PONSONBY BOYS' BAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22850, 4 October 1937, Page 14

PONSONBY BOYS' BAND

THE 21 ST ANNIVERSARY VALUE TO YOUNG PLAYERS To celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Ponsonbv Boys' Band, the first boys' band to be formed in New Zealand, a programme of events has been arranged for this week, ending with a cavalcade of bands next Sunday afternoon at Carlaw Park.

The Ponsonbv Boys' Band was organised in October, Iyl6, and was conducted by a committee comprising Messrs. T. Foster, C. Hoffman and R. Francis, with Mr. A. Norris as conductor. Mr. Francis has remained on the committee throughout the band's career, and at present is chairman. Twq years after its formation the band was incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act. The principle behind the organisation was to provide an attractive and educational i-ecreation for the boys of the Ponsonby district, and it has proved of undoubted benefit.

Starting with a membership of 12 and provided with instruments by the efforts of residents of the district, the band now has a roll of 90. Boys between 10 and 14 years of age are admitted, and arc bound to remain with the band until they reach 18. No player over the age of 20 is allowed to remain. There has never been any lack of. young applicants awaiting vacancies.

Boys, on being enrolled after a physical examination, are supplied with instruments and are taught in classes and gradually join the senior band when they have attained sufficient skill. The efficiency of the training is indicated by the fact that many old boys of the organisation have become successful as professional musicians. The band has been instrumental through example and practical assistance in starting similar organisations throughout New Zealand. Various tours have covered the whole of the Dominion. The functions in connection with the 21st anniversary opened yesterday with a concert at the Regal Theatre, Ponsonbv. A reunion smoke concert will bo held to-night, and gatherings have been arranged for the remainder of the week, concluding with a mass parade in the form of a cavalcade next Sunday afternoon.