Pride of NZ: Brass band leader hits right note

John Sullivan.

John Sullivan - Community Spirit

When John Sullivan's father could no longer stand the sound of his son's poor instrument playing, John jnr was marched down to the North Shore Brass Band, signed up for lessons and is still there, 38 years on.

What began as music lessons morphed into a lifelong engagement with the brass band community.

Mr Sullivan, a cornet player, not only plays in and manages the band but is also the national vice-president of the Brass Band Association of New Zealand.

He has been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award in the Community Spirit category for his dedication to brass bands and the support he offers for all involved.

"He selflessly keeps nearly 70 brass and percussion players organised and happy," his nominator said.

As a business-owner and father, his musical interests can be a "full-on commitment" but he considers the familial culture of the band as something unique. "The special thing about being with the brass band, is that I can be in the same band from the age of 11 or 12 until now," Mr Sullivan said.

His nominator said: "John inspires through not just his fine playing, but also the over-arching leadership he offers a growing band of musos."

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