BANDSMEN’S NOTES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8740, 23 May 1914, Page 10

BANDSMEN’S NOTES

(By “Magenta.”) ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. X.H.—Many thanks for favour received. Is very acceptable. THE ROAD TO SUCCESS. A little success to some people is nothing less than a huge calamity (savs a writer in an English contemporary). Generally speaking, success acts like a tonic and supplies the 'necessary motive power for achieving greater things in the future. This, unfortunately, is not always the case, and many a band has become a hopeless wreck as the result of one or two prizes at minor contests. It is all a question of side. We have known bauds which, after winning the fourth prizd at third-rate contests, have become as inflated over the affair as it they had won the 1000 Guinea Cup. and much more so than the majority of bands who do actually win it. On one occasion the writer heard the solo cornet player of such a band declare that he would not play second to any man in the kingdom. What a statement to make! Men who talk m this strain are generally musical nonentities who, either by a fluke or a stroke of good luck, have been put in possession of something which they do not really merit. But there you are! Suppose all the first violins in a good orchestra were to ho affected with the same kind <]f madness, and all demanded to sit ori the leader’s chair or else refuse to play. ~ , Fancy a man who would rather play solo cornet in a fifth rate hand than assistant solo in a band of decent protensions ! But we have heaps of bigheaded comet players of this sort, men who must bo beard, and generally men who the less we hear of them the better they are liked. The nonmusioian stamps himself m ever movement. Some people consider tnat all bandsmen are musicians, but this is not the case by any means. Some musicians there are. certainly, but there is more than a sprinkling of the other sort. The man who declines to play seconds to anybody is a good example of this type of man. The true musician is content to play in any .capacity as long as he is playing a part and playing it properly. He does not object to play repiano if the man who plays solo cornet is capable of doing this properly. . . Brass bauds are not organised merely for the benefit of one hand, but this is the idea which some comet players entertain with regard to themselves. They are always ready to teu what they want, and if they are not successful in securing it, they stoop to all kinds of mean tricks in order to cause inconvenience to the other members, thinking, no doubt, that their services are indispensable. The only way for a band to be entirely successful is for every player from top to bottom to sink his individuality and get rid of his selfishness — one common cause. When this is accomplished half the way to success is assured. OLLA PODRIDA. Wairarapa Pipe Band intends hold- ■ ing' a bazaar in the near future, and there is much enthusiasm about the function in Masterton circles. A “gift afternoon” in aid of the art, fancy, and plain work stall was held last week, when there was a good attendance, of the public. Songs and reci'Acions were given by ladies and gentle-, men present, and” the bazaar should benefit considerably thereby. A discussion accompanied by more or less heat has been lately carried on ; n the “British Bandsman” on the subject of “Should Adjudicators Understand Harmony?” It is amusing to read the serious manner in which some of the controversialists engage in the contest, especially some who' consider themselves musical judges: There can be only one answer to the question. If an adjudicator is ignorant' l .of har-

mony, then his decisions on other musical matters are open to doubt. A Home paper recently announced that Belfast (Ireland) was to be favoured with another visit from Mr William Short, the King’s Trumpeter. The genial adjudicator and composer was due to appear in the Ulster Hall to play solos for the final recital of the season.

The execrable weather we have been experiencing lately has put an end to outdoor band performances for the time being. Of course, the winter season is now on us—earlier than was anticipated—and it was felt that open-air concerts could no longer be depended on. But the premature advent of Pluvius and Boreas has sent all plans '“agley,” and the public will perforce have to take their pleasures musically indoors. Incidentally, it may bo remarked that vhe cold must have been fairly keen when our 'city organist (Mr Bernard F. Page) had to cut his programme short last Saturday evening, owing to his fingers becoming frozen and refusing duty ! Still, a, warm and cosy band room is far different from a big Town Hall, cold and poorly lighted, and only half-filled (only enthusiasts would have turned out on such a wretched night), and it is, therefore, gratifying to record that some fairly good practices have been held since the bad weather started. None ,of the bands is neglecting its obvious duty to “ make bay while the sun shines,” and in this case the chance of an extra practice or two is not to be ignored by any band. Summer will come again, and there will bo plenty of leeway to make up.

Wellington City Band was once more in evidence last Sunday night, when it gave a concert in His Majesty’s Theatre before a crowded house. The weather was very bad, and the attendance of the public must have gladdened the hearts of liieutenant T. Herd and his men. There was a very good muster of the band, and the programme was rendered in a manner that reflected great credit on conductor and men alike. A varied bill-of-fare was presented, and met with hearty appreciation: it included selections by well-known com posers. Besides solos and concerted numbers. Among \ho items presented were Brown’s “Americans’ Club,” Rimmer’s “Classic Gems,’’ Gunther’s marche militaire “Hemikabr,” and Brown’s intermezzo “Minola.” These .were all played with great expression, and earned well-deserved applause. Mr H. D. Clarke and a number ox pupils contributed Dajuel.Vs corniertanze, “Moderate and Cantabile, and their fine playing was much appreciated. The vocalists for the evening were Messrs It- S. Allwright and W. Eider, and their numbers gave the requisite variety to an enjoyable programme.

According to the “British Bandsman,” it is rumoured that the Town Council of Hastings (England) have requested the “Blue Hungarian” Band to resign, on the ■ ground that the players are not “All British,” Owing to tho retirement of Mr Carl Armbruster, due to ill-health, Mr Hubert Bath has been appointed musical adviser to the London County Council. Mr' Bath is a prominent figure in tho musical world; not only ■ has he been a • successful conductor, hut he is a brilliant pianist and accompanist, and has composed over 250 songs of every variety, besides several choral works. Tho new musical adviser was born at Barnstaple, North Devon, in 1883, but it was not until he had passed his fifteenth year that his musical education began. He became a student of tho Royal Academy of Music in his nineteenth year, three years later won the Goring Thomas scholarship for composition, and has since that time shown wonderful versatility in the art of composition. As a composer he is principally known. His more serious works include “Variations” for ful! orchestra, incidental music to Sir Herbert Tree’s production of Hauptmann’s “Hannele,” comic overture “Mr Midshipman Easy,” and two sea sketches for full orchestra. Besides his songs, Mr Bath’s choral works include “Leg end of Nerbudda,” “Look at the Clock” (humorous), etc., but he is principally best known to musicians by his fine setting of “The Wedding of Shon Maclean.” Other choral works are “The Jackdaw of Rheims” and “Tho Wake of O’Connor.” Mr Bath w'as conductor to the Quinlan Grand Opera Company for two years during its tours in Great Britain, Africa, and Australia. He is adviser and music master to the Groat Eastern Railway, and Professor of Opera at the Gi"ildhall School of. Music.

General Sir lan Hamilton was highly pleased with the playing' of the cadet bands from th© Boys’ Training Farm, Weraroa. The music for the inspection parade at Phlmerston North last Monday was supplied by these bands, and was worthy of the auspicious occasion. It is worthy of note that the three bauds—brass, bugle, and pipe—are being instructed by Licutentant T. Herd, conductor of Wellington City Band, who has earned a wide reputation as a band teacher. General Hamilton was very pleased with the playing of the lads, and specially complimented Lieutenant Herd on the fine showing they made. This should lend a fillip to the cadet band movement and inspire other centres to follow such a successful lead.