AUSTRALIAN SILVER BAND.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 20 November 1925, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN SILVER BAND.

RARE MUSICAL TREAT

FIRST CONCERT GREAT SUCCESS

The beauty of music played by a highest grade silver band on a calm evening out of doors is a delight which has to be heard to be fully appreciated. in this respect the Australian Silver Band (worthy successors of the Newcastle Steeavoncers Band) eclipsed the success of the latter band’s concert given in Hawera some seven months ago. The opening concert of the season last evening tvas a revelation to everyone. As a combination the band was perfect, no flaw being apparent to even the keenest of auditors, and the band also brought forward three soloists of splendid ability. The band showed much ability in the bass section, and in this respect achieved at -times the effect or a grand organ. The brilliance of the coiiductor was shown by his absolute control. At his veriest suggestion the tone was instantly or gradually shaded or increased to the full volume without any apparent effort. On his return from his successful world tour with the Newcastle Steelworkers Band,' Mr. Albert H. Baile set himself to form a combination which \coukl compete again for the three greatest band contests that the world knows. In the comparatively short time (and it is only seven months since the Steelworkers Band was still in New Zealand) he has worked wonders, and it would not be a surprise to any of those who heard last evening's concert if the records of -the previous band were excelled. The two grand selections, “Lohengrin” (Wagner) and “Sullivan’s Opera No. 2” (arranged by Ord Hume), gave the band excellent scope to prove its worth. Both difficult selections were attacked without hesitation, and altogether a remarkable effect was secured. At times the music had the suggestion of a great symphony orchestra, and at others the effect of a grand organ was secured

In the other items, Riminer’s march “Irresistible,” the overture to “William Tell” (Rossini), and the fantasia “United Kingdom” (Rimmer), in which was cdeverly arranged the various national melodies, the band was received with much enthusiasm. The hymns “Nearer my God to Thee” and “Lead Kindly Light” were played with excellent effect.

Mr. Arthur Stender was undoubtedly the star performer of the soloists. In his first cornet solo. “Titan ia” (Trimmer), Mr. Stender showed that lie was an artist of the highest grade, and his tone was a revelation to all. In response to a very hearty encore he played the well-known and beautiful “Rosary,” in which his previous effort was even exceeded. The trombone soloist (Mr. Clarrie Collins) played “Lend me your aid” with splendid effect. As an encore he gave a humorous “slide” item, “The Joywheel.” Mr. Harold Reid, the xylophone soloist, gave a very clever exposition in “Coaxing the Piano.”' For an encore he introduced a novelty, playing the xylophone while blindfolded. TO-NIGHT’S CONCERT. To-night the hand will conclude its Hawera season with a complete change of programme. It will also endeavour to give as many special request items as possible.