AUCKLAND GIRLS' BAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 21049, 7 December 1931, Page 7

AUCKLAND GIRLS' BAND.

SUCCESSFUL CONCERT GIVEN. SEASON AT HIS MAJESTY'S. Hie remarkable progress which has been made by the Auckland Girl's Erass Band since its inception a short time ago" was exemplified when it opened a short season at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday evening. The girls'made a most favourable impression, their playing showing a surprising degree of skill and combination. Mr. Arthur Hodgkins, the Canadian conductor, who came to Auckland with a considerable reputation for producing prize-winning bands, and who has been responsible for moulding the band into a unit, canont be given too high praise for his success in such a short period. The gills were enthusiastically received as they took up their positions on the stage, their neat white uniforms with red facings making an attractive spectacle. The programme presented was one of great variety, some of the numbers being such as would tax any band, but the girls achieved a large measure of success in every item. Each selection was given with a spontaneous verve and zest that showed the keenness and ambition of the performers, and an even higher standard is to be expected in the future when the band has gained greater experience. The first number was a rousing march delivered with a vigour and enthusiasm which would have done credit to a far more seasoned combination of musician;!. This was followed, by a piece in a more meditative strain, the "Magneta" overture. The solo work was admirably executed, a fine sense of feeling being imparted by all the performers. Another overture, "The Garden of Eden," followed immediately, this also meeting with popular approval. The next group of three selections included a novelty number which was greeted with warm applause, an interesting descriptive piece, "Indian Boy," and a charming selection of plantation airs grouped under the title of " Southern Melodies." The second portion of the programme opened with a bright march, which was followed by way of contrast by a series of operatic selections. The next number was the hymn, "Nearer, My God, to Thee," which was given with reverence and sincerity, the band then playing another popular overture. The final offerings were a charming series of Irish melodies, an overture and a selection, "Simplicity." During the evening several cornet duets were contributed by two members of the band, the Misses Marjorie and Ruth Hodgkins, who had to give an encore. In addition to the band performances vaudeville items were given by leading artists. Miss Sarah Stacpoole revealed a charming soprano in several songs, while Mr. Elton Black, a Scottish comedian, ( aroused great enthusiasm with a variety of songs and anecdotes, his performance proving one of the most popular of the evening. Another performer who found great favour with the audience was Miss Daphne Kindley, a diminutive ventriloquist, who showed surprising skill in maintaining a bright flow of .patter between two dolls. A sensational dancing act was provided by the Aerial Four, three men and a girl, their daring feats of acrobatic dancing being performed with unusual grace and precision.