Success for band Leader

Press, 3 July 1985, Page 19

Success for band Leader

At an age when most drum majors are still learning their discipline, Stephen Leader is at the top of his career and contemplating retirement. The 33-year-old drum major of the National Band of New Zealand leaves soon to compete in the world championships in the Netherlands followed by a tour of Europe and then, possibly stepping down. After being a bandsman for 20 years, the last 10 as drum major of the Skellerup Brass Band, his appointment to lead the national band caps an already illustrious career. Prior to his appointment to the national band he had taken four national youth bands. When the National Band performs at the world music concourse this month, Mr Leader will be responsible for the 12 minute marching display, a flamboyant and precise series of manoeuvres done with such timing as to disguise the complexity of the performance.

Mr Leader’s mantle amongst New Zealand drum majors has already been recognised internationally. Earlier this year he was invited to Australia to conduct a seminar for Victorian drum majors. His success has been a confirmation of the high profile members of the Skellerup Brass Band have had in National Bands. This year nine members of the Skellerup band will compete in Europe — one quarter of the band’s strength. Almost all of Mr Leader's «g career has been he Skellerup band. He joined the Woolston Auxilary Band for junior members in 1965, progressed Suickly to the Skellerup foolston Brass Band and apart from a three year stint with the New Zealand Army Band in the mid 1970 s has always been a Skellerup stalwart. Mr Leader is one of three members of the Skellerup band employed by Skellerup Industries, having been a member of the Footwear Division for the last few years.