MUNICIPAL BAND

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 19, 4 October 1928, Page 3

MUNICIPAL BAND

The possibility that the band will love its conductor (Mr. Kaye) is at the present moment causing the members grave concern. It would be a thousand pities if the district were to lose the services of this talented gentleman, who, as has been mentioned previously, is one of the foremost musicians in New Zealand. This is conclusively proved by the fact that he was appointed out of a large number of applicants, to a vac-

ancy in the orchestra of the Gonzalez

Opera Company. Writing on this question, a southern, exchange states that when it became known that there was a possibility that a New Zealander would* be appointed to this position, applications came in from every part of New Zealand, and that from musicians of repute. It may be taken as a high tribute that Mr. Kaye was selected for the difficult post, for the appointment called for a display of musical ability far in excess of that required in the ordinary course of events. It is now rumoured that the appointment is likely to be made permanent, and that Mr. Kaye is in a position to accept an offer to leave New Zealand when the tour here is completed, A wider field than that offered by local engagements is open to most talented

musicians, and one can scarcely blame

any instrumentalist who takes advantage of opportunities that may be offer-

Ed him. This is especially true of one who hadl held a rposition such as that now held by Mr. Kaye, for he is not likely to find here so wide a field as he will find in America or Australia.

In those countries, from which the corn-

panics that tour New Zealand are chiefly recruited, there must be many fields

in which a musician who has made for himself a reputation, may find scope and encouragement. As it is, there JS not a great deal of attraction in returning to conduct a local band which does not receive a just measure of public support. It comes therefore as something of a pleasant surprise to learn that Mr. Kaye, though attracted by the idea of foreign engagements, is not wedded to it, ~ and would be prepared to return to Lower Hutt if there was any reasonable prospect of secure employment and enthusiastic support.

The time seems opportune for a further consideration of the question of the band. It must appear clear to any citizen that a Municipal Band is necessary in. our borough, and that to have such an institution, a good conductor is necessary. At the same time, conductors do not grow on trees, nor are they easily procured when they are needed. Can the citizens not take some action, therefore, both to retain the services of the conductor, and to place the band on such a footing that it can be a credit to the community? It seems clear that until the conduct of its affairs is placed in the hands of a representative committee, and businesslike management is instituted, it ■will not prosper. Have we no citizen sufficiently alive to the interests of the borougr to advise on this important question? Is there no councillor who takes an interest in the musical side of our community life? With confidence, the band can take its place as one of the most important borough assets. But as things are at present, it appears to be "nobody's baby/ and has to carry on under great difficulty. In many ways and for various reasons, citizens naturally look to their council for a lead. Will the council not give that lead! Many resident, no doubt, would be glad to help if an organised effort were to be made on the band's behalf.