BANDS CONTEST

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 February 1937, Page 2

BANDS CONTEST

QUICKSTEP WINNERS. [pee press association.] NELSON, February 20. A cloudless sky and a light breeze favoured the quickstep competition in the New Zealand band contest this afternoon. A large crowd witnessed the event at Trafalgar Park, whei e 19 bands competed. Some splendid marching was seen, but some bands which excelled in this department lost heavily on music points. Scoring consistently in both, Timaru won the A grade quickstep, and Wellington Tramways completed Ihe double by winning the B grade, thus taking the Shardlow Memorial Challenge-Shield. The placings in the quickstep were: A GRADE. Timaru, military points 1641, music pts. 146—total 3101 pts. 1 Wanganui Garrison, 164, 137 —301 2 Woolston, 157, 143 —300 .. .... 3 Palmerston North Garrison, 1531, 136—2891; St. Kilda, 1602, 133—2932;’ Nelson Garrison, 1781, 110 —2882; Queen Alexandra’s Own, 1661, 113— 2791. B GRADE. Wellington Tramways, military pts. 172, music pts. 114—total 286 1 Institute Silver, Wellington, 1571, 127—2841 .. :. .. .. •• 2 Hastings, 1551, 117 —2721 .. .. 3 Marlborough Mounted, 1632, 105— 2682; Westport, 155, 112—267; Dannevirke, 1392, 120—2592; Greymouth Civic, 1431, 116—2591; Christchurch Municipal, 142, 115—257; Takaka Citizens, 1541, 96—2501; Cambridge Municipal, 1462, 86—2332; Nelson Citizens, 110, 108—218.

CIVIC BAND CONDUCTOR INTERVIEWED The Greymouth Civic Band returned yesterday from Nelson, where it was successful in being runner-up in the B Grade section of the New Zealand contest. Interviewed by the “Star” today, Mr. Ernest Barton, conductor of the Band, said that it was certainly keen contesting in the B Grade, and the Band had a hard task in being opposed to such bands as the Wellington Tramways, which was the champion B Grade band. Under the circumstances the Civic Band were quite pleased to secure second place,' and although they might have done better in the second Test, they felt that they had not. disgraced themselves, in any way. The B Grade , section of the March was keenly contested and some of the bands were obviously very well trained in the military part. Although they did not gain a place, the Civic Band was placed third in the musical points for the March, in which it competed under difficulties. The weather experienced in Greymouth prior to the contest had mitigated against marching practice, and in addition, the Band lost two drum-majors during the year, Mr. T. Tarrant and, just before the contest, Mr. E. Caldwell. The Band owed a debt of gratitude, said Mr. Barton, to Mr. E. J. C. Hay, who had taken over the position at the last moment and had placed his time at their disposal. Throughout the contest the bandsmen had given the conductor their full co-operation, and they showed a good spirit in being up at six o’clock each morning, for marching practice. Some misunderstanding had arisen, said Mr. Barton, over the fact that the Civic Band was down sixth in the aggregate points, and yet was runnerup to the champions. This was due to the fact that the championship was taken on the two 'Fest selections. It had been a great experience for the Band, and for himself. Over fifty per cent, of the bandsmen had never previously taken part in a Dominion contest, and it was the first time that he had conducted a Band at a contest. He felt sure that the Band would benefit greatly by it. The members of the Band now seemed very keen to save sufficient to compete in the next contest, which in all probability, would be held at Palmerston North, and appeared willing to pay for it out of their own pockets. If they went away next year they would certainly try to work harder and to gain the extra few points to put them on top. 1 The Judge, Mr. Kerry, continued Mr. Barton, had certainly been blunt in his remarks, but as the contest proceeded he seemed to mellow down. His was not an enviable task but his placings generally had met with satisfaction. He had given comprehensive reports to each band on their playing in the various sections, with the purpose of pointing out to the conductors the mistakes that had been made, and where the bands could be improved. “Personally, in the future I would like the Hymn Test to be a ‘Test’ piece for A and B Grade Bands,’ said Mr. Barton, “instead of having hands playing their own selecticii. I think it would give B grade bands a better chance and it would be easier for the judge.” The Civic Band had seemed to be very popular with the public, said Mr. Barton, and he would like to thank the tradespeople and the citizens of Nelson for the many kindnesses shown to the Band. The contest generally had been well conducted and altogether the Band had enjoyed the experience. On leaving Nelson yesterday morning a large number of people assembled to bid them farewell, and to sing “Auld Lang Syne.”