Henk Smit, Stefan de Groot and Fleur, Lieke and Rianne
De Bazuin Brass Band
Meet Henk Smit, Stefan de Groot and Fleur, Lieke and Rianne from the brass band De Bazuin. De Bazuin was founded over 100 years ago. The association now comprises over 80 members, seven teachers, the main orchestra and the training orchestra Twister. Henk has been the conductor of De Bazuin for almost 30 years. Stefan has been conducting Twister for eight years now, teaches the brass players and leads the general music theory lessons (AMV). “Many pupils get excited during the AMV lessons and then go on to play a brass or percussion instrument,” he explains.
Connection
The youngest member of the large orchestra is around 13 years old and the older members are in their 70s. De Bazuin is a club that’s open to anyone, provided they can play well. “It really brings the whole village together,” says Henk. Lieke and Rianne, both 19, and Fleur, aged 22, couldn’t agree more. All three play the flugelhorn with Twister and in the large orchestra. “We’re here for the music, of course, but we also really enjoy each other’s company,” says Rianne. “We never go straight home after rehearsal; we always stay and have a nice chat,” adds Fleur.
“ “Art and culture make a major contribution to people’s development. Our association plays an important part in this” ”
Openness
“As an association, we’re an important part of society,” says Henk. “Art and culture make a major contribution to people’s development. We equip people here with skills they might not otherwise develop elsewhere.” According to Stefan, you really notice that De Bazuin is an integral part of the village, especially on public holidays. “When we play in the village square, someone always stops by for a chat or to compliment us on our music.” He also recognises this openness within the orchestra. In his view, this is a key reason why musicians quickly feel at home at De Bazuin.
Conviviality and quality
For Fleur, Lieke and Rianne, De Bazuin is a hobby – but one they take very seriously. “We play in the first division, so we really do play to a high standard. It’s great that you can combine the two: the fun and the quality,” says Lieke. For Rianne, music plays a major role not only in her own life but also in that of her family. “My whole family plays with De Bazuin; my parents, my little sister and my grandad all play here. It’s just great fun.”
