Dominion Band Contest

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 46, 24 February 1938, Page 7

Dominion Band Contest

A Grade Combinations in Action FIRST TEST SELECTION WON BY PORT NICHOLSON A grade bands competing in the New Zealand brass bands’ championship played their first test selection, “H Crociato in Egitto, 77 by Meyerbeer, at tho Showgrounds last night. Placings by the judge, Mr. E. P. Kerry, were us follow: Port Nicholson Silver (Conductor: Air. J. J. Drew) 1 Wanganui Garrison (Conductor: Air. R. Francis) 2 Timaru Municipal (Conductor: Lieut. R. J. Simpson) 3 Wellington Tramways (Conductor: Mr. E. Franklin) 4 Auckland Artillery (Conductor; Captain G. Buckley) 5 Palmerston North Garrison (Conductor: Lieut. C. Pike) 6 Ist Battalion Auckland Regiment (Conductor: Lieut. G. W. Bowes) 7 Individual points were not announced, it being the intention to give the aggregate points at the conclusion of tho second test selection on Friday night* In announcing the placiugs, Air* Kerry said the playing had been of a representative character. The winning band had given a performance which, he had thoroughly enjoyed, and wai well ahead of the next band. He congratulated it and the conductor on such a fine rendition. HOW THE BANDS PLAY (Specially Written For “The Times. 77 )| It was a pity there was such a small attendance to witness such fine playing last evening at the Showgrounds when the first A grade test was presented. It must be disheartening to the local contest committee w r hen only a few hundred people turn out to listen to a New Zealand brass band championship. Band music is the people’s music, and bands cannot possibly hope to survive unless they receive plenty of public support* The playing last evening by at least three bands was most inspiring, and no. opportunity should be lost by the public to hear the A aud B grade finals this evening and to-raorrow evening respectively. There was plenty of cohesion in the playing last night aud very little un< tunefulness was noticeable. Some very; artistic performances were given by the soloists, and the popular Wellington band, Port Nicholson, played splendidly. There was artistry in every movement and the veteran conductor. Air. J* Drew, fully deserved the tumultuous reception his band ieceived immediately the result was announced. Great credit is also due to the conductor of the second band, Wanganui Garrison, Air. R. Francis. There had been a family bereavement only ten minutes before hie band had to play and Mr. Francis displayed wonderful fortitude in carrying on. His father also played for the band. These two conductors were outstanding, and although the test w*as not nearly as difficult or up to the standard of the A grade tests of previous contests, it was nevertheless tuneful and popular. “Romeo and Juliet,’ 7 the ever popular Gounod opera, will be presented in selection form for the second A grade test on Friday. This work includes the ever popular “ Waltz Song, 77 and accommodation at the Showgrounds should be taxed to the utmost to hear this fine work. Wellington Alunicipal Tramwaye Band (Conductor* Air. E. Franklin). — A fine compact opening. Cornet cadenza well played. Horn solo taken at a fair pace, phrasing by soprano good, in the allegro solo cornet plays tastefully; and band still very compact and playing neatly. The chorus and “Dance of Slaves’ 7 well treated although basses are inclined to be a shade broad and cornets “stop’’ notes occasionally* Band well in tunc. Euphonium play* most artistically in piu lento preceding martial movement. This section of the test crisply played although piano staccatto notes not always together* Soprano cadenza well played. Tin* modulation leading into the cornet duet a little untuneful but generally well played. Final chord nicely treated, Duet sweetly played. In the cadenza the soloists not always together. “Hymn of Death’ 7 untuneful on final notes of each phrase. Tho quartet sounds more like a solo by the cornet; still it sounds effective. Euphonium plays neatly. Trombone could afford to be more fearless. Band good in tutti ports. Trombone cadenza a little uncertain. Marching accompaniment to the “Conspirators’ Chorus’* very well played; a good movement. Solo hora opens well in the andantino but plays a little on the straight side. Accompanist could have been more velvety; still it is quite a well played movement. What a pity the cornet duettists cross towards the close. Allegro molto solidly played; cornets overblow at times. Chorus of “Egyptians and Knights’ 7 treated with care. Inside of the band a little weak in final piu Vivo. Cornets play this movement very solidly. A good close. Band rich in volume in the final allargando but still a tendency for the top end to overblow. Quite a satisfactory performance. Nice interpretation. Timaru Municipal Band (Conductor, Lieut. R. J. Simpson).—A noble opening. Forte piano notes delightfully treated. A good start. Euphonium plays very tastefully. Solo horn misses just before cornet entry; still, he plays sweetly. In the following allegro solo cornet a little uncertain. Band well in tune. A fine, compact movement just before the "Dance of the Slaves.” Nuances carefully observed. Another good movement. Allegro agitato played in a dramatic manner. Euphonium is commanding. Band not quite together in first chord of piu lento. Euphonium cadenza well played. Allegro marziale played at correct tern-

