WOOLSTON BRASS BAND

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26560, 24 October 1951, Page 8

WOOLSTON BRASS BAND

OUTSTANDING RECORD DIAMOND JUBILEE NEXT WEEK-END From a small beginning in 1891, when a few enthusiasts decided to form a brass band, the Woolston Brass Band has achieved widespread recognition in New Zealand and overseas. Its many successes comprise an impressive record, probably unequalled by any other brass band in New Zealand. The band won its first New Zealand championship at Oamaru in 1905. Including its win that year, it has won 11 New Zealand championships, 10 of which have been under the conductorship of Mr R. J. Estall, the present conductor. Next week-end the band will celebrate its diamond jubilee. A garden party will be held on Saturday afternoon. and a smoke concert in the evening. On Sunday merging there will be a church parade, and in the afternoon a band programme will be given in the Christchurch Public Hospital grounds. The celebrations will end on Monday evening with a banquet, which many former bandsmen are expected to attend. The first practice of the band was held in a small hall in Ferry road, opposite the present site of St John’s Church. The original name of the band was the Woolston Guards* Band, and the first conductor was a Mr Bowles. Several yean later the band was taken over by the Woolston Lodge Perseverance. The second conductor was Mr Elisha Round. Before forming Derry's Private Band. Mr E. Derry was one of the'Woolston conductors. He was followed by Mr A. Lithgow, who composed the well-known march, “Invercargill.” In 1914. Mr Estall was appointed cdhduciOT. ..The. outstanding successes m contests in Australia and New Zealand have resulted largely from Mr Estall’s enthusiasm ana leadership. One of the band’s finest achievements was at the championship contest in Melbourne’s centennial, year, when the band secured first place for the playing of the test selection. “The Severn Suite." against the best bands in Australia. At that contest the band also gained second place in the quickstep. Records of the Woolston Band have been made on three occasions at the request of the British Broadcasting Corporation. It » thought to be the only musical organisation in New Zealand which has Deen paid such a compliment. One of the band’s successes was in the New Zealand championships in Christchurch last year. It won every section of the contest—hymn, first and second tests quickstep, and aggregate. In 1935. in recognition of nis services to music in New Zealand, Mr Estall received the King George V Jubilee Medal. In 1950 he was awarded the M.B.E.