DUNEDIN DANCE BANDS FIND WARM DEFENDER

Evening Star, Issue 26153, 15 July 1947, Page 7

DUNEDIN DANCE BANDS FIND WARM DEFENDER

Dunedin dance bands, whose standards have been criticised recently by two 'Star' correspondents—" Modern Old-timer" and " Ex-Bandsman "—are defended in a letter received to-day from a third correspondent, " Third Tin Whistle."

11 Third Tin? Whistle" writes: The criticism of ‘ Modern Old-timer ’ is like his noin de plume, n contradiction. He makes a bald statement of opinion without producing any evidence to support his contention. “ 1 state that, broadly speaking, the standard of performance of the dance bands is higher, than that of those dancers they play to. Take this instance: The M.C. calls a rhumba or tango. The band plays the. part at correct tempo and rhythm as. proved by gramophone records. How many dancers dance the, indicated dance, and, if so, how many do it correctly as compared with the yard-stick jazz bands are measured by? I suggest that, as the yard-stick for a local band is usually a record, then for a dancer why not a film of one of the leading dance teams? That should be ■ fair, enough. “ Next, before passing on, let ‘ Modern Old-timer ’ look at the dancers on the floor, note how they ask their partners for the ‘ pleasure of the dance.’ Observe how man y gentlemen remove their cigarettes from their mouths and how many remove their hands from their pockets. Having done so, let him note carefully, how manv' of the fair partners stop chewing their gum for a moment to say ' O.K.’ While they are dancing let him note how many of those young gentlemen round the doorways make room for the dancers. “ When he is satisfied that this .'his) department is 100 per cent: let him: attempt constructive criticism of the band. TALENT IN BANDS.

“ The letter from ‘ Ex-Bandsman ’ is more worthy of notice. He does endeavour to substantiate, his statements. As a so-called musician, _ I am very intrigued with the quick tuition course given by the local bands. The results are astonishing. I have been. to several of the balls this month. I trust I am correct in pre-

surning that three large bands should provide a reasonable cross-section cf lazz-band players. “In No 1 band we have a trombone champion, a dual champion flugel horn and soprano cornet, the late first trumpet of the Air Force Dance Band. “In No 2 band there are the professional soloist for one of the leading A grade bands, a first cornet late of the Air Force Band, and as trombone the ex-solo trombone of the Air Force Band. “No.. 3 band has the runner-up in the solo cornet open championship and a first cornet from a leading city A grade band They had no trombone as they were unable to secure one able to read the bass cleff and hold his part in the difficult syncopated counter-melodies.

“ I have quoted brass on the assumption that ‘ Ex-Bandsman ’ is a ‘brass fan.’ The reed section is just as enlightening. If these players are for the most part examples of five minutes’ tuition, ‘ Oh, for one crowded hour.’ “ I say that it takes more than playing ability and tone to make a good jazz band player. It requires a certain something not taught or teachable. • “ EAGER TO LEARN.” “ Dancing in Dunedin is ' unfortunately, almost a monopoly, and dance bands have a harder row 7 to hoe for less reward than their more fortunate northern neighbours, who., with competition in halls, are allowed more scope. They are not condemned to play to a pattern, and, what is more, are given paid rehearsals, i “ TJie dance band players are, on the whole, eager to learn, and if 1 F.xBandsman ’ is willing to impart his knowledge to the players we will be delighted to offer nim, through- the Musicians'-Union, the facilities to lecture us. Above all, w 7 e want more details of this wonder five-minute course.”