Brass Whanganui is an active A Grade brass band in Wanganui, New Zealand, home of the Jarrett/Coleman Band room. Brass Whanganui Inc also encompasses Brass Whanganui Beginners Band, for new brass starters, and Brass Whanganui Concert Brass, for intermediate level players
Whanganui city takes its name from the mighty Whanganui River, which flows along the foot of the main street, Victoria Avenue.
Brass bands have always had a presence in the town, right from the very earliest days of European settlement in the area. During the New Zealand Land Wars of 1845-1872, a military garrison was established in the town of Whanganui, in common with many other New Zealand towns of the time and the Whanganui Garrison Band was quickly formed to serve the needs of music for the military and local citizens. Later, Queen Alexandra's Own Band was formed and the two bands served the local community with pride and distinction for some 120 years before finally amalgamating together in 2000. The naming of the band room recognises two very well known Whanganui bandsmen and the contributions they have made to the tutoring of students in the city, and draws from the history of the two bands that joined to form the one band we have today
Also check out www.brasswhanganui.co.nz
