THE AUCKLAND BANDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2, 2 January 1903, Page 2

THE AUCKLAND BANDS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir* —Your correspondent, "Mouthpiece," in criticising , the performance of the Auckland band at the English' cricket match, commends the matter to the notice of the Professional Society of Musicians. The society, inj recognising , the necessity for improvement in our bands, instructed me, as the secretary, to call a meeting of the bandsmen, which I did by circular letter (the society's intentions beingto give a course of lectures, and endeavour by this means to improve the members individually),) but in response to the invitation none of the bandsmen put in an appearance. If, sir, your correspondent is a musician, he should at once see why our band played" so poorly (as a band), as it is apparent to anyone acquainted with band music that it would be the height of folly for any band to attempt to render any selection decently with" nine or ten performers, unless the music is arranged for that number; but the music used by the band on the cricket field was arranged for performance by a band of not less than 15 instruments; in fact, lack of balance and colouring being the real cause of complaint. Ec the criticism in the "Taranaki Herald," T can truthfully state that the remarks made by Mr. Ambridge may well be called "scathing"; in fact, it is the roughest criticism any band could be subjected to. i But one portion of his remarks, I think, are not correct. I refer to the groans which he mentions the public gave the band. I sat some forty yards from them, and did not hear any expressions of disapproval similar to those spoken of by that gentlematn. If our bands are determined to play in small numbers, then they should see that their music is so, arranged that the whole of the colouring as well as balance in their selections are not conspicuous by their absence, and unless this is done they will always have unsatisfactory results, and render themselves liable to periodical criticisms from those who are unacquainted with the real cause.—l am, etc.,

EUGENE HULSJE, Professional Bandmaster.