Te Reo has long been a key part of Hamilton City Brass, serving as Principal Tenor Horn and Deputy Musical Director before taking on the role of Musical Director. A passionate musician and experienced conductor, Te Reo has performed with both the National Youth Brass Band and is a member of the 2026 National Brass Band of New Zealand.
Her conducting experience includes working with Te Awamutu Brass, Koru Brass Hamilton, and the National Secondary Schools Brass Band as Assistant Musical Director. She also holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance Trumpet from the University of Waikato and has adjudicated at both regional and national level.
Banding is a true family passion, with husband Walter, sister Kaperiera, and son Wally all actively involved in brass music. Alongside her work in music, she is also a graphic designer and digital marketer, known for her creative storytelling and people-focused approach.

Originally from South Yorkshire, England, Michelle began her brass journey at age seven, inspired by a passionate school caretaker who introduced her to the cornet. She has since played cornet, trumpet, piano, electric organ, and tenor horn, studying trumpet formally at college and completing a postgraduate diploma in music education.
Michelle’s performance and leadership experience spans the UK and New Zealand, including Yorkshire Main Colliery Band, Heage Band, Thorntons Brass Band, Cambridge Brass Band, Hamilton City Brass, Te Awamutu Brass Band, and Bras & Brass. As Musical Director, she has guided bands from small beginnings to regional and national success, often alongside her daughters.
Since joining Koru Brass Hamilton, Michelle has loved encouraging musicians of all ages and abilities, believing that confidence and support are the key to great performances. Outside of music, she runs a business helping people rewire their brains through movement and sensory input, supporting clients with neuro-behavioural challenges.

Mike is a long time member of our organisation, since his brass career began at the age of 10. Like most of us, he started on the cornet. At the age of 15 Mike moved onto Euphonium and progressed into the senior band. Fast forward four years, Mike finally settled on, as he puts it, 'gods instrument', the B flat tuba at  the age of 19. There was a short time where Mike took a break from banding to support his whaanau , but returned in his early 30's and has continued to be a dedicated member of Hamilton City Brass since. Mike really enjoys the challenge of  playing difficult music and the high expectation that comes with playing in an A grade brass band. He is always keen to keep learning and improving, and It's a real buzz for him when the product of lots of hard mahi comes together.  Mike is a hugely valued member of Hamilton City Brass, always providing positivity, passion, laughs and good times. He is proud to be our Band President and is grateful to contribute back to a community that he has dedicated a lot of his life to.