BANDSMEN’S NOTES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7446, 22 May 1911, Page 4

BANDSMEN’S NOTES.

(By "Magenta.") MUNICIPAL FIXTURES. May 28th. —Tramways, Botanical Gardens. August 27th.—Military, Island Bay. September 3rd.—Pipe, Lyall Bay. September 10 th.—Garrison, Newtown Park. September 17 th.—Military, Botanical Gardens. September 21th. —Jnpp’s, Island Bay. September 27th,—Pipe, Lyall Bay. October Ist.—Garrison, Lyall Bay, October 4th. —Military, Island Bay. October Bth. —Pipe, Newtown Park. October 11th.—Garrison, Lyall Bay. October 15th.—Military, Botanical Gardens. October XBth.—Garrison, Island Bay. WANGANUI LETTER. (By “The Caliph,”) The City Band (Conductor G. Buckley) gave an enjoyable concert on Sunday aiternoon in Queen’s Park rotunda. The weather was nno though somewhat cold. The Wanganui people again showed. their love ot: band music anti attended in full force. Tho baud got through tue programme in very good style, aud several .improvements in iib playing wero no doubt due in a very great measure to the careful tuition of Mr Buckley. A set of decent instruments would make a wonderful difference to the City Band’s playing. It supplied the music for the College sports on Easter Monday. Following was the programme rendered on Sunday:—March, ‘’Hosannah”; selection, "Golden bceptre”; contest march, “Our Defenders”; selection, "Piccolonuni’s Wox’hs”; selection, "buyer biar"; euiHiouxuni solo, "Asleep in the Deep”; selection, “Maritana”; march, "Manhattan Beach/* S.A. Band has lost a considerable numoer of players tnis last few months. I'noir places, are being filled witn beginners mostly* and no uouot when me uids get a bit moie skiiiul with their instruments the playing of the oand will improve. The ounnmaater nas nud a Heart-breaking task to keep the oand together, ana 1 hope the clouds will boon toil away. .nr Bartons circus band played m Wanganui for three nignts. It is a decent little band of eight performers, all hailing from Australia. Amongst the pmyei’y were the four brothers Goodwin — cornet, horn, euphonium,-, and bass. Mr R. Law, llugal horn in the Garrison for some years, has resigned. Mr E. Gould (ffugal) and our old friend, Mr Tom Gray (trombone), are having a three months’ spell from baud* work. Tn© Garrison Bund, under Conductor Wade, gavo h concert at the Jubilee Home last Sunday, and also assisted at the opening of the Gonviile Town Hall, the j)laying on both occasions being greatly appreciated. The cornet section has been strengthened by Mr Ben Shallow throwing in lus lot with the hand. Mr Shardlow is a coriielist of considerable ability, and his playing shows spiendid tuition. The Professional Band has had a good run of engagements during the summer. The band supplied the music for the grocers* picnic, freezing works picnic, master builder*;’ picnic, and the Skating Rink. The other week it played at a fashionable wedding, and has a prospect of a three nights* a week engagement for the winter, consequently it could be with another solo cornet player. Congratulations to Tommy, Lawrence (Wellington Garrison), in figuring so well in the bass solos at Palmerston. While in Wanganui “Tom” was a member of the City Band, and,' later, the Professional Band. Well done, Tam, t my bhoy! “Will ye no come back again e