po. Soprano good. Band a shade untuneful on final chord preceding duet. More tenderness could have been exhibited in this part. Accompaniment good. Duet cadenza nicely treated. There is plenty of precision in the allegro con brio. Band accelerates in final bars. "Hymn of Dentil” untuneful. Quartet sounds more like a solo—-this could have been much better balanced. Accompaniment fairly good. Trombone plays richly although he cracks on the lower F. Martial movement taken on the slow side. It does not sound like a chorus but the accompaniment is good. A splendid close to this section of the work. Andantino opens nicely. Short chord before Q slightly untuneful. Solo cornet misses slightly before R, still he produces a nice tone. Duet well played. Allegro molto very com pact; expression marks well observed. “Chorus of Egyptians and Knights” neatly played. Band seems to be laboured in final piu vivo— a fine body of tone. Band very compact. Some of the tempos taken a shade on the steady side. A satisfactory performance. Auckland Artillery Band (Conductor, Captain G. Buckley, V.D.).—A fairly satisfactory opening although second cornets overblow a shade. Euphonium plays well although lacking a little in tonal volume. Nice, soft harmonies during horn solo which is well played. Soprano introduces a vibrato effect in his solo. Allegro taken at a steady pace. Band a little ponderous but movement fairly well played. Chorus and Dance of Slaves opens promisingly but soprano too fierce—he misses occasionally. In the chord before the allegro agitato band not together. Euphonium plays artistically and accompaniments good. Cadenza very well played. Martial movement begins solidly. Band in tunc. Again soprano a shade fierce but he plays his notes accurately. Modulation baud fairly well in tune. Andantino perhaps may have been played with more tenderness. Duettists zeep together. Cadenza fairly well played although top cornet gets out of tune oi» final note. Hymn of Death untuneful, particularly on final chords of each phrase. Quartet well played. This sounds more like a quartet. Euphonium neat. Trombone could afford to be more fearless and devoted. Band nicely in tune just before N. Trombone cadenza notes played accurately but unsteady on top notes. The martial movement a little on the laborious side. A more rhythmical accompaniment would have improved this movement. Solo horn out of tune at the opening of the andantino. Duet by cornets fairly well played—once or twice not quite together but tonal volume good. Allegro molto opens on the heavy side and loses a little in character but band warms up better in the following chorus of Egyptians and Knights. Piu vivo should be taken at a brighter pace. A cornet anticipate in this movement. A full, rich close. This band put up quite a creditable performance but lacks a little in cohesion at times. Band of Ist. Battalion Auckland Regiment (Lieut. G. W. Bowes.) — Good attack. Opening movement taken at a very brisk pace. Cornet cadenza nicely played. Band in tune. Horn solo well played; also soprano plays well. In the allegro solo cornet plays tastefully although the soprano entries are not very clean at times. Band compact at tutti. Chorus and dance of the slaves played very neatly indeed. Nicely articulated and precise. An expressive movement. A good close allegro agitato opens well—first “shot” not irregular. Euphonium treats solo artistically but goes out of tune on the minum E just before the allegro marziale. This movement well compact. Soprano misses slightly on the opening note of his cadenza but plays it well. The modulation leading into the andantino a shade untuneful. Cofnet duet fairly well played. Cadenza not quite together but soloists well balanced. Plenty of precision in the allegro con brio. Although top end of band not very neat in third bar from end of this movement. “Hymn of Heath”—band not in tune. Quartette well played but could have been treated a little more devotedly. Trombone opens uncertainly but recovers quickly. Band good in tutti parts. Unfortunately trombone cracks on top A. Martial movement very artistically treated indeed. Euphoniums not quite in tune — a good movement. Band in tune nicely on final chord. Solo horn misses slightly but produces a nice tone. Andantino played appealingly. Duet good. Allegro molto begins very well indeed and nuances nicely observe 1. Final allegTO giojoso taken at a steady pace and band very legato—a player anticipates during the repeat. Piu vivo has plenty of vim. A euphonium anticipates slightly in the sixth bar from the end. A compact close. An entertaining performance marred at times by slight slips—still the treatment was artistic. Wanganui Garrison Band (conductor, Mr. K. Francis).