BRASS BANDS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 48, 26 February 1927, Page 15

BRASS BANDS

THE DOMINION'S BEST QUEEN ALEXANDRA'S OWN IN THE LEAD LAST DAY OF CONTEST Again last night the Town Hall was filled to overflowing, when the A grade bands competing for championship honours played- the second test selection. Added interest was lent by the fact that at the conclusion of the playing the marks gained in both test pieces were announced, thus indicating which is virtually the best brass band in the Dominion. Championship honours, however, and the right to hold the championship Shield, are decided this afternoon, when the musical marks gained in the quick-step competition are added to those gained in the test selections. At present the Queen Alexandra's Own Band (Wanganui) has a substantial lead, and, as in the first test, it again gained premier place last night. It thereforelooks like the ultimate winner of the championship Shield.

Last night's test piece provided a fine musical treat for the public, 'being a magnificent selection from the works of Gounod. It contained a number of gems from "Faust," his masterpiece, and extracts from "Borneo and Juliet" «nd "Mirella," the whole forming an inspiring composition and one calculated to test a band's capabilities in every direction. The renderings given by the nine competing A grade bands were varied, but all were excellent, and each band was heartily applauded. A feature of the playing was the excellent solo work, especially on the part of the cornets in the well-known "Jewel Song,'' from " Faust." The playing by the winning band, Queen Alexandra's Own (Wanganui), was similar to that in the first test piece—very restrained 'and free from "fireworks" of any description. The conductor. (Mr. G. Buckley) had his band under perfect control, time and intonation being practically perfect. Many of the audience looked upon the winner's rendering of the selection as lacking vim and operatic colour, several of the other bands showing much more abandon in their playing. Obviously, however, this quiet method of treatment appealed' to the judge (Mr. W. Halliwell) and he awarded the band 92 marks. Woolston, the present champions, came second with 88 marks, its playing of the selection: being very exhilarating. St. Kilda (Dunedin), with two marks fewer, was placed third. It,gave perhaps the most dashing of all the performances. Fourth on the list was the Wanganui Garrison Band, winners of both test pieces last year. i The aggregate marks gained by the A grade bands in the two test pieces are as follow:—

TO-BAY'S QUICK-STEP. - The quick-step, test is taking place this afternoon at .Athletic Park. In this 200 marks are allotted for drill and 100 for musical playing. The musical points, added to those gained in the two test selections, determine which of the. Dominion's bands is entitled to hold the championship Shield for the next year. This is always a popular event with the public, the bands being tested for their ability to march 100 yards, in 120 paces, in one.minute; for their smartness, ability to manoeuvre, etc. At the close of the event, while the points are being made up, the bands, in massed formation, will play the A grade .contest march, ."Wairarapa," under the baton of the judge (Mr. Halliwcll). The quick-step for A and B grade bands are separate, the test number for A grade being "Wairarapa" and for B grade "The Outpost." QUARTETTE RESULTS. The only other competition taking place yesterday was the quartette test ("The Minster"), for which a large entry was received, Mr. W. Halliwell acting as judge. However, out of the forty entrants, only six took.part, the result being a win for No. 1 party from the Woolston Band, 91 points. St. Hilda was second, 90 points, and Woolston No. 2 third, 88 points. TO-NIGHT'S CONCERT. It is safe to assume that the Town Hall will be crowded out to-night for a final concert by the champion bands and champion instrumentalists. An entirely novel feature will be the discovery of the champion of. champions, each of the various instrumental champions being pitted against each other. . In addition there will be the presenta-! tion of trophies, the whole proceedings forming a fitting climax to a most successful week.

Ist 2nd •Test. Test". Tl.Queen Alexandra's Own (Wanganui) 90 92 182 Ksiikovai (Dunedin) 88 82 170 Woolston (Christchureh). 80 88 168 Greymo'utli Municipal .. 86 79 165 St. Kilda (Dunedin) 78 86 164 Port Nicholson Silver .. 77 84 161 Wanganui Garrison 76 85 161 First Canterbury Mounted Rifles (Ashburton) 76 83 159 Wellington Tramways ..75 81 156