JUDGING AT CONTESTS. For veara tiiere lias teen great discontent in. contesting circles at Home m regard to the ways and means ot jua„ing various hand competitions, and tncre has been much discussion as to tiie way and wherefore ot open judging and tent judging. A Home journal suggests Unix judging Should bo done in the open, and many colonial conductors consider tne tent method an aosurdity, as it is contended the judge can tell which band is Haying almost as well as a.ny ot the spectators. One argument in favour oi • open” judging is that any ‘ cooking', of decisions -by the judges would be exposed, and many' contest tricks practised by bands would be stopped. it would also test a judge’s abilities as to whether or nob he uvas fitted for_ the position ho occupied. Moreover, it 3a contended .that tne “open” system would weed out the unqualified aud the [panderers to friends, and pave the way for ■the employment of, capable men at fair i-emunei-ation. There are _ numerous points that might bo urged in favour of a reformed system of adjudicating, and no time -should be lost in taking_ the bail by the horns and either end it or mend it. Band committees who promote contests hold the matter in their hands, and it will be for them to suggest to oands entering 'their contests wnich of the two methods they prefer, and let them decide by a majority, if need be. \Vay the “open" system is considered superior to tne tent system has not been demonstrated by the above arguments, reo system of judging is perfect, but the tent system suouid surely be the most impartial. It may have its faints, hire these are not so gigantic that they could not be remedied. A writer in a southern paper remarks; “Personally, and from long experience, I think a fudge's though U; are better concentrated’ when he is isolated, and he is also freed from knowing what band is playing at tha montent.” A-judge should ]>e above suspicion, but enclosing him in a tent docs not neocssaiily mean that he cannot be trusted. The highest band judges ait Home are en-ilosed in,a tent, but no one doubts their integrity, and judging in the open-would no more please Hiose bands that, failed to gain a prize than it does now. With a few modifications, the present system is the- most workable.

BAND PROGRAMMES. In dismissing the perennial question, “What should he tiro main object of all_ musical programme-makers,'” a writer in a Home journal remarks: This is a question that perplexes many. A conductor of a band, in choosing his public repertory, has many points to study. Bas audiences are mixed ones. Hence, in confining his programme to one class of listeners, he may displease tho other. What most people require is variety, and it is. only by adopting a varied programme that the public can be legitimately ■ pleased. But this must be done in a manner by giving hearers the best music attainable. Music must not be dragged down, not even to please crowned heads or emperors. The Safety of the art is iu the bandmaster’s keeping. He it is that must guard it, in spite oi all hazards. Tho conductor’s position seems plain, his duty clear: to educate his audience and ta maintain his musical status. To pander or play down to the non-musical is a degradation of the art. Music appeals only to the musical. The unmusical have no sympathy. To them any tune Is the same, so long as it comprises a lively strain that sets their limbs a-jig-ging. v A Jew’s harp or mouth organ or a tin whistle is preferable. What bandmasters should aim at is to elevate their listeners by a love for works ; r° m Ik® very best composers. Keep pegging away at seme of the grand revelations from master minds. In time bandsmen will learn to love and appreciate such music, and take a dislike to the trashy musichall stuff that everywhere abounds. The public will bo educated to the sublime and realistic beauty of tho .com-

positions of men born to give to the world real music—combinations .ot sounds that will appeal to their inmost oouls, wafting their thoughts and aspirations towardsheaven, music is a factor in the uplifting of tho masses, and a boon to the community wherever it is producen. OLItA PODE-EDA. The recent visit of Wellington Mission Band to Christchurch- has resulted m steps being taken in the Cathedial City to form a Mission Band on simuar lines. Christchurch contest is still in its embryo stage, but a nicotine of, the bouta isiand brass Band Association/ will be held very shortly to discuss preliminary arrangements. / A man listening to the hand at Clacton (ling.) was told that. the Piece was from •'Fra Diavolo. IVhoe uef lepliod the man; “give me something from riany Lauder!” In addition to losing Mr Chris. Smith, (who has been appointed conductor ot idclaide Tramways Baud) the besses-o - th'-Barn Band has lost Mr Byers (solo horn) and Mr Ryder (S9IO cornet). The former has taken up his abode in Adelaide, and the latter in Melbourne. Jfc is considered probable . that an amalgamation may take place between the Morningtou and Citizens hands of Dunedin. The Morulngton band no longer practises in the district after which it is named, but has removed to the city. Both are good bands, and an amalgamation would provide Dunedin with a hue combination.• In addition to contingents numbering 25,0ti0 taking part in the Royal procession on Coronation Day, the massed bands of the Foot Guards. Household Cavalry, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Royal Marines and the Royal School of Music, with the bands t which single units bring with them, will provide 2OJO performers. Onehunga Municipal Band is thriving under the leadership of Mr W. J, Rowe. The practices are well attended, and the band's public performances are much appreciated by the public. At the local hospital last Sunday' afternoon the band gave a programme of music. The items were, most of-them,, old favourites, and the band did; justice ■ to them. The recent art-union held by Wellington Garrison Band resulted in - a profit of £42, which will be devoted to reducing the debt on the new instruments purchased some time ago. The band will give a concert in the Town Hall to-mor-row (Sunday) evening, and will be assisted by.some of Wellington's most talented vocalists. The conductor (Lieut. Herd) informs me that there are vacancies for, good eupho. and baritone players, also brass and side drummers. Tho Salvation Army City Band is anxious to raise funds towards purchasing new silver instruments. Xine silverplated engraved instruments are already ordered, and it is proposed to order the remainder as soon as funds are available. 1 A concert is beinp held in the Citadel this evening, wnen tho Wellington Garrison Band will render several items, including a cornet solo by Mr J. Parker, and a tenor horn solo by Mr J. McKersley. The full programme appeared on Saturday. The Dresden Piano Company are also assisting with the loan of a piano. Last weak an old resident of Ross passed away 1 in the person of Mr Antonio Traversi, at the rine old age of sis. His sons are Messrs; A. T. Traversi (A.1.A., Lond.), Actuary of the Friendly Societies Department, and secretary to

