BAND CONTESTS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXI, Issue 10925, 27 September 1932, Page 3

BAND CONTESTS

NEW UNION FORMED. With the object of maintaining a high standard of brass band music and with holding annual contests in various towns, a South Auckland Brass Band Union was formed in Hamilton last evening. A large number of delegates were present from the following towns:—Pukekohe, Ngaruawahia, Cambridge, Te Aroha, Morrinsville, Te Kuiti, Te Awamutu, Tauranga, Rotorua and Hamilton. Mr T. Milne represented the Tauranga Band. Mr F. Kear, of Hamilton, presided. As convenor, Mr A. E. Savage extended a warm welcome to the delegates. The large and representative attendance augured well for the future of provincial band contests, he said. There was no limit to the bands which could join up, hut those likely to attend had been communicated with. It had been suggested that a South Auckland Union be formed and that contests be held in different towns from time to time. On the motion of Mr W. Reason (Morrinsville) it was decided to form a South Auckland Union -for the purpose of holding contests. It was decided that Hamitlon be the headquarters of the Union.

The following officers were elected;. Patrons, Hon. J. A. Young and Mr F. Lye, M’s.P.; president, Mr J. 11. Few; secretary, Mr G. Parkhouse. It was agreed that each band appoint a vice-president and also a representative to the general committee from which an executive committee will be elected.

There was a' discussion regarding classification and it was left to each band to decide whether It would nominate itself for the “B” grade or “C” grade contest. A proposal that the boundaries be fixed at Pukekohe in the north, Whakatane in the east and Taumarunui in the south was adopted. , , The next question was whether music for contests should lie “own choice” or “test.” Mr Rear spoke against the “own choice” method which, he said, did not always ensure that the best band won.

Mr Savage pointed out that if at the first contest the test proved too stiff there might be a tendency for some bands to drop out. He favoured “own choice” for the first contest and tests at subsequent contests. It was resolved that the contest consist of selection and march, quartet and junior solos (16 years and under) and that all music be test with the exception of the solos for boys. The first contest will be held in Hamilton towards the end of March. The question of trophies and prizes was feferred to the committee with power to act. The principle that one-third of the profits go to, the union and two-thirds go to the competing bunds on a pro rata basis was approVed. Mr G. Buckley, of Auckland, was appointed judge and the committee was authorised to select music.

The affiliation fee was fixed at £1 Is for “B” and “C” grade bands, to be reconsidered at the annual meeting and the entrance fee was fixed at 5s for each band, boys exempted.