Sophie sees world through banding

CORNET player Sophie Wilson is off to the European Band Championships in Switzerland with Trust Waitakere Brass - one of five bands the Te Awamutu College student currently plays for. 243061AD

By Dean Taylor

She plays for five bands, has three jobs - and Sophie Wilson is still at school.

The Te Awamutu College seventh former loves brass and symphonic music, and now that love is taking her to Europe.

Sophie plays cornet and trumpet for jazz, symphonic and brass bands - and obviously has talent as she has been invited to join Trust Waitakere Brass which is competing at the European Band Championships in Lucerne, Switzerland. It is the second time music has taken her overseas - Sophie was part of the Te Awamutu College Band tour of Sydney in 2004.

But this is an even larger opportunity as the band is also touring and playing in other parts of the host nation, as well as the north of England and Scotland. Sophie will also be able to catch up with her sister Hayley in London afterwards and enjoy some holiday time with her as they tour Paris, Venice, Rome and Lucca.

It came about when Sophie heard about the tour from her New Zealand Secondary School Brass Band conductor, who is with Trust Waitakere Brass. She initially asked to be part of the supporters tour, but was then invited to play second cornet - an honour in such a top band.

Sophie says a number of invited players from around New Zealand are joining the band to bolster numbers and strengths for the tour and they all get together just one week before leaving. She is enjoying the challenge of the music an A grade competitive band performs and says it will definitely improve her musicianship.

As the September 20 departure date looms, Sophie is managing band work six days a week, as well as her three jobs and final year at school. She is tutoring music at Te Awamutu Intermediate and Pirongia Schools and works at Magills Meats.

Sophie plays for Te Awamutu College Jazz Band, Te Awamutu College Senior Band, Waikato Youth Symphonic, Castle Trust Hamilton Brass and now Trust Waitakere Brass.

And it has been a good year for Sophie - which she says just keeps getting better. Te Awamutu College Senior Band was awarded Gold and Silver at the recent New Zealand Symphonic Bands festival, and Waikato Youth Symphonic Gold and a special merit award. Castle Trust Hamilton Brass returned from the National Brass Band Contest with a second overall placing and Sophie won Junior Quartet and Junior Duet sections. At the Waipa Youth Awards she received a Merit Award for Arts and Culture.

Before she goes overseas she also has to complete her university applications, which are due when she is away. While she doesn’t plan to study music, it is a consideration in her choices. Sophie believes the struggle of trying to make it as a professional musician in New Zealand may take away the pleasure she derives from music, so she is applying to study nursing. But her first choice of Christchurch, followed by Wellington, are based on the strengths and opportunities in banding in those cities.

Joining the tour at the latter stage of planning means Sophie hasn’t had to undertake much of the fundraising, which she appreciates, but she is working hard to save money for her share of the trip. She would welcome any offers of sponsorship or other fundraising ideas and can be contacted on (027) 630 8086.