The latest news.

Ross McAdam receives life membership

Ross started playing as a young’un and commenced his banding with Hamilton Auxiliary Brass. He has given continuous playing service to our organisation since 1981, only registering with 2 other bands (Te Awamutu and Waitakere) for contesting purposes but remaining an active member of Hamilton City Brass throughout. Ross was recently awarded a BBANZ Long Service Award for 40 years service.
However, being a dedicated player is not enough to warrant a Life Membership award.
Ross has held a Principal seat in Hamilton City Brass for over 30 years. First on God’s Instrument (Trombone) from 1990, then on Euphonium since 1998.
In the early 1990s, Ross was Musical Director of the Auxiliary Band for a number of years.
Ross took up the role of Band Manager in 2009 and held that position until 2020. He worked many hours behind the scenes organising the band for rehearsals, playouts, and contests. Together with his wife Lisette, he took a lead role in organising contest accommodation and logistics as well.
Ross brought the following skills to his role as Band Manager:
  • Ability to manage logistics 
  • Attention to detail to ensure rehearsals and playouts ran smoothly 
  • Ability to manage a number of processes at once – for event planning and on performance days 
  • Always there to pack percussion and gear, set-up and pack-down at performances 
  • Personal interaction with band personnel was a strength of Ross’. He is caring and showed thoughtfulness and interest towards our players and visitors to the band. 
  • Ensures new players made to feel welcome 
Ross was a member of the Hamilton Citizens’ Band management committee from 2011 to 2020. During this time he assisted in organising Waikato Bay of Plenty contests and was our Vice-President for several years.
At the national contest in 2021, Ross’ contribution to our organisation was recognised by the Brass Band Association of New Zealand where he received the Administrator of the Year Award. This is the only time in his life he has been speechless.
Ross continues to serve our organisation on the Management Executive of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Brass Band Association, and of course continues to be a player and bandsmen of the highest quality in Hamilton City Brass.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the support Ross has had in his banding by his wife Lisette and his three boys Anthony, Jonathan and Nicholas, and by his mum Pam who played in the Auxiliary Band for many years.
We are very proud of this special man within our band and appreciate all that he has ever done, and no doubt will continue to do, with our organisation. Congratulations Ross.