CIVIC BAND

Grey River Argus, 17 June 1933, Page 8

CIVIC BAND

Honorary Members’ Concert A LARGE ATTENDANCE. For their first honorary members’ concert of the 1933 season the Greymouth Civic Band, under the baton of Mr. A. McMaster, was favoured with a. very large public attendance, in the Town Hall on Thursday, which was a fitting reward to the bandsmen for their efforts to provide such a fine entertainment. The playing of the band was of a high standard, and the assisting artists for the evening also pleased in their efforts. The opening Hymn by the Band, “ Fierce Raged the Tempest” (Dykes) was played with fine expression, and a depth of feeling appropriate to the theme of the piece. A march “My Regiment” (IL L. Blankenburg), proved a very popular number, the Band bringing out to a fine degree the distinctiveness of the theme. Opening briskly its concluded with a brililant crescendo. In his vocal solos, Mr. IL E. Anderson, a young singer with a fine tenor voice, proved most enjoyable. His numbers were “Serenade” (Schubert), and an encore “Bonny Mary of Argyle”. Madame Russell was the accompanist. An outstandin - item was a polka cornet solo “Australis” (A. F. Lithgow), by Bandsman R. Rudha.il, who, in response, to an encore, gave “Let the Rest of the World Go By.” He was accompanied by Mr. ,T. Paterson. Miss M. McDonnell found herself at home in a “Scene from 'She Stoops to Conquer, ’ and as an encore gave “A Short Recitation.” A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining item by the Band was the intermezzo “The Village Forge” (If. Holloway). The bird whistle, anvil and vocal effects of this piece were cleverly handled. Mrs. 0. Roach’s charming contralto voice, which is so popular was eminently suited by her two numbers “By the Waters of Minnetonka” and as an encore “Across the Desert.’’ She was accompanied by Miss K. Gieseking, 'with a violin obligato by Mr. C. Leech. The next item by the Band was the gem of the evening, the grand opera selection “'Gounod” (Rimmer). This A grade test piece wa-s handled remarkably well by the Band, and played with fine individuality. Two encores wore demanded from Bandsman 0. Michel for his-inter-pretation on the evcr-popular Xylophone. His first nunibcr was “Auld Reekie” March, and his first encore “Nearer My God to Theo.” The Humoresque “Sliding Through the Rye” (A. Trurnan), a.n old melody in a humorous vein, gave ample scope for the soloists, and they acquitted themselves well, making it thoroughly enjoyable. Mr. A. Aims won instant success with his rendering of “The Two Grenadiers” (Schumann). and an encore “Kirconnell Lea.’’ Mr. Paterson was his accompanist. A fitting conclusion to one of the finest programmes yet presented by the Band was the prize march “With Sword and Lance’ (If. Starke). It was a tuneful piece, with the light and shade of expression brought out artistically. Prior to the conclusion of the concert the President of the Band, Mr. A. Kilpatrick, thanked the audience for their attendance, ami referred to the achievements of the Band at the last Contest.