Ascension Band is a unique kind of big band: a cross between a chamber orchestra and a punk rock group. We perform with over 15 different instruments - including electric guitars, piano, hammond organ, banjo, cello, drums, trumpet, violin, computer and homemade electronics.

Our show 'Electric Symphony: Evolution' won the Best Music Award for the 2005 Wellington Fringe Festival.

Ascension Band plays at the Paekakariki Memorial Hall on Friday 14th of October.Ascension Band is a unique kind of big band: a cross between a chamber orchestra and a punk rock group. We perform with over 15 different instruments - including electric guitars, piano, hammond organ, banjo, cello, drums, trumpet, violin, computer and homemade electronics.

Our show 'Electric Symphony: Evolution' won the Best Music Award for the 2005 Wellington Fringe Festival.

Ascension Band plays at the Paekakariki Memorial Hall on Friday 14th of October.

Each show consists of music pieces, in several movements, which last between 30 - 50 minutes. The pieces are structured along the lines of a classical symphony, but using 21st century instrumentation and rocking out joyously. For the Paekakariki concert we will be performing 'Revolution', which tells the story in music of the rise of a caveman civilisation, through the agricultural and industrial
revolutions and on to its collapse.

All band members are artists in their own right, from a range of musical backgrounds, and Ascension Band provides the rare opportunity to collaborate on a large scale project with a unique approach and a vast palette of sound colours. It provides invaluable experience for its members and a cutting edge show for the audience.

The band was first initiated by guitarist Dave Edwards in 2003 for the Meatwaters Festival in Wellington and is conducted by The Chandeliers' Nigel Patterson. As well as Fringe 2005, we have performed at two Meatwaters Festivals in 2003 and 2004, and at the 2005 Bomb the Space Festival.

See our website at http://ascension05.tripod.com