Alpine Energy Timaru Municipal Brass
Founded in 1867, the Alpine Energy Timaru Brass Band, also known previously as the Timaru Municipal Band, is a member of an illustrious group of New Zealand bands - being over 150 years old. The band celebrated its 150th in June, 2017, and is one of only a handful of bands in New Zealand to have existed for so long.
Alpine Energy Timaru Brass is the only band from Timaru, and is an organisation which not only contests at regional and national level, but also aims to serve the public, with concerts each year and civic duties. The band consists of about 30 members, with Catherine Anderson as the Musical Director since 2023, and President John Wise since 2021, alongside an Executive Committee consisting of players of various backgrounds, ideas and experience to run the band by the day.
Timaru Concert Brass is the development band, aimed at appealing to players who are newer to playing, or are too old or over committed to keeping up with the Senior Band, or even those who are looking for more of a casual band to play with. The role is currently filled by Connor Rabbidge, but the band is always on the lookout for Band members and new recruits who have a desire to improve their musical skills, as well as conducting in a relaxed environment.
Catherine Anderson - Musical Director
Catherine Anderson is a freelance musician based in South Canterbury. She is a piano teacher, accompanist, and Director of Music at St Mary’s Church, Timaru. She also conducts the Youth Orchestra of South Canterbury. Catherine relocated to New Zealand from the United Kingdom in May 2021 with her Kiwi husband, Josh.
She studied music at Bath Spa University where she was in demand as an accompanist, played the organ of Bath Abbey for university concerts, and was musical director for productions of Company and West Side Story. After graduating, Catherine worked for Sutton Music Service, based in South London, as an administrator and itinerant teacher. She then spent four years managing the music service’s ensembles, organising concerts, tours and residential trips for the youth bands and orchestras.
Catherine trained as a primary school teacher, later specialising in teaching music to 5-11 year olds. She particularly enjoyed developing music within her school, including running two choirs and facilitating brass lessons for the children.
Before moving to New Zealand, Catherine was Associate Director of Music for Amici Coro, an award winning, mixed voice, adult chamber choir based in Surrey, who regularly sing for cathedral services. She was also a member of the London Philharmonic Choir, regularly singing in venues such as the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.
