Leader – Trevor Thwaites PhD, MEd, Bmus, DipTchg
Deputy Head of School – School of Arts, Languages and Literacies, Faculty of Education, The University of Auckland – Jazz drummer, vibraphonist and composer, Trevor Thwaites established PBB in 1988 as a vehicle for secondary school music teacher interaction. As well as leading PBB, Trevor is the drummer in several Auckland jazz groups.
In August 2011 a CD album of Trevor’s compositions was released as “A Bridge to Somewhere – Jazz Perspectives of Auckland”. The album features Trevor on drums, vibraphone, marimba, and other percussion instruments in a variety of Auckland bands.
Vocalist – Jenny Eirena
Jenny has been a featured vocalist in PBB since 1998.
Jenny also leads her own band “The Jennifer Eirena Quartet” and was a founding member of “The New Zealand Divas of Jazz”.
Vocalists – Julia Rawiri & John McGill
Julia and John have been regular PBB vocalists since early 2009.
Vocalist – Madison Cooper
Madison sings Amy Winehouse and other contemporary songs with jazz trio Crystal Silence and started singing with the big band on occasions in 2010.
Sax Section
Anton Bruell: Bari
Adam Larsen : Alt
Laura Evans: Alt
Ted Ryan : Ten & Clar
Graeme Hilton : Alt
Leith Oliver : Ten
Trumpet Section
Grant Langdon : Tpt
Julian McEntee : Trpt
Ruth Round : Trpt
Steven Langdon : Trpt
Atatui Tavake :Trpt
Trombone Section
Gordon Shute : Trom
Ben Harrington: Trom
Lamar Ah-Chee : Trom
Bill Tweed : Bass Trom
Rhythm Section
Sharon Kearney : Piano
Stephen Galvin : Guitar
Stu Johnstone : Bass
Bruce Morley : Drums
Big Band Rehearsal
Summer Series Music in Cornwall Park