Newton Band At Whangarei

Northern Advocate, 2 June 1947, Page 4

Newton Band At Whangarei

Having heard the combination over the air on many occasions, it was only to be expected that Whangarei people would want to see the Newton Salvation Army Citadel Band, which made a visit here over the week-end.

Commencing with a march through Cameron Street on Saturday evening the band terminated its programme with a request session at the local Salvation Army Hall last evening. On Saturday night tiro band staged a concert to a capacity audience in this hall.

The band displayed its versatility in the range of numbers which it played. The rendering of the “Maori Melodies and Schubert’s First Movement of the Unfinished Symphony were outstanding. Possessing depth of tone and having, in Bandmaster Reg Davies, a conductor who has every tune seemingly at his finger-tips the combination could do little else but thrill lovers of band pieces. Of interest to Whangarei and district was the march “Maungaturoto,” which was written by Bandsman Roy Cresswell and especially for the trip. This piece, the audience was informed, was written in honour of Bandmaster Davies, whose home is in the Otamatea centre.

The band programme was interspersed with solo and vocal items. SATURDAY’S CONCERT

The Whangarei Salvation Songsters gave two renderings under the baton of Song-leader Len Harvey. The first of these, a selection of choruses, was followed by the rendering of “Glory ! Glory ! ” The blending of the voices was good and these presentations were heard to advantage.

The full programme presented wasl— March ‘Coronation,’’ by the band; “Gems of the Masters” selection, the band; vocal solo, “Oh Lord of Every Perfect Gift,” Bandsman Jack Doweling; recitation, “Back to Grandfather," Bandsman Dick Robinson; cornet trio, “Cheer Up," Bandsmen Beeson, Doweling and Wyatt; male octet. “Pilgrim Song;” “Maori Melodies” selection, the band; selection by the Whangarei Songsters; euphonium solo, “Song of the Brother,” Deputy-Bandmaster Ted Spice; vocal solo, “If With All Your Hearts,” Bandsman Doweling; “First Movement of the Unfinished Symphony,” the band; recitation, “When Our Band Plays,” Bandsman Robinson; male octet, “Sing to Jesus;” march. “Maungaturoto.” the band; Whangarei Songsters, “Glory! Glory!”; concluding selection of hymns by the band.

AT THE HOSPITAL On Sunday morning the band entertained the inmates and staff of the Whangarei Hospital to an hour’s playing of marches, selection and hymns. In bright sunshine after a cold morning the ward windows facing the area where the band was located were lined with listeners. As, is usual with a silver band of strength they were heard to even greater advantage out-of-doors and Sunday morning’s visit was indeed something out of the ordinary for those at the hospital. In the afternoon the band played in Central Park for an hour and a half and entertained a very large attendance of the general public.