BANDSMEN’S NOTES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8734, 16 May 1914, Page 10

BANDSMEN’S NOTES

(By “Magonta.”)

Many people will remember “Corona,” the fine cornet player who appeared in Wellington and other Now Zealand centres under the Fuller regime. "Tho Man who Makes the Cornet Speak" sends a postcard from Brisbane to "Magenta, containing his photograph and best wishes, and a newspaper notice of lus performance, from which the following exocrpt from tho “Courier” Speaks for itself“lt is many years since a show has been stopped in Brisbane. Corona has tho distinction, as tho audience insisted on bringing him back -when, ho first appeared at tho Empire, and would not let the programme proceed." It is good to hear nows of tho progress oi comrades “on the road," and "Corona" Iras the best wishes of all (including “Magenta") ior his success in tho lino he has adopted and for which he is admirable fitted. General Sir lan Hamilton paid a compliment to the Queen Alexandra's Own Band which will be not easily forgotten by its members. Under Lieutenant Buckley Dio band made itself prominent at the recent territorial camp at Takapau. and, besides attending to its usual military duties, rendered programmes of music which were much enjoyed by all. On the Tuesday evening of the week in which the camp broke up the band, by special request of tho commanding officers of tho different units, played at the residence of Sir Sydney Johnston, on Whoso grounds tho camp was held. At the conclusion Genera,) Sir lan Hamilton, heartily congratulated lieutenant Buckley on the magnificent playing of his band, and said ho was surprised to learn that the bana consisted entirely of working menfWith the exception of the military bands in tho Old Country, most of tho bands are composed of working men. and General Hamilton need not have been so much surprised.—Magenta.! “Tom Tom" writes in Christchurch “Evening News" “The saxophone is becoming a favourite solo instrument on the Continent, and is gaining ground m England. They are B fiat soprano, n flat alto, B flat tenor, and E flat baritone." Tho sth Regiment Band has tho sympathy of every instrument-player in its experience of returning to ,VV after the Takapau camp. After up early and playing inspiriting airs while the troops were being embarked on the train which was to convey than. to •Wellington, it must have been galling in the extreme to be left behind to stand on the station andwvatchrthortnunload of territorials for the capital city, and to be left, like Lord Hliin. lamenting. However, they had the satisfaction of knowing that tbcar- desertion was felt by the troops thenuselves. N music enlivened the long and w ®axy journey—doubly long and weary ta this instance—and the arrival ffl to ty was a very spiritless -affair. Crowds; o citizens had awaited to see Dm arrival nf tho territorials, and to them tne martial strains of the band would have been very welcome; but our mDzen diera arrived in silence, marched, silently through the streets,.Md^lismisscd from tho barracks iji b Platm again we agree with the Cuke of a contempo_^j-“Austra-supports three bands-khe Town Band, Cadet Band, and Miners’ Band- The last-mentioned just finished a prosperous year. and th bank credit balance stands at -£Bl. writer in the “Australasian Bandsman" says that he recently paid a visit to Tilba/rilba, a small township about eight miles from Bernagui, New South Wales and there listened to the strangest band he had ever heard. It was composed of about sixty Australian igines. They had no instruments, with the exception of a small drum, which they had made for themselves. let. strange to say, the music they produced was very good, and much superior to that produced by the ordinary up-country brass band’. “How did they manage it? says the writer. "Well, I will tell 3’ou. Each blackfellow plucked a suitable leaf from an ordinary Australian gum tree, which he placed over the under lip and against the teeth in a certain position I cannot explain, and after a few preliminary attempts at tuning, adjusting and readjusting, the concert commenced. Although the aborigines did' not understand music, yet they rendered cake walks, marches, waltzes and gallops, with a prelection to be envied—almost in perfect tune. The harmony was complete—cornets, tenors, euphonium and basses—everything represented with a fidelity that was truly wonderful. Who shall say, after this, that the Australian blackfellow possesses no ear for music ? The tone of the band resembled that of reed instruments; those playing the treble producing a tone very much like that of the clarionet. The playing of the band was dean, the attack and execution almost perfect, and, marvellous to relate,, the music was well balanced and in time. One of them played a sofo, 'Klllarney,* and played it fairly. well, the phrasing being almost perfect Most of the music they played was Australian music— Bulch’s. They also gave a very good rendition of Bnloh’s ‘Lyndhnrst Gallop.’ ’’ ;

'Wanganui Opera House was packed last Sunday evening on the occasion of a benefit concert tendered by the local Garrison Band and Mr Will Jamieson, of the Royal Pictures, in aid of the widow and children of the late ilr George Scandlvn. A splendid programme had 'been prepared for the band by Conductor Wade, and the various items met with every mark of appreciation from the audience. A triple solo ,was a revelation to the public of Wanganui, and was accorded a great reception. Another selection which was well received was “Alisma.” which had to be repeated. The band displayed all its old form, and there was plenty of evidence that diligent practice is being regularly indulged in Specially-selected pictures were shown,' and the sum collected amounted to .£2s— tribute to the sympathy of the public which must be gratifying to the promoters.