THE MUNICIPAL BAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18762, 16 July 1924, Page 10

THE MUNICIPAL BAND.

BANDMASTER APPOINTED. WIDE MUSICAL EXPERIENCE CONDUCTOR OF BESSES 0» BARN. A further step toward the establishment of a municipal band for Auckland was taken yesterday, when the members of the City Council sitting as a committee of the whole selected Mr. Christopher Smith as city bandmaster. There were 28 applications ;for tJie position, received from bandsmen in England, Australia, and all parts of New Zealand. The newly-appointed bandmaster was formerly conductor of the famous Besses o' the Barn Band, and more recently conductor of the Adelaide Tramway Band.

In making the announcement of the appointment, the Mayor, Sir James Gnnsoa,. said arrangements would be made at once to organise a first-class military band of 40 instruments, and that the band would be in -operation before the end of the present year. The proposal to form a municipal band was brought forward last year, when the council affirmed the principle and decided to call applications for the position of bandmaster. Commenting on the matter more recently, Sir James said the need had been felt for "an efficient band which would be available for public functions, mentioning a,t the same l time that the council had ample musical material among its own employees. The. new city bandmaster has had 40 years' experience with the finest bands and orchestras as player, trainer, and conductor, and comes to Auckland thoroughly and soundly equipped for his duties. He was for 11 years conductor of the Adelaide Municipal Tramway, Trust Band, one of the finest musical organisations in Australia, and only recently relinquished that position. Prior to going to Australia he was conductor of the Besses o' the Barn Band for over four years, and it was during that period that this very fine combination toured England, Scotland, Wales, South Africa. Australia, and New Zealand, Mr. Smith being in sole charge except for the New Zealand section of the tour. Before entering into his contract with the Besses, Mr. Smith was associated with brass and military bands, and trained bands in all parts of the United Kingdom, winning many notable contests and hundreds of prizes with his various combinations. In those years he had 50 bands calling, on his professional services. ;....". „ In addition to his practical work, the new bandmaster was largely engaged in arranging and composing band music for various musical publishers. As an individual player, Mr. Smith specialises on the cornet and trumpet, although he has a good working knowledge of the clarionet and recently played the oboe and esaxophone as a professional musician, while the violin also claims his attention. He therefore brings ripe and richly varied knowledge to his task, and in the preliminary work of building up the new band his experience in bandroom technique and control should materially, assist in the creation of a first-claBS musical organisation. Mr. Smith is at present in Auckland, having come from Australia in support of his application, bub he was previously in New Zealand. He was appointed judge of band music at the band contest held in Dunedin early last year. Mr. Smith has expressed an opinion in favour of a military band for Auckland rather than a brass band, considering that the military band offers greater musical possibilities. His experience with orchestras should be available in the event of the city deciding to build up such an organisation. ' v .