Board and Management

Barbara George is the Managing Director of NZ Brass, bringing values-led leadership, senior executive experience and a genuine passion for the brass band movement and brass playing in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her career, spanning more than three decades, includes Tumu Whakarae/Chief Executive roles with the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT), the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (Australia), the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra (Seattle, US) and Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand, giving her a strong foundation in leading complex cultural, educational and community-focused organisations.

Across these roles, Barbara has developed a reputation for bringing people together, building trusted relationships and turning ideas into well-structured plans and practical outcomes. Her work with NZ Brass reflects a commitment to balancing tradition with innovation, community participation with excellence, and passion with professional standards. She understands the importance of strong communication, reliable systems and inclusive leadership in sustaining a vibrant national arts organisation.

An active tenor horn player with Addington Brass and 50s Up, Barbara has first-hand experience of the dedication, teamwork and enjoyment that sit at the heart of brass playing. Her involvement as a performer gives her an authentic connection to bands at grassroots level and a clear appreciation of the sector’s potential to grow participation, raise visibility and inspire future generations.

In her role as Managing Director, Barbara is focused on supporting the sustainable development of the ensemble, encouraging young and not-so-young musicians through outreach programmes, celebrating musical excellence, and ensuring brass remains relevant, inclusive and visible throughout communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. She brings energy, integrity and purpose to NZ Brass, guided by a belief that NZ Brass is not only unmatched as a musical ensemble, but also a place of belonging, mentorship, discipline and mana.

Barbara’s tūrangawaewae is Taranaki and she identifies as Ngāti Rāhiri o Te Atiawa, and Ngā Puhi. She lives in Christchurch with her musical family: husband Owen (jazz soprano sax) and teenager Aya (piano, organ and piano accordion).