—A very good opening. Band well m tune and a fine body of tone. Inside parts nicely treated in the lento, althouogh solo horn “misses” slightly; a good movement. The following allegro taken on the slow side and accompaniment a shade on the heavy side but note values accurately observed. Solo cornet cadenza very well played. Soprano plays stveetly in chorus and dance of the slaves; a splendid movement. Trombones produce a glorious tone here. Band well-balanced and nicely in tune. Allegro agitato. Euphonium plays well. First tutu chord band not quite together; other chords well played. Cadenza good. Allegro marziale taken on the steady side but band very compact. Another good movement; a beautiful close. Andantino receives most artistic treatment. Trombone chords come through well. Cadenza for two cornets flawlessly played. The following allegro con brio receives plenty of precision. Hymn of Death. Band well in tune. Euphonium plays crisply. Trombone '‘misses” at opening of his recitative plays with character. Cadenza nieeiy played. A martial spirit displayed by the accompaniment in the in&ziale movement. A top cornet “misses” at beginning of this section pf the test. Flugel horn takes three

eight andantino solo and gives a good oxhibition. A good movement. All soloists play well. Basses balance band nicely. Allegro molto opens on the heavy side for a piano opening and basses could have been a little more staccatto. Still it warms up w T ell and the allegro giojoso goes well. Piu vivo splendidly played. A fine body of tone. A really tip-top performance. Port Nicholson Band (conductor: Mr. J. J. Drew). —A good opening; band nicely in tune. Cornet cadenza very well played. Solo horn plays sweetly. Accompaniment good. Band well balanced. In the allegro solo cornet again plays tastefully. Band well compact. In the chorus and dance of the slaves there is plenty of articulation and precision; a good movement. Allegro agitato played dramatically but top end of band not quite together in third and fourth bars. Euphonium plays splendidly. The martial movement goes well but a cornet misses a top A. Soj>rano treats his cadenza with artistry. Piu lento band well balanced but the break between the last two bars rather spoils the legato effect. Duet movement fairly well played. Cadenza not quite together. Hymn of Death. Band out of tune slightly in second and fourth bars. Solo cornet sits beside trombones for quartet; a splendid balance in this movement. Well played. Trombone takes his recitative with care and produces a good tone but is a shade uncertain on the lower B and top A. Still he puts plenty of character into his work. The martial movement taken at a good tempo; a good movement. Solo horn opens the andantino well. Accompaniment nicely subdued and a velvety effect noticeable. Solo cornet plays most artistically. Cadenza for two cornets splendidly played. Baritones and euphoniums well in tunc in allegro molto. This section of the band plays very well indeed and works well together. Lower cornets and flugel horn combine well. In the chorus of Egyptians and Knights, band plays well. Piu vivo taken at a smart pace. A good, rich, compact close. A fine performance. Palmerston North Garrison Band (Conductor, Lieut. C. Pike): Good attack but opening taken a little on the steady side for 320. Cadenza nicely played. Soprano opens uncertainly with his entry in the lento; a good close. Solo cornet too heavy for “leggieso” in the allegro and soprano is not clean with his section of this movement. Band not always in tune; chorus and Dance of the Slaves inclined to be too ponderous for a scherzo—still, the band is fairly compact and has plenty of volume. Overblowing noticeable in allegro agitato; euphonium does not make any mistakes in his solo. The martial section receives precise treatment. Soprano uncertain with his cadenzas; bass end good modulation; band in tune here. Cornet duet lacking a little in tenderness —the players warm up a little later on and play well together in the cadenza. Allegro con brio taken at a brisk pace. Hymn of Death a shade untuneful at opening. Cornet soloist again sits with trombone section for the quartet—this goes well, though some “top” instruments anticipate in the tutti parts. Trombone plays his recitative without any mistakes—his low B natural was not quite in tune. A little more first would have improved the performance. Conspirators ' Chorus quite well played and band produces a rich body of tone in final bars. The andantino opens well, although the movement seems a shade on the laboured side. The solo cornet plays a wrong note in the second bar after R. The duet works well together. Allegro molto begins