Memorie Brooky
Memorie and her siblings all have Brass Banding in their bones. They have been brought up with musical instruments as their ‘toys’ and have continued to play and perform all their lives.
At school Memorie participated in every music group possible. She took part in all school shows and enjoyed being a part of every aspect of school life – in and out of the classroom. While at school Memorie was selected to play in the Waikato Bay of Plenty Youth Brass Band plus several representative music groups.
Not only did Memorie have a passion for music she enjoyed involvement in sports. Cricket, netball, basketball and volleyball were sports she loved.
On leaving school Memorie attended Bay of Plenty Polytechnic where she graduated with a Diploma in Music Production and Performance and a National Diploma of Tourism. While she was studying Memorie started working at the Matamata i-SITE part time then moved on to the Hamilton City Council i-SITE where she worked fulltime for four years. After a short term contract with the South Waikato District Council managing the Putaruru i-SITE Memorie moved ‘home’ to Matamata to manage the Matamata i-SITE, where she is today. She thoroughly enjoys working in tourism. Memorie says meeting people from all over the world is amazing and with Hobbiton, one of Matamata’s main attractions, she definitely has made contact with loads of overseas visitors.
Memorie loves travelling thoughout our beautiful country. She has covered many parts of the country travelling to Brass Band Competitions as well as travelling as part of her work in tourism. Memorie thinks too many young people travel overseas before seeing what is on offer in Aotearoa.
Memorie is constantly to the forefront in Brass Band Competitions. She has won several (many) Brass Band solo competitions over the past 18 years. Every year she plays in an ANZAC day service and probably one of the highest honours as a brass player are the occasions when she is invited to play the Last Post. It is such an emotional piece of music which evokes memories – some happy some sad – to take people on that reflective journey for those few moments is very special for Memorie.
Working in the various i-SITES has been special and Memorie has been involved with some big events. While at the Hamilton i-SITE she was involved with booking accommodation for the V8 Supercars, NZ National Fieldays and the World Rowing Championships.
She organised the opening for the Matamata i-SITE Gatehouse in 2012 where thousands of locals flooded the streets to see the i-SITE unveiled and officially opened by Prime Minister John Key. That was a very special day for Memorie and Matamata.
Memorie is a very busy young woman. As well as her position as manager of the i-SITE, she plays in the Te Awamutu Brass Band on principal Tenor Horn. Recently they won the ‘C’ Grade Championship at the NZ Brass Band Nationals in Invercargill – very special for a small rural town. She teaches brass to kids. As well she conducts the Brass Band for her Ratana Church.
Memorie is the eldest of five siblings. They all have the music bug – one way or another. They were all encouraged to learn a brass instrument when they were very young as part of their Ratana faith.
This year Memorie is the tutor for the Matamata Community Christmas Choir – the first time directing singing – normally it is instruments not vocals she is involved with.