THE GORE BAND CONTEST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23044, 21 November 1936, Page 21

THE GORE BAND CONTEST

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l would like to endorse the remarks of “ C Grade Only ” and others with reference to the St. Joseph’s Orphanage Band. Your correspondent “ Spectator ” can find no excuse for this band and can only abuse ‘ C Grade Only.” However, as an old bandsman myself, I can say that C Grade Only” is correct. As for the name of the trombone player, what does that matter? Bandsmen go by grades, not names. Of course, the fudge’s remarks would be good. Several ex-New Zealand champions in a band make a great difference. As regards "Young Bandsman’s” remarks about Tapanui’s euphonium player, although he may have played extremely well, Roxburgh is only a C Grade band. As you say, Sir, the remarks of the judge (or the playing of the band either) have nothing to do with the issue raised. The point is, play C Grade men in C Grade contests, even though they may be poor players. If they were not poor they would not need so many A Grade men to help them win a C Grade contest. The St. Joseph’s Orphanage Band should go up to the grade where they obtain so many of their players, and leave the C Grade to bands which are honest enough to play their own players only. —I am. etc., A Grade.