BAND SOLO CONTESTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 134, 8 May 1945, Page 9

BAND SOLO CONTESTS

Competitors from Wanganui Garrison, Queen Alexandra (Wanganui). Fcilding Municipal, Mustcrton Municipal. Palmerston North Garrison, and Palmerston North City Silver Bands took part in solo_ contests on Saturday, in Palmerston North. Tho judgo was Mr T. Gray, of Lower llult, a well-known performer and bandmaster. lie was delighted with the playing all through, every section producing some surprises, as he termed them. He specially referred to the magnificent performances of Vincent Belgravo. of the Palmerston North City Silver Band, and Bandsman M. Thomas, of Queen Alexandra’s. Bclgravc’s playing of Arban’s “Carncval do Veniso” was almost without a flaw, and his expression thrilled the judge. Ho considered both lads were coming champions. Belgravc’s performance was tho best lie had ever heard by anyone under 20 years of age. Captain F. W. McLeod (Palmerston North) acted as supervisor, and 54 soloists, presented themselves. The major portion of the accompanying on tho piano was done by Miss E. Eyre, Miss Helen Muir, and little Miss Doris Bclgravc, all of Palmerston North. Mr J. A. Nash presented the medals to tho successful competitors. He emphasised how fortunate they wore in having such a competent judge as Mr Gray. Special mention was made of tho work Captain McLeod had done as supervisor. The results were: — Solo (any instrument), under 14 years.— M. Thomas (Queen Alexandra’s), trombone, 94; A. Sturzackcr (Wanganui Garrison), cornet, 82; R. Belgravo (Palmerston North City), corner, and I. T. Sims (bedding) j bass, equal, 78. Twenty four competitors. Solo (any instrument), 14 and under 17 years.—J. Eyres (Wanganui Garrison), euphonium, 90: K. Thorburn (Palmerston North Garrison), tenor horn, 86; N. Blanchett (Queen Alexandra's) cornet,‘79. Solo (any instrument), 17 and under 20 years.—V. Belgravo (Palmerston North City), cornet, 100 (maximum); Neil Anderson (Palmerston North City), euphonium, 92; B. Batten (W'anganui Garrison) cornet, and M. Booth (Wanganui Garrison), tenor horn, 80, equal. Championship.—V. Belgravo, lOOpts.; M. Thomas, 94.

A special prize was donated for the best slow melody in tho junior section (nuclei 1 14 years) and Mr Gray awarded this to Bandsman IV. E. Newth (Palmerston North Garrison), who played “Bonnie Alary of Argyle.” . Air B. Abraham reefuved the unanimous thanks of the promoters for the tremendous amount of work lie had done.