UniBand is a student-founded and student-run concert band in Auckland. Founded in 2013, UniBand has been providing university students an opportunity to play challenging, yet fulfilling music with peers.
UniBand is an all-comers band; you don't have to be studying music to join us! Many of our members are studying degrees such as engineering, law, and others.
UniBand performs at a variety of events throughout the year, including self-hosted concerts, university events, and the annual NZCBA Concert Band Festival.
The heart of UniBand is the tight social community at its core. With a welcoming social environment and multiple casual events throughout the year, members form lasting friendships and connections.
Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursdays evenings from 7-9pm on UoA campus during the University of Auckland semester.
Executive Committee
Kate Le Lievre
President
Anna Haine
Vice President
Charlotte Crean
Band Manager
Bryn Kliskey
Treasurer
Jamie O'Brien
Secretary
General Committee
Michael Jamieson
Musical Director
Michael completed his Bachelors and Honours degrees at Victoria University and Massey University respectively, in Wellington. He was a recipient of the prestigious Patricia Pratt Scholarship, a Massey University Blues Award, and a Creative NZ study grant which enabled him to continue his study at the Messiaen Academy in The Netherlands and the Conservatoire National de Région de Strasbourg in France. As a saxophonist, he works with the Royal NZ Navy Band as well as freelancing as an orchestral and chamber musician with such groups as the NZSO, Auckland Philharmonia, Dutch Radio Chamber Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Rata Trio and Hanumi Saxophone Quartet. Michael is a D'Addario Woodwinds and Selmer-Paris Saxophones Performing Artist.
Sue Lynn Leong
Assistant Conductor
Sue Lynn Leong is a local conductor, teacher and bassoonist. She completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours), specialising in conducting, music education and classical bassoon performance and is currently working towards a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary). Sue Lynn is currently the Music Director of the Symphonic and Cadet Bands at Eastern Stars, an organisation that focuses on community music-making and music education for all. She is also a collaborative pianist and itinerant teacher (bassoon and piano) in local schools. As a performer, Sue Lynn is the principal bassoon of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and Auckland Youth Orchestra, and a regular freelancer who has performed with ensembles including the Auckland Philharmonia, Opus Orchestra, and the OCT Ensemble.
Athena Shiu
Assistant Conductor
Athena Shiu is an active conductor, trombonist, and educator based in Tāmaki Makaurau. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Trombone Performance from the University of Auckland, and has performed with ensembles including Bach Musica, Opus Orchestra, the NZSO National Youth Orchestra, and Auckland Youth Orchestra. Athena has learnt from various conductors, including Christoph Altstaedt, Benjamin Northey, Michael Joel, and Jono Palmer. Her current conducting engagement includes Youth Orchestra Waikato, NZ Youth Symphonic Winds, Uniband Jazz Band, and Uniband. Athena has taught at various schools which have fostered a passion for education through community and collaboration. She wishes to utilise these experiences and continue to create environments where musicians feel supported, empowered, and collectively invested in the music-making process.
Jono Palmer
Musical Director
Jono Palmer is a dynamic and enterprising conductor from Auckland, New Zealand. His choirs have won national and international acclaim, including two Gold Medals at the 2015 Grand Prix of Nations in Magdeburg, Germany, and many awards at regional and national festivals of the NZCF Big Sing festival. As a conductor, Jono has been selected for masterclasses at the 2017 World Symposium of Choral Music and the 2017 National Collegiate Choral Organization National Conference. In October 2018, he was a finalist in the inaugural London International Choral Conducting Competition.