Damnably Out of Tune

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 39, 16 February 1937, Page 6

Damnably Out of Tune

Stern Critics at Nelson Band Contest DANNEVIRKE DOES WELL IN HYMN TEST. - Per Press Association. NELSON, Feb. 13. The New Zealand band contest opened in beautiful weather to-day. There aro seven A grade and twelve B grade bands competing, and there are 400 entries iu solo competitions. Mr. E. P. Kerry (Sydney) is chief adjudicator and Mr. G. Goodall (Wellington) is assistant judge. The judging of solos proceeded this morning. Results:— E Flat Soprano Cornet (12 entries.) —W. Francis (Wanganui Garrison), 85, l; It. Thomas (Timaru Alunicipal), 81, 2; C. Thompson (Queen Alexandra's Own), 76, 3. E Flat or EE Flat Bass (10 entries). —J. P. Cowlishaw (Palmerston North Garrison), 94, 1; V. Abraham (Timaru Municipal), 93, 2; L. H. Jacobs (Institute Silver, Wellington), 91, 3. Hymn Teat Results. Nineteen A and B grade bands competed on a level in the hymn test tonight and the performance of Dannevirke proved that smaller bands can make a worthy showing in the hyinn against more notable combinations. A erowd of over 2500 gathered at Trafalgar Park, the weather being clear with a cool wind. The judge, Air. Kerry, placed the first three bands as follows: Timaru Municipal, 138 1 Dakinovirko Municipal, 130 . • 2 fc>t. Kilda Alunicipal, 129 .... 3 “I would advise conductors to spein to-morrow getting the bands in tune," remarked the judge in giving his decision. “I have never heard bauds so damnubly out of tune as some of those L have heard to-night. 1 have not couie here to pull you to pieces. 1 know no bands iu New Zealand and it doe&n't matter to me who wins." Commenting on the test afterwards, Mr. Kerry said that the programmes were varied. The main factor was uutunefulness and unbalanced playing. The band that won had won handsomely. It had the best tone and was the best balanced. It piayed the hymn more in keeping with a hymn than any other band. A hymn should not be a dirge. Bands out of tune would not be considered In any way whatsoever, he added. He had taken phrasing into consideration. Borne of the bands made bigger gaps than one would make in singing and the majority left the ends of phrases too abrupt instead of tapering them off. Tenor Trombone Solo. H. Croucher (Hawera Municipal) 79, L. Carruthers (Greymouth Municipal) 74, G. Langridge (Timaru Municipal) 73. Baritone Solo. C. Smith (Timaru Alunicipal) 89, G. Wilson (Woolston Brass) 88, A. J. Tourell (Dunedin Artillery) and L. O'Brien (Wellington Tramways) 87 equal. Both judges were disappointed with to-day's solos. Mr. Kerry considered tho soprano cornets poor and expressed disappointment. The E flat bass solo was interesting but not high class, said the judge, Mr. Goodall. The solo was quite easy but many competitors treated it too easily. Mistakes mado were uumeroue and unnecessary. Three players stood out a little above the others. The most noticeable fault was articulation. The j three leading players' articulation was ' very good right through. Mr. Kerry was very disappointed in the trombones. From a championship view-point it was tho worst playing he had ever listened to. He pointed out that the trombone was a man’s instrument. He could not stand the horn tone on a trombone and urged them to cut out the extra tremolo. Mr. Goodall said the baritone solos were not very good and wondered whether all were nervous.