He was inspired by New Orleans’ brass marching bands and was fascinated by the rhythm and tunes.
He is now 82 and a member of the Ascot Park Hotel Brass. Mr Wellington said many things in his life had changed — but his passion for the trombone had only continued to grow since he was a teenager.
"My family could not afford a trombone, so I joined the brass band back home so I could play.
"Playing the trombone is one of my favourite things in life."
Mr Wellington was among 120 musicians who took part in the Otago Southland Brass Band Provincial Championship on Saturday at James Hargest College campus.
President Kath Herman said it was great to have such an event in Invercargill.
"It's quite special because it gives the bands an opportunity to compete against one another and also to compete as soloists and as a full band.
"And it helps with getting experience, sharing that camaraderie among members and it gives us a profile as well, getting out in front of the public and displaying what we can do as a brass band."
The regional classified soloists and brass bands would compete at the national championships in Christchurch in July.
