THE BANDS’ CONTEST.

Evening Star, Issue 8615, 8 September 1891, Page 2

THE BANDS’ CONTEST.

The bands’ contest is to come off in Dunedin on the 28th and 30th of November, and from present indications it is expected to prove in every way successful. A few words may be said regarding the reason why the contest has been arranged. It will be recollected by most of our readers that at the bands’ contest held in connection with the Exhibition a considerable amount of dissatisfaction was expressed respecting the decision of the judges, In consequence of that, the United Brass and Military Banda Association of New Zealand was formed, with the view of carrying on a series of contests to decide the premiership of the colony. Christchurch was fixed upon as the headquarters of the Association, and Mr 11. Wynn-Williams, of that city, was elected president. At the meeting of the associated bands at the Easter encampment it was resolved to hold the first competition in Dunedin, and a committee of eight bandsmen was appointed to carry out all arrangements. The Committee comprised Messrs S. George, C, E. Brundell (Garrison Band), A. Smith, R. M'Lellan (Ordnance Band), E. Stratton, J. T. Brown (Kaikorai Bind), R. Jackson, and G. A. Perry (Engineers’ Band). At the request of the Association, this Committee asked Mr W. Wills to act as their president, that gentleman having had previous experience of band contests. Mr Wills having accepted the position offered to him, the Committee proceeded to secure the co operation of a number of the citizens, and the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to act in conjunction with the Bands Committee : His Worship the Mayor (Mr John Carroll), Colonel Webb, Major Callan, Captain James Allen, Captain Proudfoot, Messrs G, C. Israel, M, Cohen, J. R, Morris, and L. Kemnitz. The Committee, at a recent meeting (Mr Wills presiding), fixed, with the concurrence of the Executive in Christchurch, Saturday, the 28th, and Monday, the 30th November, as the days on which the contest should take Elaoe; the main reason for their selection eing that, as the agricultural show and the spring race meeting are held at that date, there is ceitain to he a largo number of people in town. By the almost unanimous voice of the bands, MrT. Trallis Trimnell, Mus. Bac., Oxon., of Wellington, has been appointed sole judge, and Mr Wills has been entrusted with the duties of supervisor. The first prize is LIOO, the second LoO, the third L3O, and the fourth L2O, aud there are several special prizss in the shape of instruments, etc , expected. For the Saturday’s music the bands will each perform a selection that has been imported from Messrs Wright and Round, ot Liverpool. It is now in the custody of the mayor, and will be issued to the bands on the 26 th September, on which date the entries close. For Monday’s musio the bands will each perform a selection of their own choice, and on these two selections the awards of the judge will be given. Mr Trimnell is an organist of considerable reputation, and as he has also had large experience in adjudicating upon band contests in England it is expected that his dec aion will create no discontent. There will be quite as many competitors in the contest as there were in that held during Exhibition time. Already fourteen bands have intimated their intention of being present, aud altogether there will be about 400 bandsmen in the City. The appeal for funds to make up the prize-money baa met with great success so far, the following contributions, among others, having been received Mrs Janet Tilburn, L 2 5; Dresden Pianoforte Company (per Mr Riedle), Lift; C. Begg aud Co., L 10; J. F. Nixson, L 1 0; A. Palmer, LlO. The bands are to compete with not less than fifteen and not more than twenty-five members, exclusive of the conductor, and no drums or cymbals are to be allowed. Each band is allowed one professional musician, and no player can perform in more than one band. Two bands are expected from Invercargill, one from Queenstown, four from Dunedin, two from Oamaru, one from Waimate, one from Tirnaru, three from Christchurch, and one from Wellington. Mr G. C. Israel has been appointed hon. treasurer, and Mr M'Lelian (of the Ordnance Band) hon. secretary.