BANDSMEN'S NOTES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7057, 19 February 1910, Page 8

BANDSMEN'S NOTES.

[By "MioEtiTA."] Correspondents are requested to address their communications to ''Magenta," caro "New Zealand Times," Wellington,' COMING CONTESTS. Wanganui—March lith to 18th. Westport—May, 1910. Punedin—November (about). "BESSES-O'-THE-BARN." This famous Lancashire band arrived in Christchurch by train from the south on the Bth inst., and were given a hearty reception by the local bands. These latter lined up hi Gloucester street' at 7 o'clock, and marched'through the city to His Majesty's Theatre, the Besses following in drags. On arrival at the theatre Dr Thackerj president of the South Island Brass Band Association, welcomed the visitors to the Dominion. Mr Thomas Bowling, on behalf of the band, returned thanlcs for the splendid reception. In the evening the Lancastrians welcomed the Besses, after; the performance, in the" foyer of His Majesty's. The opening concert was appreciatively listened to by a large, audience, and the applaust. was hearty, encores being frequent. Though all tlie items weTe given spkndidly, three stood out. by themselves, viz.:—Von Suppe's overture "Poet and Peasant," "Rossini's "Works," and Mr E. P. Kerry's magnificent euphonium solo. Writes a musical critic of these items: —"In the 0%-erture f mil opportunity was given to show the splendid grasp the band as'a whole has of forte and piano and crescendo effects. These were given with the precision of one instrument, producing very great brilliancy of tone. Whilst this was so, the melody was finely played. The soprano cornet was noticeable in this as ! well as in other seletions for purity and sweetness of tone and wonderful strength without exaggeration. The horns and euphoniums also did fine work in the overture. The opening passages of the powerfully dramatic ini£noductaoin> to the selection from Bossini's works showed the marvellous power of attack, bright, sharp, and clear, which characterises the band. In. this al'.so the' euphonium solo was admirably played. The finale from "William Tell"' was a wonderful exposition of brilliant combination. Mr Kerry's euphonium solo revealed possibilities of the instrument ■which up to now in solos liavo only been vaguely hinted at. The brilliant variations and cadenzas played' with a facility and clearness,, of tone that were something to be wondered at. Runs, extending froni tbe upper to the lower notes, were given with as much ease and clarity of tone ; as a simple •melody, and' Mr Kdr.ry's performance •stamped him as a soloist of the very highest rank." The programmes were changed nightly, and the season, which concluded on Saturday last, was highly successful. ■ ■ ,

WANGANTJI CONTEST NOTES. . (By "Trotter.") It has come as a surprise to many to learn that Nelson Garrison Band is competing in the B grade section. At New Plymouth this band competed in the A grade, and was a line band, and from reports to hand is r.ot one jot inferior to its New Plymouth form. ■ The band -procured conies of the A and B grade music, I am informed, so it'would aj> pear as if it is eligible to compete in either the A or B grade. While X don't blame Nelson Garrison for entering the grade that suits it best, it is still open to ask where classification comes in. Gisborne City Band and Wellington Tramways Band have booked at the Federal and Criterion Hotels respectively. Both local bands —City and Garrisonare hard at work on the selections and march practically every night in the week. The Garrison will play too ba6S trombones at the contest. ' The quickstep will be held on Thursday, and the teat selections on Wednes , day and Friday evenings—all on the race-' course. It is a matter for regret that Kaikorai will not compete. The band spent a good found sum on nominations, which shows that it fully intended t-> compete, had 'not unfortunate circamstances arisen. The Mayor and Mr Hogan, M.P., wired the Mayor of Dun-

edin. and Mr Arnold, M.P., to use .their influence in assisting the Kaikorai band to attend the contest, but'without avail. In next notes I will give the instrumentation of Wanganui Garrison and City bands, besides news of local happenings. OLLA PODRIDA. Moonlight ferry excursions'are very popular just now in Dunedin, arid the Garrison Band is doing very well out of engagements. Wellington Garrison and Jupp's Bands Bav-o performances at .Newtown Park and the Botanical Gardens respectively on Sunday afternoon last,'. and drew large and appreciative audiences. Writes "Harmony":—The- «S.A. Bio.' rama Band will, I understand, finish its tour and disband -in about six weeks. Already several members are leaving to take up situations offered them in various parts of the Dominion.

