National Band To Gather In Chch.

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30686, 27 February 1965, Page 18

National Band To Gather In Chch.

Seven Christchurch bandsmen will give their first performance in the city as members of the National Band of New Zealand while the band is here this weekend. They are Mr W. D. Stewart (soprano cornet), Mr E. G. Mason (solo cornet), Mr G. V. Aldridge (replano cornet), Mr R. C. Stanton (flugel), Mr D. J. Hoy (trombone), Mr J. D.

Carson (bass), and Mr G. B. Riach (bass).

Christchurch members of the band, who have been members in previous years, are the leader, Mr D. S. Christensen (solo cornet), Mr C. Tregurtha (baritone), Mr T. H. Bremner (solo cornet), and Mr E. B. Sutton (bass trombone).

The National Band will spend a busy week-end here in preparation for its overseas tour later this year. The bandsmen do not assemble again until July 10, when they will go into camp in Timaru.The band will make a concert tour of New Zealand before leaving on August 5 to be guest band at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. It will also make an extensive concert tour throughout Canada and the United States, including performances at the Hollywood Bowl and at Carnegie Hall. The bandsmen must raise £25,000 towards the tour. Giving its first South Island performance, the band will play at the Show Grounds tomorrow afternoon and on Monday, after a march through the city, it will give a lunch-time concert at King Edward Barracks. The musical director is Mr N. Thorn, of Dunedin, who has won 41 firsts as a conductor and player in New Zealand championship events.