CONDUCTOR McMASTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 November 1934, Page 12

CONDUCTOR McMASTER

VALEDICTORY CONCERT. Mr Archibald McMaster, on Monday evening, is being tendered at the Town Hall a farewell in the form of a re- . quest concert. No doubt, the public . will take this opportunity to show their appreciation of the great service rendered to the cause of music here ■ by Mr McMaster, during the past twelve years. The Civic Band, which he has for the past four years conrliieterl. in association with St. John’s

I’rsebyterian Choir (of which Mr McMaster has since 1922 been conductor), and a number of leadingmusical artists will provide the programme, which is one that will appeal to all. Mr McMaster, who leaves on Thursday next to take up residence at Christchurch, has had an outstanding record in band music. Himself a brilliant instrumentalist, who on more than one occasion won the soprano cornet championship of. the Dominion, he has trained others with an even greater reputation, and notably Johnny Robertson, who ranks among the world’s leading cornetists. Mr Stevenson, who last week gained second place as a cornet player in the Centenary contest at Ballarat, was under Mr McMaster when at the Dunedin Exhibition the latter led the Greymouth Band to victory. For thirty-four years, Mr McMaster has been a bandsman, and for almost half of that time he has been a conductor, having had charge of the Westport Municipal Band for four years, Greymouth Municipal Band for eight years, and the Greymouth' Civic Band for four years. Ho has been ever ready

in that capacity to give his services for the public beneiit, and as much probably as any of the several noted band leaders there have been here, he

Jias aided in establishing a good standard of music in Greymouth. He has been particularly successful in developing young talent. The tribute which his friends will unite to pay him on Monday evening’is well deserved.