Brass Band Concert

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31677, 13 May 1968, Page 14

Brass Band Concert

A recital was given last evening by a band composed of 70 members of former New Zealand National Bands.

This ended a week-end of brass band activities in Christchuch, including the national championships. The guest conductors for the evening were former conductors of the bands, Messrs K. G. L. Smith, N. A. Thorne and F. Smith.

The programme opened with Mr Thorne directing the band in Sousa’s march “Stars and Stripes Forever;” and Listz’s “Hungarian Rhapsody.”

Considering the short time the band had together preparing this programme, the response given to Mr Thorne's demands was outstanding. Walter Sinton (xylophone) accompanied by Maurice Till, displayed his skill in the wellknown “Flight of the Bumble Bee.”

The the band, under Mr K. G. L. Smith, played Carmichael’s “Stardust.” This number proved popular with the capacity audience, and all sections of the band were able to display their virtuosity, and obviously enjoyed playing this piece. Guest Artist The guest artist for the evening was Mr R. G. Smith, Jun., who had been chief judge at the championships. Mr Smith, who now lives in Australia, made a welcome return to the concert platform with his trumpet playing of “Piece en forme d’ Habanera” by Ravel, “The Swan,” by Saint Saens, and “Polonaise,” by Tchaikovsky. His production and breath control must have been an education to all bandsmen in the audience. Mr Smith seems to have the ability to develop a sound for each mood he choses to play in. Th# muted passage in the first number was beautiful. For an encore Mr Smith performed a favourite of al) bandsmen, “Sonia.” This was trumpet playing of a kind rarely heard in Christchurch. Next the band conducted by Mr F. Smith accompanied

Messrs S. Smith and W. Sinton in a xylophone duet “The Two Imps.” Good Response Friedman’s Slavonic Rhapsody No. 1 was conducted by Mr K. G. L. Smith. The quickly changing tempos were extremely well handled. Mr Smith had full control of the

band, and all players responded to his demands. The programme ended with a stirring march, “Thru Bolts and Bars." Mr Maurice Till was a sympathetic accompanist, and as usual his work was of the highest order. Mr Sinton was an excellent compere. —J.R.