Three Mile Brass band 'makes it cool'

3MB BAND MEMBERS: Back row, from left: Tomas Clark, Nikki King, Matt Chapman, Ivan Patterson, Brian Castle. In front: Sophie Cain, Sam King, new patron Ron Mark and Michael Chapman.

One year on and the Three Mile Brass (3MB) band are going strong, with player numbers more than doubled.

The band is part of the Kokomai Creative Festival, playing at events this weekend.

A year ago, founding member Nikki King noticed brass band player numbers were dropping off and she wanted to "make it cool".

King started up the band with her husband, two other founders and her children to make six members. Now 3MB has up to 15 players.

King said having more members is proving beneficial, as they do not all have to play all the time.

The band is doing "really well" and she enjoys seeing people appreciate what they do.

"People really like it," King said.

The band often plays at train stations, parades, festivals and surprise pop-up performances.

They plan to hold fundraisers in the future so they can supply instruments to their members.

The band are gradually building up different styles and working on their improvisational skills.

"Our goal is to teach people," King said.

She said one of the most memorable performances was at the train station where people were asking for a hat to donate money.

One person even donated $50 in appreciation.

In the Kokomai Festival, 3MB will be playing on October 24 at Mitre 10 Martinborough from 9.30am and then will take part in the Alice in Wonderland Parade.

They will also be at Masterton Mitre 10 Mega on October 25.

Later on in the year they will take part in the Carterton Christmas Parade.