BANDSMEN’S NOTES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8367, 1 March 1913, Page 11

BANDSMEN’S NOTES.

By Magenta. M.W.—Thanks for par. Will assist you all I can. R.H.—Par interesting and therefore accep table. Would like to hear irom you often. Wellington Tramways Band is badly in need of a new set of instruments, and has arranged to give a series of entertainments for tho purpose of raising fund*. The public have been very good to the band in the past, and it is hoped that this appeal to their generosity ■will not bo made in vain. The cause is certainly a worthy one, for after all the public benefit principally by the band s efforts. The band has a creditable record indeed, and a new set of instruments will prove of immense assistance in improving upon that record. Under tho title of the “Moonlight Merrymakers" the band has been giving entertainments on Wednesday evenings nt -Newtown Park, and has met. with a fi no measure of success. At the last function tho sum of J&2 7s 6d was collected, winch will greatly assist the instrument innci. Some of the members are talking about the Auckland contest, and of coins© now instruments will mean a lot in that connection. * ~ . ~ of bands should pteas© note that as the part of this paper which contains th© “Bandsmen's Notes goes to press somo days earlier than the date or publication, it is essential that news tor insertion in tho current weeks notes should reach the “Times" office by Wednesday evening, otherwise ,it stands u very good chance of ''missing the hus for that week. Mr H. B. Kerryt adjudicated at tne recent New South Wales band contest, ine concluding results were i B flat solo —W. Brook (Eozelle), 35; O. Smith (lielensburgh), 33. Cornet duet—D. bummorton and N. Riggs (Broken Hill A.M.A.), 35; G. Holmes and It. Grant (Kozclle No. 1) 33. Euphonium solo—A. Clark (Ipswich), 34; O. Franz (Rozello), 81. Cornet solo—D. Sum morion (Broken Hill A.MJV.) 35; 0. Walker (Rockdale Manteira-l), ■». Tenor horn solo—J, Herron (West Wallsend), Mj G. Larkmau (Rockdale MunlH. Douglas, who took a very prominent part last May in organising the Waterside Workers* Band* of which ho has been bandmaster ever since, has handed in. his resignation, owing to h u projected departure from Wellington. Mr Douglas has had tho pleasure of seeing the band, under his baton, expand from a gathering of ton members at the first practice to an organisation thirty strong. In. appreciation of his past valuable services, the members decided to present Mr Douglas with an enlarged framed photograph of the band, together with a small cash donation. Mr Douglas's resignation necessitated a fresh election, which resulted in Mr Simpson being elected bandmaster, Mr G. Smith bandsergeant, und Mr T. McGregor bandcorporal. The bund has decided to enter upon a course of propaganda work for the unification of the Laoour lor CCS. It has offered its services to the Unity Congress committee, and in furtherance of its decision will appear at the Labour "rally” to-morrow afternoon. Noson Citizens' Band has been rseon-j structed, und Mr G. C. Mock ter, after a) rest of three years, has again taken) charge) Mr Mockler is working .up a! good combination, and has tho hearty : support of tho members. Several concerts which the band gave recently were very successful, and the band’s future! looks bright. Carol-playing during! Christmas week brought in JM IDs, a' welcome addition to the war chest. Hr F. W. Jones, an old member, has rejoined, and the enthusiasm with which he has thrown himself into the work of improving the band is having a good effect on the others.

The writer paid a visit to CHriscohurch last week, hut as his stay was short he had not an opportunity of hearing any of the bauds of that city. However, fie met "Tom Toin,” the veteran scribe, and some bandsmen, Midi learned that band matters in tho south-.' ern city are pursuing the even tenor cT, their way. The concerts have all been well 'patronised by tho public, and though there is nothing very brilliant to record about the performances, the. bands have put in creditable work. It has been pointed out to the writer that in a paragraph recently published; in this column appeared an implied die-i paraging reference to a local conductor. This is, to be regretted, and will not happen again. Tho paragraph was supplied by a correspondent, who has proved reliable in the past, and it is quite likely that the reflection was made inadvertent- 1 ly. ‘ The greatest care is taken that any criticisms appearing in this column shall not be offensive.

The 12th Regimental Band (late Nelson Garrison) is flourishing under the baton of Mr T. H. Hughes, With their new silver-plated Besson instruments, and dressed in the Territorial uniform, the members look very smart on parade. An endeavour is to be made to attend the Auckland Exhibition contest.

At the garden fete held at Blenheim recently the proceedings wore enlivened considerably by the playing of the 10th Regimental Baud (late Garneon), under Conductor C. A. Forrest, and the Blenheim Hibernian Band, under Conductor H. Robinson. Splendid programmes wore submitted by both com tarnations, whion acquitted themselves well. Mr R, H. Fulton is secretary of the Regimental Band, Mr P. E. Sheridan treasurer, and Mr E. W. Rose drum-major. A line from the secretary of each of three bands would be acceptable. ■ With reference to the rumoured visit of the Grenadier Guards’ Band to the Auckland Exhibition, "Tom Tom" says in Christchurch "Evening News"; “Many hope that tho telegram with reference to the Grenadier Guards’ hand at the Auckland Exhibition will prove correct. At present Dr A. Williams, M.V.0., is conductor and at York the concerts given by this famous British band have drawn tremendous audiences- As usual the programmes contain much that is best in music, and the people of York ore much impressed with the musical feast provided. A small draft of the Highland light Infantry, under Mr E. A. Evans, and tho Ophir band, a draft of tiie Royal Marines, are the only English regimental bands that we have heard in New Zealand. A visit from the Grenadier Guards’ Band would be a godsend to Maoriland’s bandsmen.” I nave to thank Messrs Chas. Begg and Co. for a copy of the "Metronome/ a high-class musical publication hailing from the United States. There are some very fine journals now published, end every bandsman should at least he a subSr” of these. Three that can b© recommended are the Metronome* "Dominant" and “Musical Progress, The projected visit to Wellington of the Auckland Public Schools Band at Easter, in connection with the carnival to he held in this city, should meet with general approval- The band consists of about forty boys, and tn© visit should be one of the features of the carnival. Boys* bands are not too plentiful in this country, and yet their formation should be encouraged, for they are really recruiting grounds for the adult bands of the future. The Auckland band is said to be a very good one, and its performances may have the effect of stirring the authorities here to form a similar organisation. His Worship the Mayor is interesting himself in the proposed visit.