A MUNICIPAL BAND

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXII, Issue LXII, 21 June 1911, Page 4

A MUNICIPAL BAND

A brass band is an institution no town of any f size should be without. Its uses are not confined to the immediate paying done by members. Under a a.udactor who understands his work and is a good disciplinarian young men who eiitpr the ranks of a band get an excellent training and a chance to excel if tl ey have the ability. The regular i ractice inculcates good habits, regularity, perseverance, punctuality. From a musical point of view the training is most important. A bandsman with average intelligence gets an insight into the knowledge of time and tune that will be of

great benefit to him in his musical studies. Only a few can be conductors. There are comparatively few required. Not many have the requisite gift, for the master's manner and ability is a pure gift. It may be developed, but it cannot be acquired. The leader is born not made. The requisite qualities of hand and head are not given to many. The training gained, however', by the budding conductor in the ranks ox a band cannot but be of great use to him when he takes the baton. It will en- | able him to pick faults and have an opportunity to remedy them that would not otherwise be his. And so iyill he be able to bring his band to the pitch of excellence at which every conductor aims. It will be of use too, in another way inasmuch as it should make him patient and forbearing, knowing the difficulties encountered by beginners, and should make him encourage players to persevere towards success. The marvellous effects gained by the crack bands should act as_an incentive to smaller bands to work hard. Not that the bandsman generally needs much incite- ' ment. It is wonderful to see the time put in at practicce by members of brass bands. Hawera band has had a chequered career. At times it has been quite good and gained a considerable degree of success. Like all musical institutions in Hawera it nas had many ups and downsi Just now it is down. A determined effort should, however, be made towards revival. . An object lesson is provided in the small towns in the district. Manaia and Kaponga both bave brass bands that reflect great credit on their members. Kaponga has for quite a number of years had the great advantage of having a number of enthusiasts who, undeterred by obstacles, have kept the band together, sparing neither themselves nor their time in pursuing the interests of the band. To them the town and people owe a great deal. We have heard them, on various, occasions quite lately. They have recently been strengthened by the entry of Mr Rushton, lately of Hawera, and have the additional advantage of the tuition of Mr J. Higham. Under him they are making great strides. If they can keep their members together they should , improve vastly in the course of a year or two. Their ultimate succeess is of course bounded by the musical ability of the players. Their style, that is precision of. attack, crispness of finish and attention to light and shade, may be developed to quite a high standard. jlt seems hard to undertand why Hawera should not succeed. There are apparently a number of good players in the town. Probably many young players would come out if they were eni couraged. It needs a man with time, I energy and enthusiasm, and the ability |to fire members with his own. keenness, the power' to lead them and encourage them to persevere, and tact to manage them. A man who possesses the necessary, qualifications cannot be got for nothing. The Borough Council should see whether they cannot offer for a time at least liberal support. No ratepayer, we believe, would object. Good instruments are available. Borough assistance coupled with a sympathetic citiizens' committee should lend to the movement the impetus necessary to give it a good start. The leader is first of all necessary. Why not follow the lead of Kaponga, and give their tutor an opportunity to try and revive such a useful institution? The assembling under his baton, of a scratch band for the Coronation Ceremonies proves that there are players available. Now is the time to make a determined attempt to keep them together.