SOLO CONTEST

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 December 1926, Page 3

SOLO CONTEST

GREY MUNICIPAL BAND. Something in the shape of a mild surprise was sprung on those who had the pleasure of being present to hear the solo contest held in the Town Hall last evening, when four gold medals, presented by the President of the Grey Municipal Band, Dr Jas. Mcßrearty, were competed for, for solo playing among the members of the Grey Band.. For the purpose of the competition, the Band was divided into two sections, one for junior players, and the other for seniors. The playing in both sections was a revelation, and doubtless many present in the hall were surprised to hear such an excellent contest musically, as well as numerically. That in the Grey Band there is a number of most promising instrumentalists can no longer be doubted. The playing last night was pronounced by the Judge, Mr J. Adamson, of Runanga, -to be of a high order. In both the senior and junior section, the whole range of band instruments were played by the several competitors, and the competition was well varied and a musical treat. Judging by what the soloists gave last evening, the Band possesses the material which should ensure its taking its place in the front rankers of “A” grade bands at the forthcoming contest in Wellington next February. The competition was commenced punctually at eight o’clock, and finished at midnight. Though somewhat prolonged, the audience remained, and interest was sustained till the final note of the last competitor’s .selection had died away. The judge’s decisions were received with acclamation, and were evidently forecasted by the musical enthusiasts among the audience.

The results were .. as follow: — Junior Section: —H. Hope (Tenor Horn), “O Lovely Night,” 76 pts 1; A. Stent (Baritone), “O Lovely Night” 73 pts 2; A. McMaster Jr. (Cornet), “Wendoree” 69 pts, 3. The following also competed: F. McHugh (Cornet), R. McMaster (Tenor Horn), J. Rudhall (Cornet), H. Turtill (Baritone).

Senior.. Section: —J. Marshall (Euphonium) ‘“When the Ebb Tide Flows” 99 pts, 1; P. Griffen (Soprano Cornet) “Silver Threads Among the Gold” 96 pts 2; J. Carruthers (Trombone), “The Diver” 76 pts 3. Also competed: M. Garth (Cornet), T. Lim (E. Flat Bass), A. Heisenbuttel (8.8. Bass), W. Wallwork (8.8. Bass), J. L. Williams (Cornet), W. Sunbye (Cornet), E. Stent (Baritone), H. Dunshea (Tenor trombone), V. Baxter (Cornet), L. Carruthers (Tenor Trombone),J. Moye (E. Flat Bass), P. Sweetman (Cornet). At the conclusion of the judge’s announcements, the gold medals were presented to the winners by the President of the Band, Dr Mcßrearty. In making the presentations, Dr McBrearty said lie was sure the playing of the various competitors had given pleasure to the audience. It showed how the bandsmen had progressed under the conductorship of Mr A. McMaster. He thought that possessing such good soloists, and with tlie excellent team work the Band went in for throughout the year, the Greymouth public could rest assured that the Band would hold its own among the other “A” grade bands it would meet in the Wellington Contest. He was pleased to see the competition started, as it not only encouraged the young bandsmen but it gave soloists something to work for. He hoped there would be another similar competition next year. Mr W. D. Murray, band secretary, returned thanks to the adjudicator, Mr J. Adamson (Runanga), and to the other officers in connection with the competition. He also paid a high tribute to the good work of the .evening’s accompanists, Misses F. Broad, B. McSherry, J. Pahl, B. Drake, V. Knell, M. Rholoff, I. Kitchingham, and Mr H. Chalk.