If you are interested in joining the Manawatu Concert Band, please read through the information on this page. It will give you an idea of the commitment required in joining the band.
If you wish to join, or if you have any questions not covered by this website, please feel free to contact us.
The band practises on Tuesday nights from 7.30 to 9.30pm, at the Freyberg High School music suite. Practices typically begin with the start of the school year and conclude soon after the end-of-year concert. Practices continue between school terms.
The band typically performs three major concerts and up to two other gigs per year.
The band contains a range of skill levels and accepts players of all ages. The minimum playing standard we recommend is Grade 5 (or equivalent), although some positions require Grade 8.
This is only a guide, so if you are interested in joining but are unsure if you will be able to play the music, we encourage you to contact us and our Musical Director will get in touch to discuss.
While there is a fee involved in being a member of the Concert Band, it is currently a modest $80 per year with a discount for prompt payment.
For 2025 we have the following vacancies:
Note: We limit the size of the band to 45 players.
If you are interested in joining on an instrument that is not listed above, please contact us and we can discuss what options are available.
If we are unable to accommodate you at present, we can place you on a wait list and you will be notified when vacancies become available.
Our standard playing configuration is as follows:
| Flute/Piccolo | 1 | Trumpet | 5 | |
| Flute | 4 | French Horn | 4 | |
| Oboe | 1 | Trombone | 4 | |
| Bassoon | 2 | Euphonium | 2 | |
| Clarinet | 8 | Tuba | 3 | |
| Bass Clarinet | 1 | Bass Guitar | 1 | |
| Alto Saxophone | 2 | Drum Kit | 1 | |
| Tenor Saxophone | 1 | Percussion | 2 | |
| Baritone Saxophone | 1 | Timpani | 1 |
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