5 minute read
Just Brass Celebrates
What began as a modest outreach to two local schools a decade ago has flourished into a thriving ensemble. Kelly Cooper sat down with Martin and Lynley Robertson to learn about their Just Brass journey as they prepare to celebrate 10 years of Just Brass at Christchurch City Corps (church).
To say that Martin and Lynley Robertson—along with their dedicated team of volunteers—have been instrumental in shaping and sustaining Just Brass in Christchurch, would be an understatement. Martin has been bandmaster for many years, and Lynley, who has attended this corps her entire life, is the children’s and family worker at Christchurch City Corps (CCC).
Martin and Lynley describe CCC as a musical corps, with well-established junior and senior brass bands. Following the earthquakes, they saw an opportunity to work with two local primary schools teaching students to play brass instruments. ‘We had seen what they were doing in Australia with Just Brass, and we thought, we could do that,’ explains Lynley.
They approached two primary schools, with who they had previously established relationships, and they jumped at the chance to get on board. ‘We took a little group of us down to the schools and did a promo. We asked who would be interested and handed out all our flyers,’ shares Martin.
Opportunity for all
Initially 15 students took up the opportunity to learn a brass instrument, each receiving a free lesson during the week at their school, afternoon tea, further tuition and the opportunity to play together as a band on a Tuesday afternoon at CCC. This programme continued to thrive and flourish over the 10 years and currently boasts 54 members.
‘Most of them have never played an instrument,’ says Martin. ‘Learning a musical instrument is great for brain engagement and for building relationships with one another. The traditional approach to learning an instrument involved practising alone until you became competent enough to join a band. The Just Brass philosophy is to bring all the kids together and have them play as a group from the very start.
They learn to listen to each other and understand that they are part of a team.’
In addition to free tuition, each child also receives a brass instrument, a satchel with their music and a Just Brass T-shirt.
‘We are very fortunate to have some significant sponsors, and our corps generously support us too,’ says Martin. Lynley agrees, adding that Just Brass is a whole team approach, with many corps members volunteering both their skills and their time.
Community first
Both Martin and Lynley attribute the success of Just Brass to the community they have established.
‘We have seen hundreds of children come through Just Brass. Some stay for a season and some stay for longer. We have students who started with us in primary school, continued through intermediate and high school and now they are still with us as young adults. Ten years is a long time to be a part of someone’s life,’ shares Lynley.
Lucy Boyd was among the first children to join Just Brass as a primary school student. Now studying for a bachelor of teaching, Lucy continues to be part of the Just Brass team and describes her involvement in this programme as ‘life changing’. An accomplished brass musician, Lucy credits Just Brass as having a significant impact on her faith journey and providing her with opportunities to make friends and to travel around New Zealand playing. She also highlights the positive influence Just Brass has had on her friends who are part of the programme, as well as other Just Brass families who have since become valued corps members at CCC.
End of term concerts, holiday programmes and special Sunday services provide further opportunities for connections with families.
‘All those kids coming along are attached to families. I get to chat to parents when they come to pick their children up and attend our concerts. For many it’s the first time they’ve ever stepped into a church,’ explains Lynley.
A time to celebrate
‘Just Brass has provided the opportunity for many children to pick up a brass instrument that they may not have otherwise had. We now have five young people in our senior band and most of our junior band are Just Brass kids. We also have a couple of ex-Just Brass students at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington and others have received high school music scholarships,’ says Martin.
Martin describes the highlight of the past decade as the chance to engage with children and witness their growing confidence in playing brass instruments. For Lynley, the most special aspect has been getting to know the children and their families while building the Just Brass community.
For those considering learning a brass instrument, Lucy offers these words of encouragement, ‘The people you meet and the opportunities you get are awesome. It’s worth it!’
A weekend of activities and celebrations is planned at CCC from 14 to 15 September, to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of Just Brass. Festivities include a public concert at the Riverside Market and an evening concert at CCC on the Saturday, followed by a church service at 10am on the Sunday morning.
