Christchurch trombone talent says sky's the limit

Shannon Beynon Reporter from Christchurch Mail

Dale Vail probably sealed his future at the tender age of two when he accompanied his father to his first brass band concert.

Asked by his dad Bill Vail which instrument he would like to play one day, the toddler didn't hesitate.

"I pointed to the silliest looking one."

Vail didn't get to play the trombone until about age 8, however.

His arms weren't long enough at 5 so he took on the next best challenge and played a baritone which has the same pitch but uses valves rather a slide.

Vail, an ex Burnside High student, has just completed a first class honours degree on the trombone at Victoria University's New Zealand School of Music. He heads to Melbourne this month where he has secured a prestigious place in the orchestra at the Australian National Academy of Music.

He will give a lunch-time concert at St Marks Church at 150 Withells Rd in Avonhead this Saturday to raise money for a much-needed new trombone for his continued studies.

Vail turned 22 last month and is principal trombone for the National Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Brass Band. He is reigning national trombone champion for two consecutive years and has a list of accolades to his name.

He is looking forward to the next step. The Australian academy is dedicated to the artistic and professional development of "exceptional" young Australian and New Zealand musicians.

"It quickly exposes you to musicians who will help you along," Vail said.

He hopes to spend two years at the academy, which is funded by the Australian government and includes a small living allowance. He expects to find part-time work.

He also writes his own music is doing a series of You tube videos and multi-tracking.

He credits Burnside High and its program with pushing him beyond what NCEA required.

His dream job would be in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, or the Melbourne Symphony.

"I definitely want to stay on this side of the world," he said.

Vail hails from a musical background. His father plays tenor horn, two sisters both play cornet and his mother is singer.