THE GARRISON BAND AT WANGANUI.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLV, Issue XLV, 21 March 1910, Page 6

THE GARRISON BAND AT WANGANUI.

THE FIRST TEST SELECTION. A rpialilied correspondent at Wanganui sends ns the following criticism of the Nelson Garrison Banil's performance in the (ir.-l tt-st selection conlesl, and in the i|u;utetlo eoinpetition at the recent conlesl: LAND CONTEST. . 6th Land. Nelson Garrison Band.. Started with a clean attack and sustained the interest all through. The tune was well-balanced. There was a line crescendo early in the piece ; horn sol,) was well done', and the accompaniment by the other instruments was beaut I fully subdued and clear, crisp and equally balanced tone. The cresceiulos and (liminucndiH's were very good. During the cornet solo the inner part.were heard clearly. The wa> especially well done, in fact. Nelson band was about the only band _ which brought out the speciality of this litth movement—staccato notes gave a particular zest to this part. In the slow movement the pp marks were well ob served, and the legato style .was especially beautiful here. Good time was kept a'nd the expression was good. Then was also a fine crescendo in the jj- time, and the good performance of the innei parts was most noticeable. The sixeight time was very graceful and theaecent «ood. The cornet solo was particularly line, soft and refined, beautiful subdued accompaniement. The balance of tone and parts, the expression, attack, rvthm, and accent were all of very high order, and the performance brou"hf great applause from the immense concourse of people on the Racecourse when the competitions were held. Quartette: Balance of tone and parts wood, expression, etc.: in fact, all I have said about the band in the test-piece refers to this except that being only font instruments the'balance of tone wamost noticeable, and,also all the othei good points in a higher degree, and I can safely say it is one of the best quartets I have ever heard.

HONOURING THE BANDSMEN.

PUBLIC WELCOME TO-NIGHT

The Garrison Band arrived home yesterday morning, there being a goodly turnout of the public to welcome the bandsmen.

At the Municipal Chambers at 7.30 this '.veiling the Band will be publicly welcomed home by thc Mayor, lie Band will play some selections, probably on the Church Steps. Doubtless there will be a large gathering to show the city's appreciation of the splendid perform ance put up by the Band at Wanganui. Nineteen gold medals were, competed for at last week's contest. Of this number nine were won by members of the Nelson Garrison Band. Both the A and B grades competed for the medals, as there was only one competition for tin solos and quartettes. This fact adds to the honour of the Nelsonians' wins. With its win in the test selection the Nelson Band takes £SO. It also holds foi a year the Boosey Shield, which "is awarded to the Band gaining the highest aggregate in the two selections and the music in the marching contest. Nelson Garrison, under the rules of the North Island Brass Band Association, will have to compete at three contests as an A grade band, as a result of winning th e B grade at Wangamii. - Bandsmen will assemble at the Band Jtoom at a quarter to seven to-night.