Kia ora,

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your wonderful support of Christchurch Symphony Orchestra! Thank you so much for your support.

Here is a little about me…

I started playing the Tenor Horn due to a very happy accident back in my primary school brass band in Timaru. I was off to my friend's house after school and her brother was in the band so she was going to audition. I was waiting outside when the band teacher yelled at me to get into the hall and just do it, so I did!

Our teacher was called Mr Wolf and we all learned in a massive noisy group.At the end of each school term, we got a free bag of chips and a coke. This was like Christmas for me, as we weren’t allowed this at my house, so it was enough to make me stay.

The Waimataitai Brass Band changed my life.

You won’t believe this, but before I joined brass band I was actually really shy.I couldn’t even go into a shop to buy milk, or talk to anybody new, and I hardly had any friends at school.

The band gave me confidence. It gave me purpose, a place to be accepted and a place to learn how to work as a team. It was also where I made some of my closest lifelong friends.

It was incredible. We got to do tours to Australia, band camps, marching, Christmas Parades and everything in between. I’m so very grateful for my time in brass band.

I later moved from Timaru to Wellington and swapped to the French Horn when I was 19. I started my university music degree as a beginner on my instrument so was really behind but I slowly worked away at it. My Dad always says never to give up, so I didn’t. I just kept going!

I first played for CSO as a super keen student back in 2008. I was so excited to get the call! Bernie (Associate Principal French Horn) was there and even took me for a ride in his truck.

It’s funny how life works out. I never could have imagined moving our family here and playing with the CSO back then, but my gosh I’m glad it has panned out that way. I absolutely think it was meant to be because it feels like home for me 😊.

My favourite thing about playing for CSO is getting to meet so many amazing people. I love the musicians; they are some of my very best friends.I used to play in brass band with two of the trumpet players, and one extra awesome human is even the godparent of our son, so we are a close-knit bunch.

The music is great too but it’s getting to do it with people who I love that keeps me loving my job. I also love getting out in the community and meeting people from all walks of life. I’m especially loving working in Burwood hospital at the moment - as part of our In the Community programme.

I also really appreciate all of you!I have now been here a wee while, so feel like I am getting to know the audience and our CSO supporters.It’s always so lovely seeing your enthusiasm and encouraging faces, especially if I’m feeling really nervous - thank you!

Additional to playing my instrument, I juggle a busy but fun life with my two wee kids, three cats and a dog.I’m also training for a half marathon! Maggie is now 4 and Jack is 1. Maggie loves art and going to brass band concerts while Jack loves climbing, balls and eating sand. I asked Maggie what my job is and she said:

“You go out at night and play the horn to help make people feel better.It’s just for concerts you wear your black and lucky for those boys that you are the boss”.

You know a little about me now, I’d love to know about you! After the next concert, give me a wave or come and say hello!

Once again, thank you. Thank you so much for being part of our whānau, we appreciate everything you do for us.

Ngā mihi,

Emma Eden, CSO Principal Horn