John-Paul Geyer (JP)

JP was the drummer for the Hamilton Big Band (HBB) from 2010 to about 2015.

Although he started playing drums at the age of 12, he states he's 'still learning.'  When not providing a much needed rhythm section for the HBB, he plays as a Side Drummer in the Cape Town Highlanders Pipe Band.

JPs also plays guitar and his favourite musical genre is Progressive Rock. His musical 'career' highlights to date include SADF Entertainment Unit, performing in a Rock Tribute Show as well as writing & recording his own song.

JP left HBB for a new life in the big city but is still involved in music and plays in a ZZ Top tribute band among other things.

Avi Holzapfel

Avi played Alto Saxophone with the Hamilton Big Band from 2007 to about 2017.

Stepping up from 2nd sax to one of the 1st saxophone slots, Avi states the highlight of his musical journey has been "Graduating from being super-nervous and paralyzed with stage fright to having fun playing, creating music together with the others in the band and seeing people enjoying it – priceless!"

Avi immigrated from Germany with his partner and 2 kids in 1994, and since then has lived mostly in Hamilton.  He learned to play saxophone rather late in life.  His children joined the Hamilton Community Centre of Music and it was at this stage that Avi became a keen musician himself.

Nowadays, Avi enjoys anything with a good tune, and in particular music that inspires people to get up and dance.

A trained botanist with a Phd at the University of Berlin and Waikato University, Avi works for the Department of Conservation in the capacity of Technical Advisor for threatened species management, now based in the Coromandel.

Stefan Mayer

Stefan has been part of the Hamilton Big Band line up since 2009 and plays 2nd Trumpet.

At the tender age of 5, his father a professional musician, taught him the piano. From there he progressed to the trumpet at the age of 10 and spent his early years playing in a church brass quintet in Vilshofen, Bavaria.

Since then he has played in the following bands;

• Musik Verein Harmonie Niederschopfheim (a middle to high level non- professional brass band) - 12 years / 1st Trumpet
• Transport Battalion Achern (a Military Band) - 2 years
• Musikgemeinschaft Bechen (a high level non-professional brass band) - 6 years

Whilst he loves all music where a trumpet is involved, from classical music to modern Big Band style, Stefan's favourite genre is Canadian and German Brass.

 Stefan is an Independent SAP BI Consultant and when he's not working or at band, he enjoys time with his family and four children, worship team at the River City Bible Church, tramping and swimming.

Private Function

Coming Event: 

Private Function

5 October 2012

The Hamilton Big Band is pleased to accept an invitation to play at a wedding in Tauranga.  

If you would like to book the Hamilton Big Band for a special occasion, please get in touch

Cats Corner Swing Dance Club

Coming Event: 

Cats Corner Swing Dance Club
10 November 2012

The dance will be military/1940s themed. Swing dancers will be attending from Hamilton and Auckland, but this event is also open to other dancers. There will be a supper and cabaret entertainment. The over all theme will be entertaining the troops!

7pm till 11.30pm

For further information about the Cats Corner Swing Dance Club contact Michelle michswingal@yahoo.co.nz or visit their facebook page here

 

Atomic Hop

On the 18th August, the Hamilton Big Band played at the Atomic Hop, in the Hamilton Gardens Pavilion.

The Atomic market is a retro market by day, which continues into a dance later in the evening, complete with competitions and swing dance lessons.

For further information about the Cats Corner Swing Dance Club contact Michelle michswingal@yahoo.co.nz or visit their facebook page here.

Colin Ogle

Colin Ogle plays the Tenor Saxophone and is also the President of the Hamilton Big Band.

Aptly nicknamed "Dr O" Colin has a PhD and by day works in the biotech sector.

He became involved with the HBB in 2006 and enjoys anything with a good melody or great sax solo.

As well as the Hamilton Big Band, Colin has also played with Wild Reed Combo, Art Gecko, White Goat Band and the 3am Blues Band.

Colin's 'career' highlights thus far have been playing alongside Warren Maxwell (Fat Freddy's Drop, Little Bushman) and Andrew Hall (DDub, Spiral, Superhero Second Line) and recording an album with Art Gecko.