A Home journal states that the WinRates Band has lost its great' playing form, amd that it may be some time before it will again come to the front. It is to be hoped that the. outlook is not so gloomy as the journal suggests.

Mariaia Band is determined to give a good account of itself at Wanganui contest, -no matter what other bands may or may not do. Enthusiasm is keen among the members, 'and practices are being held every night. . This is the sort of spirit that, is eo refreshing .to. come across; without.it anyband would be a lifeless'concern.. ■ ,

Mr . George Cuauvhigh'am Boosey, of Garsto.n,. Spajwholt, Hants, and, of ■Regent Street, London W., music publisher, of Messrs Boosev' and Co., who died on October 22nd, at th© age of forty-three, loft estate valued at .'.£33.415, -gross with net personalty of ..£22,427. So; there is something in catering for brass; bands.. The remarks passed "in last week's notes on the Wangauui contest were intended to be of a friendly nature, and certamly. not meatot to iJijure the prospects of the success of the contest. ' As & matter ot fact, the article appealed more to bandsmen than contest promoters, and was really meant to be. in the nature of .a call to duty. So Wanganui friends win pleas© take note. >■• ' . :■ ■ As usual..Hawkes and Son's musical journal, "Musical Progress," : is thoroughly up-to-date, judging by the latest received. The journal is replete aa ever with an astonishing amount of news regarding doings in the musical world—brass and military i bands especially—and a, humorous march by Paul Linoke, "The Mouse," is given as a supplement.'. Mr Arthur Clark, conductor of Thames Battalion Band, is an old Christchurcn bandsman, and ten years ago played for the Garrison Band thero. -Dorftiß & Hying visit to the Cathedral city recently lie was entertained at a ''social in the bandroom by hi? old ba.nd, and presented by Lieut. Merton (conductor) with a large framed photo of C.G.B. as a memento of the old days.

At the "■'-, Christchurch - Professional Band's performance in aid of the Crawford benefit, Mi , T. Tankard tor the Garrison 1 ) conducted, in the-absence ot

Conductor A. G. Heath. The Elite Band also lent a cornet player (Mr S. Crca'gh) to Stanmore, as the letter's conductor and leading cornet (Mr C. Dunn) was parading with, his old band, Woolston. -It is pleasing to see, such concord- between bands. In the second number of a new society journal, '"lHie Tatler," published at Christchurch', appears a very fine process block of the Besses-o'-th'-Barn Band. Being printed on toned paper, every feature of the group is shown mosr distinctly, and the half-dozen massive championship, trophies flanking the band on each side" are eloquent tributes to the success of the "laddies from Lancashire."

New 6 from- the Canadian Kilties' Banid states that, since . leaving New Zealand; the band has playe dthrough India, Burmah, China, Japan, and Straits Settlements. This is a good record as far as travel goes, but the Kilties, who a.t Christmas time -were playing in < Cairo, have since left for Bmndisi, Italy, Florence,, Borne, and Venice, amd arc evidently seasoned world travellers by now. Mr W. J. HcUJnhoin. is touring manager. '.,.;'.

Ch'ristchurch "Press," in a notice of the ■ Besses-o J -th'-Barn Ba.nd's : first concert, referred to an - evil -which is only too regrettably common. It said: —"The full effect of the "Taimhauser" march, which opened the progTanume, was spoilt to a great extent by tbe incursion of a number of late-comers, and it is to be hoped that the management will strictly enforce the salutary rule of keeping the doors closed as soon as a number has beffun." The saimio nuisance« was felt in Wellington . wh«u ■' the , Profes-. sional Orchestra initiated its scheme of " popular ' concerts. Some , people never ■ can be-i early, lot ; alone on time, , and ■ the: < bustling and traroipling of these late-comers generally managed to completely spoil the effect of th© opening .item. The managers of . the orchestra, however, soon "tumbled" to the itui.sa.nce' ,and ;tho niotincation of, non-admittance during the performance 'of a number quickly brought the careless ones to their semses.