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the story so far
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1883 brought about some important moments in history The Brooklyn bridge was opened, Richard Wagner passed away and Buffalo Bill staged his first Wild West show. But the most historic moment by far was here in Christchurch with the formation of the Addington Workshops Brass Band. 
Funded by a levy of all employees who worked there and composed of workshop employees, the band was formed to feature at picnics and other social events. Surviving a recess through two world wars and several name changes, Addington Brass is still an integral part of the Christchurch community.
121 years later the band is still going strong. With the addition of a junior brass academy launched in 2001 the future of the band is now looking better than ever. 2004/5 involved over 18 concerts and events in and around Christchurch for Addington Brass. Some of the performances include:
The Christchurch Cathedral Christmas Concert
The World masters Basketball Games opening ceremony Festive Fusion Ronald McDonald House Charity Concert with Roanna Copper 2005 Art Gallery Prelude Festive Fusion Ronald McDonald House Charity Concert with David Bremner 2004 Addington Raceway New Zealand Cup day Brass in the Park City Council Concerts Cathedral Brass - Classical Concert with Haydyn's Trumpet Concerto Hosting Gothenberg Brass from Sweden Combined concert with Richard Marshall of Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Woolston Brass and Gothenberg Brass ANZAC Brass in the Cathedral As well as performing at many engagements, Addington Brass opened its new rehearsal facilities in March 2003. A new look rehearsal hall with acoustic panels, 3 new acoustic practice/teaching rooms and an upper level built to host one of New Zealand's most extensive music libraries. Officially opened by the Mayor, Garry Moore and blessed by the Dean of Christchurch Cathedral, the very reverend Peter Beck, the new bandroom now gives Addington Brass the facility it needs for its extensive rehearsal schedule. 
Phillip JohnstonPhil Johnston started playing with the Blenheim Municipal Band when he was 10 years old. He progressed from the cornet to the tenor horn before eventually settling on the Eb and Bb flat Bass. In 1992 Phil joined the Skellerup Woolston Band of Christchurch. He then shifted to Auckland in 1995 to join the Royal NZ Navy Band. Phil later returned to Christchurch to take a position with the NZ Army Band, which he still holds. Phil has an outstanding record of achievement in solo competitions. He won the National Junior Bb Bass title twice and the New Zealand Open Bb Bass Championship a record 15 times, as well as one Australian National title. He has won the coveted Champion of Champions of New Zealand twice, and has had four other placing in that section. Phil also won the Ern Keller Memorial Solo Competition in 1999. This annual event held in Sydney, puts the best soloists from throughout Australia and the UK against the New Zealand Champion of Champions. Phil has won the A Grade National championship title seven times with Woolston Brass, Waitakere City Brass and Dalewool Auckland Brass. He has also been a member of the National Youth Band of New Zealand twice (1990 and 1991) and the National Band of New Zealand four times. (1995, 2005, 2007 and 2009) Moving to the front of a band is a natural progression for Phil. In his role with the NZ Army band he has trained and mentored many young players and shared his wide experience of playing under New Zealand finest Musical Directors. Becoming Musical Director of Addington Brass is an exciting move for both Phil and the Band.
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