neatly but there is a general tendency towards overblowing in the heavier parages; final movement taken at a good tempo; Piu vivo good; a compact close. A fairly good performance. THE SOLO EVENTS Four solos were decided in the morning and afternoon, and there were good attendances in the Opera House and Municipal hall. The B flat cornet championship, which attracted 19 competitors, resulted in an outstanding win for Allan Morton, of the Blind Institute Band, Auckland, a previous winner of the championship, whose success was roundly applauded. Detailed results were as follow: Trombone Trio. (“Lady of Beauty.”) Timaru Municipal, 78pts 1 Dannevirke Municipal, 76pts. •• •• 2 Port Nicholson Silver, 71pts 3 Also competed: Feilding Municipal, 62pts.; Auckland Artillery, 68pts.; Christchurch Municipal, 67pts. Commenting on the result, the judge (Mr. E. P. Kerry) said that fhe playing was quite creditable, only there was a tendency on the part of some players to do things which were only all right in jazz. “And definitely I don't like jazz,” he added, amid laughter. Mr. Kerry then proceeded to give the play ers some advice on trombone playing. B Flat or BB Flat Bass Solo. (“When Love is Kind.”) H. C. Unwin (Wanganui Garrison), 81pts I E. D. Withell (Ashburton Silver), 80pts 2 W. Wilkinson (Feilding Municipal), 79pts 3 Also competed: R. Shackleton (Palmerston North Garrison), 78pts.; L. Jacobs (Wellington Institute Silver), 73 pts.; S. Bennett (Wellington Institute Silver), retired; H. Kendrew (Christchurch Municipal), 75pts.; H. Booker (Palmerston North City), 75pts.; T. Murphy (Timaru Municipal), 74pts.; G. Bloomfield (Ashburton Silver), 77pts.; R. Scott (Waipukurau Town), 76pts. The judge (Mr. T. Goodall) said the playing was better than last year and was very even. Most of the players dropped a largo number of points through notation in the last movement. Only one competitor produced a true tonal quality. E Flat Tenor Horn. (‘' Enchantment.' ') R. Francis (St. Kilda Municipal Band), 80pts 1 F. Ormrod (Port Nicholson Silver Band), 79pts 2 H. Parsonage (Port Nicholson Silver Band), 78pts 3 Also competed: K. Gould (Hawera Municipal Band), 77pts.; R. Carlyle (P.N. Garrison Band), 76pts.; A. S. Williams (Dannevirke Municipal Band), 70 pts.; E. R. Perkins (Westport Municipal Band), 76pts.; W. Bickncll (Auckland Artillery Band), 65pts.; A. Buck (Institute Silver Band, Wellington), 76

pts.; W. Borrie (Onehuuga Citizens' Band), 77pts.; B. Boyer (Invercargill Civic Band), 72pts.; P. Abraham (Wellington Municipal Tramways Band), 77 pts.; L. Scrivener (St. Kilda Municipal Band), 77pts.; A. J. D. Miller (Ashburton Silver Band), 7Gpts.; G. Taylor (Westport Municipal Band), 75pts.; P. Glen (Ivaikorai Band), 75pts. Mr. Goodall said the solo was very difficult in three respects—pitching, rhythm and staying capacity—and had offered a very severe test. Most of the players lacked rhythm throughout. The tempo was very faulty and all failed to finish at the long note towards the close. There were many avenues for trouble cropping up and only three players negotiated the rhythm and got into their respective positions. B Flat Cornet Championship. (“From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific.”) A. Morton (Blind Institute Band, Auckland), 92pts 1 C. Gardner (Auckland Regiment Band), 84pts 2 H. F. Vincent (Port Nicholson Silver Band), 7Spts. 3 Also competed: L. Lee (Te Awamutu Municipal Baud), 75pts.; L. Fox (Hawera Municipal Band), G9pts.; 8.. Register (P.N. Garrison Band), 70pts.; G. Hookway (Auckland Artillery Band), 58pts.; W. Kay (Port Nicholson Silver Band), 72pts.; A. G. Taylor (Hawera Municipal Band), 40pts. (retired); J. McGrath (Wanganui Garrison Band), 68pts.; R. Milligan (Timaru Municipal Band), 71pts.; R. J. Simpson (Timaru Municipal Band), 69pts.; V. Aldridge (Woolston Brass Band), 73pts.; R. A. L. Taylor (Taranaki Regimental Band. New Plymouth), G6pts.; R. Thomas (Ashburton Silver Band), 74pts.; G. Kaye (Lower Hutt Municipal Band), 72pts.; N. D’Ath (P.N. City Band>, 76pts. “The cornet playing this afternooa has been of a very mixed character,” said Mr. Kerry. The winner's performance was outstanding. Many ot the players had not realised the meaning of the solo, and some had thought the judge was stonq deaf. The latter class of player he could not tolerate for one minute. He congratulated the winner on the way he had treated the solo; at times his tone had been really enchanting. MILITARY QUICKSTEP Intending patrons are requested to note that owing to the exceptional weather conditions the street march of the competing bands to the Showgrounds which was scheduled for 12.30 p.m. on Saturday next has been definitely cancelled and all competing bands will now assemble at the Showgrounds at 1 p.m., and the Military Quickstep will commence at 1.30 p.m. sharp. The* local committee regret that this alteration has been necessary but the excessive heat this week leaves no other course open.