the National/ Provident Fund, Wellington; and Francis L. Traversi. the wenknown corn etist, - recently , a s p ° in fht municipal bandmaster at-Llandudno, the fashionable watering ; place in .North Wales. Both brothers were'well known in the band world, and Mr A.-T. ira Yf-rsi acted as accompanist for ton Garrison soloists on several occa "'"•When 1 made my first tour of Europe," writes Sousa in his memoirs, “I had to explain the meaning of the title of that well-known ™f rc M £ Ji 1 ? ’ ‘The Washington Tost, the impression was that it referred to a mail coach, and there . were postal cards. depicting a coaching scene, and labelled. ‘Tub Washington tost. the .I 11 '! 101 if named after tne newspaper of that name in our national capital, and its oiigin was this:—Frank Hatton and Beiian VV i-lkins, proprietons of the paper, got . up a competition amongst the .school children for the beyt essay, . and- the scheme ‘caught on’ to such an extent that a huge outdoor meeting was held ait the National Museum urouuas for ure distrioution of the prize. 1 was there with the Marine Band, and played for the first time the maxch, which X iiud promised my friends the proprietors to write." , . , , Sousa and his band must have had a hearty reception at the public halls at Home, according to London papers. The performances have been characterised by ail the merits ■ which have made the organisation so famous. It is not music 10 live upon, because it is a glorification of the superficial, and it is better ,to go away with a remembrance of the effects than to seek, greater familiarity. All his old march music ’ has been used with excellent effect. Tone, precision, and rhythmic accentuation were, as ever, the characteristic features of tlie playing, and the balance of ensemble most admirable. Two or three new pieces have, been added to the repertoire, which will probably be in the hands of_ most London bands, during the coming season. "Hobomoko” and , the "Washington Post” ■ were -prominent features in tho programme.’ as ;was also -the humorous fantasia; with variations, on the song, "Has Anyone Seen Kelly?” The instrumentation , of Wellington Mission Silver Band when it Christchurch, was as follows:—Conductor, Mr Harry Baker: solo cornet, W. Baker; first cornet. A. Grant; first cornet, E. Baker (deputy-bandmaster); first cornet, W. Grant; first cornet, W. Gold-, smith; repiano, W. Drew; repiano. XC Baker; second comet, B. Moore; second cornet, W. Cook; third cornet, F. Hodge; third comet,'F. Chote: third cornet, H. Wheatley; soprano, F. Turner; solo horn, B. Baker; first horn, W. Bowatcr; first hern, G. Henekcr; second horn, A. ■ Eliott; second horn, C. Spearman; first baritone, W. Baker; first baritone, G. Collie; second baritone. W. Longhurst; solo euphonium, P. Scrimgeour (treasurer); second -euphonium, T. Bryant; first trombone, E. Cramp; second trombone, H. Greig; G trombone. XX. Weston (secretary); E fiat bass', XV Addis; E fiat bass.'lt. King; E flat bass. C. Ifinnook; monstre bas, B. Amiss; monstre has, H. Andeison; bass drum, A. Tidman; side drum, G. Baker; triangle, A. Bell; drum-major, C. ■; M-acphee. Bandsmen l/owis (in Charge), Beil. Martin, and Tremaine form too saoconi-mittee that has charge cn the acetylene lamps of the band. '■ There was talk some time ago of several New Zealand bands intending to enter for the Ballarat i contest. Kaikorai has not yet forgotten its disastrous trip there some three years back, and it is said that the band is considering a visit to Ballarat in 1912. A now set of instruments, is being procured, and will be probably heard for the first time at the Christchurch contest towards

