Feilding Municipal Band

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 74, 28 March 1936, Page 3

Feilding Municipal Band

PROFITS FROM RECENT CARNIVAL The committee of the Feilding Municipal Band met on Thursday evening, the Mayor (Mr T. Collins) presiding. There were also present Messrs C. Simmons, W. Lowe (conductor), W. Wilkinson, 11. Kent, E. G. Garlick, P. P. Stevens, W. H. Clayton, O. Scotney and C. H. Tate (secretary). Mr Stevens presented a balancesheet of the recent carnival effort which showed a credit of £SO 16s, which would provide for a distribution of about £27 each to the three bands. Although not quite as much as was expected, Mr Collins said the result was satisfactory in view of the unfavourable weather experienced during the carnival. The question of providing more adequate protection and security for the band instruments was discussed following a report by the conductor that a soprano cornet was missing. The matter was left in the hands of Messis Collins and Stevens.

Tho meeting agreed to arrange foi the holding of card parties throughout the winter months and steps are to be taken to investigate the possibilities of forming a boys’ band. The visiting committee of the band reported as follows: —“On visiting the band-room at 8.30 on Friday, March 20, the conductor was found to be devoting much work and energy on instructing the players in the musical rendering of a selection. Apart from the unsatisfactory attendance, the work thrown upon the conductor would appear to be somewhat unfair, and would indicate that players had not studied their respective parts in preparation for the practice. Much ol the musical phrasing and expression, which the conductor was at pains to explain, should be acquired by the individual players beforehand by making themselves acquainted with the composition in their own time. While a certain amount of instruction and coaching may be expected of a bandmaster, practices tend to lose their attraction for the players if it is necessary to give too much time to what amounts to tuition. In making tlieso remarks it will bo understood by all members of the band that the object is not to condemn, but to assist. Band practices, like any other musical rehearsals, become tiring and unattractive if one or two members expect to be dragged along by the others, and much worse if the conductor is expected to drag them all along. By individual study and preparation and consistent attendance, practices w-ould be more attractive and enjoyable. The tonal quality of the players and their general ability indicates that the material is there for the band to be more attractive both to themselves and the public. Tho bandmaster may have some sugggestions by which this committee may be able to help further in organising this Municipal Band.”