Buck is the driving force behind WBB bigband.nz, bringing his passion for music, leadership skills, and boundless energy to his role as both manager and musical director. A commercial airline pilot and father of two, Buck’s journey with the trumpet began in his youth, but it wasn’t until 2014 that he rediscovered his love for the instrument, reigniting his enthusiasm for jazz and Big Band music.

Since then, he has dedicated himself to perfecting his craft, expanding his musical knowledge, and fostering a dynamic, high-energy environment for the band. Under his leadership, WBB bigband.nz continues to grow in both musicality and reputation, taking on exciting projects, new collaborations, and captivating audiences with their performances. Buck’s commitment to the band ensures that every rehearsal, gig, and event runs smoothly. Whether he's leading the band from the front, arranging performances, or motivating his team, Buck’s passion and dedication are at the heart of everything WBB bigband.nz does.

Mitchell is the dynamic and versatile Musical Director of WBB bigband.nz, bringing not only his expertise in guiding the band’s performances but also his talents as a drummer and occasional vocalist. A passionate musician with a deep love for Big Band music, Mitchell has a wealth of experience across multiple instruments and roles within the band.

Bob is the mastermind behind WBBs live sound, ensuring every performance, rehearsal, and recording session delivers the best possible audio experience. With a strong background in project management, he brings a meticulous planning approach to band events, technical setups, and sound production, making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Beyond his technical expertise, Bob is also a seasoned musician with years of experience performing solo and in various bands across different genres. His deep understanding of both the artistic and technical sides of music allows him to shape the band’s sound with precision and creativity.

Whether balancing levels, fine-tuning acoustics, or preparing for a seamless gig, Bob’s goal is always the same—to make the band sound great every time they play!

Jennifer has sung for as long as she can remember and has consistently found ways to weave her love of singing into the various stages of her life. She has performed in many settings including cabernet, musicals, weddings galore and as a professional jazz singer. She has taught voice for many years and is blessed to be able to indulge her love of choral conducting as Musical Director of Matakantata Choir based in Matakana. She lives locally and loves working with WBB.tion goes here

Moana is a highly skilled and versatile musician, serving as a part-time musical director for the WBB bigband.nz. A long-time local, he went to school at the same college where he now works as a music teacher, fostering a deep connection to his community. Moana is a university-trained musician and is proficient in a wide variety of instruments, including keyboards, drums, bass, and trombone, allowing him to contribute across many musical genres and settings. Outside of his musical pursuits, Moana is deeply passionate about touch rugby and coaches a local team, helping to develop the next generation of players. His enthusiasm for both music and sport is infectious, and he is dedicated to inspiring others through his work in the band and his role as a coach. Moana brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and community spirit to everything he does.

Brett and his family moved to the Kowhai Coast in 2018, and shortly after, he joined WBB, impressed by the exceptional quality of musicianship within the group. Brett’s love for music began at the age of 10, when he first discovered the piano by experimenting on his grandmother’s keyboard in Thames. Since then, he has played in numerous bands, both in his hometown of Hamilton and in his new home of Auckland. In addition to his musical pursuits, Brett balances his time between running an insurance business, keeping up with his three growing daughters, spending time with his wife Loran, and playing golf whenever he gets the chance.

Liam is a truly gifted 15-year-old jazz drummer and high school student at Rangitoto College. He began drum lessons in late 2020 but truly discovered his passion for music in late 2023 after hearing Big Swing Face, an iconic album by the Buddy Rich Big Band. Inspired by this "light bulb moment," Liam became driven to practice relentlessly, channelling the energy of jazz legends who came before him. Now a dedicated member of WBB bigband.nz, Liam is enthusiastic about honing his craft and pursuing ambitious goals for his future in music.

Gerry began playing bass at age 12 in the late sixties, performing in rock bands throughout the seventies. A career in aviation paused his musical aspirations, but around 2010, he rediscovered his passion for music by picking up the guitar and playing in a covers band. When he and his family moved to Algies Bay, Gerry was eager to join WBB bigband.nz and embrace the challenge of playing jazz, a style he hadn’t explored much before. He has thoroughly enjoyed the experience, both in terms of the music and the camaraderie with his fellow band members.

