THE HIGHLANDERS’ BAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3764, 4 May 1926, Page 31

THE HIGHLANDERS’ BAND.

THURSDAY’S PROGRAMME. < Thuhg the weather was dull on Thursday afternoon the attendance at the concert given by the band of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was, if ««vthing. greater than ever. In the evening the famous combination of Highlander musicians was au attraction that drew thousands, all eager to hear as mirth as possible of the band before its departure. Under the baton of Mr F. J. Ricketts excellent programmes were played, and insistent demands for encores were met with a ready response. The afternoon progremme opened with the Grand March. “The Spirit of Pageantry,” a piece that Formed a fitting introduction to the overture “Hebrides,” which followed. The “Ballet Egyptien” was also played, and amongst the most popular items on the programme was the Scottish suite by the combined pipes and band. In the evening the band opened with the overture “Tannhauser,” but the principal attraction was the now famous “Dunedin —N.Z.” which may be described as a clever and melodious “skit” on the opening of the Exhibition. The opening scene, or, rather, tone painting, describes the noise and bustle of the crowds at the main gates, the booming of the guns, and the sounds heard at Logau Park on opening day. After a short introduction the National Anthem. “God Defend New Zealand,” is played softly and continued throughout the whole of the first; section gradually increasing in volume till the Royal Salute “God Save the King” (combined with “The British Grenadiers”) proclaims the arrival of the GovernorGeneral (his Excellency served in tho Grenadier Guards). While the above is being played, fragments of popular airs (played or suggested by the approaching! bands) are introduced in the following order: “A Life on the Ocean Wave.” “Loch Lomond,” “Heilan* Laddie.” “The Deathless Army,” “Boys of the Old Brigade," “Colonel Bogey,” “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More.” “Marching Thro’ Georgia." “The British Grenadiers.” and “God Save the King ” During the Inspection of the Guard of Honour, the attention of the composer was drawn to a few Maoris who were striving to obtain a closer view of the proceedings. Excerpts from “Waiata Poi" and Waiata Maori’ ’are here introduced. The March Past was led bv the Navv to the march ‘ Colonel Bogey." which is introduced with snatches of “A Life on the Ocean Wave.” Immediately they saw the sailors, the Exhibition Choir cried with 400 voices “God Defend New Zealand,” but the sailors marched on while the choir and band wrestled for a place. After a. short tussle—one band, no choir! Then the —(but what is this voice from Australia?). Then the Old Hundredth! Six military and brass bands combined against the choir, stationed something less than two miles away and smarting under its recent defeat Just wait! Could the gallant 400 be held back? No; The “Charge of the Six Hundred” was not in it! After one round the field was strewn with wounded bands-’ men. One choir, no band! Now the speeches. Ah. could we but hear those speeches again! The Exhibition is declared open; a fanfare, followed by a piper in the distance (accompanied by the band): cheers for hi.-* Excellenov and a brilliant carillon as a pre- , lude to the finale; “God Defend New Zealand,” played maestoto bv the full band, 1 with a vigorous fanfare throughout, coneluding with the final cadence of “Goa Save the King" and followed by an extended “Amen.” with a joyous peal oE bells till the final crashing, triumphant chords. Nothing could have been more enthusiastic than the reception given In- the big audience to the long descriptive piece, and the humorous interludes were appreciated as fully as the glorious burs* of music that is the finale of the piece. FRIDAY’S PROGRAMME. Much though the closing of the Exhibition will be regretted by the residents of Dunedin and the thousands of outside visitors who have been present at Logan Park in the past, the departure of the famous band of the Argyll ~nd Sutherland Highlanders will be a loss to be felt as long as Logan Park and its wonders are remembered. On Friday huge audiences again attended, taking the final opportunity to hear the regular programmes. Mr F. J. Ricketts held the baton, and excellent programmes drew forth the utmost enthusiasm from all who were present. In the afternoon the band opened with* Good Friday music from “Pnrsival,” and Lance-corporal C. J. Spaughton played “The Trumpeter,” a pleasing cornet solo. A selection from “Samson and Delilah” fol* lowed. > In the evening a selection from “I PaglG acci” wan one of the principal numbers, and by specail request “Dunedin, N.Z. was included. November 17, 1925, ! b A glorious day! What u riot of colour and medley of sounds! Long before the opening cere.iony the lo^

rumble ot' traffic—scarcely audible above tlic gramophone music of an optimist outside the Exhibition gates—gradually swells to a roar as streams of happy, expectant crowds in their tens of thousands pour into the Exhibition from motor, bus, or tram. A naval contingent from 1i.M.8. Dunedin. ” nilars (Highlanders), and Territorials, with military and brass bands. Boy Scouts, ami Girl Guides (whose voices were-not drowned by the bugle and drum and life bands or by the 19 guns tired as a salute) marched from all directions with bands playing sinfultaneously. Ali that and more was included in the clever descriptive piece from the pen of the bandmaster that has taken the pub-lie of Dunedin by storm.