The Bandsman

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7865, 29 July 1911, Page 18

The Bandsman

(Bt '-'Magenta."; Value of “Beading” Ability. Whoro mnj braes instrumentalists (particularlv cornets, trombones, and sometimes euphoniums) fail is in reading abilities, not to mention transposition work. Put a largo percentage ot really good solints into the orchestra or the 'military band, and the result is ienobk) failnro. The cause—in most i cases—lies in the fact that brass bandsmen don’t get sufficient variety of sightreading practice. Otherwise, I opine they would easily hold their own with orcbostrial or military band performers; more--over, would display more taste and expression, as a rule, in their performances. Comets should by all means get plenty of eight-reading of all _ Mnds. Trombones and euphoniums likewise, and in addition should study tho bass clef—a valuable accomplishment. Now is the period—during tho "dark” months for tho advised improvements. Those -who have studied and worked to a successful end in this direction have never regretted it. Indeed, the writer has personal friends who have entered the professional ranks, onouring first-class berths, not only because of being good solists, but mainly owing to their abilities as “readers" and "safeness” on transposition work.—‘Tho Comet." Wanganui Letter. ‘ Tho Caliph writes: The City Band ,-avo an enjoyable concert last Thurs3ay at Virginia Lake Reserves, a much boomed pleasure resort of Wanganui which, in time, providing a large sum of money is spent on it, will bo very attractive, but in its present—well, ‘“S nothing to write home to mother about. Tire reserve is a tidy step from town,, and it was estimated that Mly a thousand people were present to “Fasten' to the Bund," so tho band should feel flattered at its drawing powers. The members are in high glee over tho capture of Lieut. Buckley as permanent conductor, and it will bo interesting to watch the progress of the band under him. Mr Buckley is held in very high esteem in Wanganui, and will no doubt be tho means of attracting public interest and support, without which no band can accomplish much. Tho Garrison Band, is extremely unfortunate in losing the services of Mr Buckley, its renowned solo cornet player, and his' place in tho band will bo hard to fill in more ways than one. Mr Francis, soprano, late of Wellington Garrison, has joined tho band, and I hear tho band is highly pleased with his Xilaying. Tho veteran, J. Trussell, relinquished the soprano in favour of Mr Francis, and has taken up first flugel. Mr Gould (flugel) has resigned from the Garrison Band owing to pressure of business, and the band has presented him with a memento of his many years of service. ■ , . At tho annual meeting of Wanganui Garrison Band last week Sorgt. J. Trnssall presided. Tho annual report spoko of the excellent work of Conductor Wade during the past year, and mention was made of tho ban<Fs indebtedness to Mr O. Allomes (treasurer) and Mr J. T. Muir. Tho conductor’s report showed that tho band had met 248 times, and had worked up 127 new selections. Tho treasurer’s report showed a substantial credit balance. Mr A. Wade was reelected conductor, Mr 0. Allomes hon. treasurer, and Mr J. Trussell bon secretary. Xt was decided to go fully into the matter of the Gisborne contest at an early date. The band will play at tho Wanganui hospital to-morrow. Mr R. J. McCann, formerly ot the Garrison, and latterly with the Professional Band, has gone for a trip to his nativo heath, Newcastle (N.S.W.), and expects to. return to the Dominion about December.