the end of the present year. Wanganui Garrison can be safely counted ui»ii to ~ay another visit to Ballarat, ItHs doubtful when the .trip can be made. After its gratifying ! success in 1910 it has nothing to bo af raid of amoni, the Australian bauds, providing its personnel is as good on its next visit as it was on tho last. Wellington Garrison is also turning its eyes Ballaratwards, but this year’s Eisteddfod need hardly expect to see tho New Zealand chainpioi. band, owing to the difficulty of getting tho requisite leave of absence lor the members. Whatever the future may hold in store it is tolerably certain that New Zealand will not be represented by any band .at Ballaiat this wear. . . "Jack Falstaff” sends me the follow; ing interesting letter:—The annual meeting of Wellington Garrison Band was heM on Monday night, in the hand room, Lieut. T. Herd presiding, and there was a full muster of bandsmen. The annual report and balance-sheet wore read and adopted, the balance-sheet Showing the band to be in a financial position. The receipts for tho year were .£662, 14s lOd. and cxpendi-. ture M!8 7s lOd, leaving a credit balance of .£lB4 6s lid. It was decided to pay another -XHX) off the iiist:"; 1 : 1 -:-:-; a--count, and it -is anticipated that the whole will , lie paid oft in the near future The election of officers resulted: —Secretary, Bandsman H. Bavies (reelected); assistant secretary, Mr Goto; treasurer,- Corporal A. Baker (re-elect-ed)- librarian. Bandsman J. Glennie, iuiir; assistant librarian. Bandsman XV. Heald; committee, 3andsmen J. larkei, w H. Smith, T. Lawrence, and PJohnson. The treasurer, Mr A. Baker, was highly complimented on the busi-ness-like way in which the hand, books had been kept. There is every probabi. lity of tlie band attending the next Gisborne contest’with a much stronger combination than that at the recent Palmerston contest. The band has been fortunate to secure tho services of some new arrivals, and there aro ono or two topnotchers on the way. There was some sound general business done, tlie members showing much of the old enthusiastic spirit. A hearty vote of thanks to the chair ended a very pleasant and beneficial meeting. I can hardly credit the oft-repeated story (says the genial John P. Sousa, of the 13.8. A.) that' General Grant knew only two tunes, ono of which was Yankee Boodle," and tho other wasn't. X have known more than one President, relieved: from the onerous duties of a groat reception, to find rest by sitting auietly in the corner of a convenient room, and listening to the music. Burin" Chester At Arthur's administration, on° tho occasion of a state dinner, the President came to the door -of tho main lobby of the White House, and, beckoning me to his side, asked me to play the "Cachuca." When I explained that we had not the music with -us, but would be glad to include it on our next programme, the President looked surprised, and said: "Why,. Sousa. I thought you could play anything. I’m sure you can, Now give ns the ’Cachuca.’" : This placed me ru a predicament, as I (IfiX -not wish the, President to believe that the hand was not at,all times able’to respond to his wishes. Fortunately, ono of the bandsmen remembered the melody and piiayed it ■ over'softly to me on lot cornet. I hastily wrote out several parts for the leading instruments and told the ie»t of the band to "vamp." -Then we playc-d the "Cachuca" to the eatisfactioa of Mr Arthur, who came to the door and said, "I knew yon could play it.” If this number is called for during- Sousa’s ■ Australasian tour it is probable that he will be able to respond with a fully or- ' ohestrated rendition by his famous Cand, ! which numbers over sixty magnificent [ instrumentalists, selected from the fines® i musicians of Europe un-X America.