BANDSMEN’S NOTES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8794, 25 July 1914, Page 10

BANDSMEN’S NOTES

(By “Alagenta.”) Following the example sot by others in the’Dominion, a further number of New Zealand regiments have adopted inarches with which they will bo associated in future. . These are as follow :—7th Wellington (West Coast), “Winna”; Dth (Hawke’s Bay), regimental inarch of Ist Battalion South Lancashire Regiment; 17th (lluahinc), “Bonnio Dundee”; (ith Alanawatu (.Mounted) Rifles, “The Harp that Once thro’ Tara’s Halls” ; sth Wellington (West Coast), “Alarmion”; 11th (Taranaki), “March at Ease”; Queen Alexandra's 2nd (Wellington West Coast), “The Colonial March.” All the regiments mentioned are in the Wellington military district. A lively correspondence on the subject of “Military v. Brass Bands” has been going on in the “British Bandsman.” In the latest journal a writer justifies the-"starring” of the leading military bands at public concerts, and declares that the step is justified, as brass bands —in his district, at any rate —arc mot in the running. A good deal has yet to bo said, however, on the other side. Lieutenant T. Herd, of this city, has just received a letter from Mr Arthur Xewton, of Silsden, Yorkshire (England), in which the latter announces the death, in his seventy-sixth year, on May 27th, of bis father, Mr Edward Xewton. The lato Air Xewton was a personal friend of Lieutenant Herd’s, and had a world-wide reputation as a capable arranger and composer of brass band music. Ho contributed over 400 numbers to Arthur Smith and Co.’s “Champion Band” journal, and many compositions and arrangements to other baud journals, besides several vocal works, including the anthem, “In Realms of Bliss,” etc. In Iris younger days, the late Air Xewton was a very capable bandmaster, and adjudicated at band contests. He was possessed of a kindly personality, earning the esteem and alfection of all who came in contact with him. An ardent enthusiast in band matters, ho composed and arranged band music until quite recently, when heart trouble caused him to relinquish his labours. There is scarcely a band in New Zealand but-has not played some of bis music. Queen Alexandra’s Regimental Band gave a very successful recital in His Majesty’s Theatre, AVanganui, last Sunday evening. The: reputation which this band has : gained for its concert work drew a large audience, and tho band, under the leadership of Lieut. Buckley, gave a performance which certainly added to that reputation. The programmcj was an attractive one, and the bandsmen were in good form. In the test selection, “Works of Haydn,” there was evidence of much assiduous practice and careful training, tho solo work of Alessrs Shepley (cornet), Boyd (euphonium), and AV. T. Gray (trombone) being especially noticeable. Air Gray’s trombone solo, “Tho, Death of Nelson,” was a very fine effort, and the instrumentalist had to respond to an imperative encore. ATical items by Alessrs Alartin, Spcrring, and East gave, the requisite touch of variety to an enjoyable programme. Aliss Curran. A.T.C.L., accompanied on tho piano. .' : j ... . • The AVairarapa Ivlunicipal’ Band has ordered a full set of Besson’s Class A. instruments from Alessrs Charles Begg and Co., Ltd., Alanners street, .the New Zealand agents. Tho instruments are all plated and engraved, and bring the band’s equipment ini this respect right up to date.