Kia ora,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your ongoing support CSO!

I started playing tenor horn at the age of nine then swapped to trombone at fourteen – where I joined as many bands as I could – the jazz and concert bands at Riccarton High School, the CSM Big Band at the Arts Centre, and the Sydenham Salvation Army Brass Band.

I first played for CSO in 2005 when I was called for a “one-off” gig down in Invercargill and remained on the casual list for many years until I became Associate Principal Trombone much later. My favourite thing about playing for CSO is working together with the other musicians to make the best music possible. I love hanging out in the brass section – they’re the best!

Additional to playing my instrument, I am a senior academic staff member at Ara Institute of Canterbury. I teach music theory, jazz improvisation, aural skills, and trombone on the Bachelor of Music and Level 4 NZ Certificate in Music programmes.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Come a find me after a concert for a chat!

Ngā mihi,

Scott Taitoko – CSO Associate Principal Trombone