Webb Selected for Two National Bands

Trumpet player Patrick Webb was recently selected to both the National Youth Orchestra and the New Zealand Youth Brass Band, a fine achievement for the 15-year-old musician.  The Youth Brass Band will tour China shortly.  The Youth Orchestra age limit is 25 years, so many of the individuals auditioning for the same spot as Patrick are people studying Music at University. 

The benefits of performing in both groups are significant. The chance to perform with other musicians at a very high standard (and experience the pressure that comes with that) are major bonuses from Webb’s perspective. 

Long term, Webb sees becoming a professional musician as a viable option.  He is grateful to the teachers he has had for achieving at this level.  Recently, Bill Stoneham has worked closely with Webb to prepare him for the auditions, and Mike Booth – who has had a prodigious musical career and now leads the HBHS Jazz Band, is an on-going source of inspiration.

Webb will be playing with the Youth Brass Band in Beijing in late July/early August.  He will be performing with the National Youth Orchestra and Youth Choir later in the year.