to meet some very talented and wonderful musicians.

In making the nomination the Hamilton band said ‘accompanists are very special people’ and they felt they were ‘very privileged in having June Higham to work with soloists in our band’. Band members appreciated her willingness to be available at the convenience of soloists, often at great inconvenience to her and her family, and the dedication and time she puts into preparing for solo competitions and her commitment to attend a number of regional and national events.

At the upper level of musicianship, Mrs Higham has accompanied such players as Lloyd Lee, David Ansell, Richard Edgecombe and Trevor Bremner are some examples. While these players have been particularly special, everyone from the newest novice to the oldest veteran receives Mrs Higham’s undivided attention and her very best effort, all that could be asked of an accompanist.

Mrs Higham is also known locally for her musical contributions, and contributions in other fields. As mentioned in Tuesday’s edition of the Courier, she is a volunteer pianist for the weekly Te Awamutu Care and Craft gatherings. She recently retired after 23 years of ordained ministry in the Methodist Church, where music was an integral part of her ministry. Mrs Higham was the Church organist for over 55 years, conducted choirs, accompanied vocalists at competitions and recitals and has been involved as pianist, musical director and acted for local operatic shows.

Occasionally Mrs Higham has also been known to find time for music for her own personal pleasure.