Chris, the lead Tenor player for WBB bigband.nz, brings a touch of wit and a deep passion for music to the ensemble. A proud product of the Hamilton music scene, Chris has performed with various bands on a range of instruments and now shares his expertise by teaching primary school students the art of self-expression through music. Believing that "music is what feelings sound like...... (but imagine a big band in a bad mood?)" Chris thrives on the collective energy of the big band. For Chris, being a part of WBB bigband.nz is a privilege, and he values the contribution of every musician that makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Anna is an up-and-coming talent in WBB bigband.nz, having recently joined as a tenor saxophonist. At 17 years old, she has been playing the saxophone for nine years and has developed a strong passion for jazz. Eager to continue growing as a musician, Anna is excited to learn from the experienced band members and contribute to the band’s rich sound as she progresses on her musical journey.

Simon’s passion for music has been a constant throughout his life, though he took a break from playing until 2014. Joining WBB bigband.nz reignited his love for music, and he is now a dedicated player of "God's instrument"—the mighty tenor saxophone! The joy of making music with “a bunch of fantastic and awesomely talented people is something that I’d recommend to anyone and if you’ve got a musical bent that needs a bit of nurturing give us a call”. Simon lives in Matakana on a lifestyle block with his wife Rachel and their dog Brewster, where they enjoy the vibrant community and creative energy of the area.

Jennifer’s musical journey began early, with the saxophone and clarinet as her instruments of choice during school. After performing with several Auckland bands, she took a 30-year break from music to focus on her teaching career and raise her three children. Five years ago, Jennifer rediscovered her love for music and returned to playing her instruments. Now, she enjoys performing with WBB and other groups, embracing music as a fulfilling hobby and an essential part of her life.

Jackie is a committed member of the saxophone section who joined WBB bigband.nz during its early transition into a big band. A clarinet player in her high school years, Jackie was encouraged to learn other wind instruments when her children were at primary school. Jackie plays Alto 2 in the band but jumps at the chance to play any clarinet solos. Always busy but enthusiastic, Jackie juggles working as a vet, helping her husband on the farm and working as an itinerant music teacher at the local Primary where she enjoys passing on her passion for playing live music to the next generation of budding musicians.

Thies joined WBB bigband.nz as a dedicated baritone saxophonist, bringing a rich, resonant tone and rhythmic groove to the ensemble. His musical journey began with classical piano as a child and later progressed to the alto saxophone during his teenage years, where he developed a passion for jazz and big band music. After a 25-year break from playing, Thies, a devoted family man with two adult children, rekindled his love for music six years ago, this time embracing the baritone saxophone for its soulful sound and unique role in the band. Thies became part of the WBB bigband.nz in 2023, eager to challenge himself and expand his musical knowledge. His playing adds depth to the band’s harmonies, whether laying down smooth ballad lines or driving swing rhythms. Outside of the band, Thies continues to grow as a musician, performing in a concert band and enjoying the collaborative spirit of Big Band music.

Phil’s musical journey began in 1953 when he picked up the clarinet, playing regularly for several years before life took him in another direction. A career in computer programming, including a role as IT Manager for Nestle NZ (1967–1975), and later starting his own computer bureau in the UK, left little time for music. It wasn’t until retirement that Phil’s connection to music rekindled. For a significant birthday, his wife Anne gifted him a baritone saxophone, inspired by his love of its deep, resonant tone. The sax sat idle for years until a chance conversation at the gym in 2011 led him to join Dave Spivey’s band, eventually bringing him to WBB bigband.nz. Since then, Phil has been re-learning and enjoying the challenge of playing the baritone sax, enriching the band’s sound and proving it’s never too late to embrace the joy of music.

At just 14 years old, Macy is a talented and dedicated member of WBB bigband.nz. She began playing the trumpet at age 5 and quickly excelled, earning a prestigious Gifted Learners scholarship. Macy is currently being mentored by renowned jazz educator Dr. Dave Lisik, DMA. Her exceptional talent and youthful energy not only elevate the band’s performances but also help lower the overall average age of the group!

Ted joined WBB bigband.nz after moving to the area in late 2023. An award-winning artist, he started playing the trumpet at the age of 10 and has explored a variety of styles, from brass bands to rock and jazz. After a break from playing, Ted returned to music and has spent the last 22 years performing with jazz bands of all sizes. Now living in Ahuroa with his family, he is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of WBB bigband.nz.