Rehearsal time too short

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33678, 30 October 1974, Page 5

Rehearsal time too short

The conductor of the National Band, Mr M. J. of Christchurch, believes the band should have more* time for rehearsals in New Zealand lefore making future lours of North America. In an interview with the S’.Z.P.A. correspondent in Washington, he said it was ■are for the band to be able !o fit in rehearsals while on ;our — “except for some narching at. motels.” “In view of this, I think ve should in future try to ensure that the band members have a longer opportun■ty to rehearse in New Zeaand before flying to the Jnited States,” he said. Before its departure from s’ew Zealand the band had >nly about four days of solid rehearsing. On a num>er of days, planned rehearsals were interrupted

> because members had other commitments. • Mr Waters said the band had adjusted extremely well I in the United States and • Canada to hanges in re- . quirements. . “We started with audito- • riums, switched to lighter » music at outdoor functions, swung back to three serious • concerts, and then had a spell of fairground performe ances before beginning the a prolonged concert part of s the itinerary,” he said. e “This means there are a frequent changes in the e demands made on members, but the band has coped with < the situation very well.” o He said that although the - oldest member of the band - was 63 and the youngest 17, - there had been no persone ality conflicts on tour. “It’s been amazing how a well young and old have d mixed up and got a kick out fof doing the heavy pro- - gramme schedule,” he said. The band is now in New d York.