BANDSMEN'S COLUMN

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 145, 25 July 1914, Page 5

BANDSMEN'S COLUMN

"Valkyrie" writes from Wanganui: —The second concert by the Garrison Band was a great success, and since the defeat of the Council of Churches, one minister has gone over to the band's side. The conductor assured this minister that nothing would appear on the programme that could be taken> exception to. It will only be a matter of time, aiid those who protested against the Sunday concerts will be in favour of them. It is certainly strange that any sane person could ever raise any objection to good class concerts.' Wanganui has a very fine band, and they are looking forward to the Christehureh contest, and wish me to state that they very much regret that the Timai-u Band will not be there to defend the shield. , The executive is making good progress in every direction with contest matters. The guarantors are practically all secured, and a very pleasing feature is the keen interest taken in the C grade. From reports that are coming in, I gather that the young bands will be well represented. - If all toe tlie mark on the eventful day, that section, will number more than can be counted on one pair of hands, and there is sure to be a willing go. I hear that some of these enthusiasts are ambitious, and Will be attempting some big works. Let' me offer a suggestion to the young conductors of the C graders: Do .not be too ambitious. Remember that an easy selection if well played will bring you more 'points than a difficult one poorly played. Remember that no man can play a piece of music satisfactorily which is beyond his ability. this contest I advise all young bandmasters and bands to be discreet. There is a special prize of £5 5/- premised, by Dr Thicker to be given to the C grade band scoring ihost points in music. This is to encourage bands in that grade, who will be competing in the marching competition. So that if they are unplaced in conjunction with the A and B grades, they still have a good chance of getting a£s 5/- prize. Dr Thaeker is also giving a gold medal to the cornet competition. This gentleman is a good sportsman. Should there happen to be a large number of entries in the B grade, it would be highly interesting if some band enthusiast would come to light with a special cash prize; for the best B grade band scoring most points for music in the march competition. An effort is being made, to get Lancaster Park for the iparching- .competition. It is to be" hoped that those in authority will not make the price too high. ', , ■ ■;. ' '}-'■ '" . ; '

" Thirty-one delegates of the Victorian Band.Association, presided over by Mr D. ,Bell, met and discussed band matters. A report was of a meeting held between the association and the South Street Society, at which the following resolutions were agreed to in connection, with band contests: — That iil all future contests the test pieces should not exceed the following times: A grade, 18 minutes; B grade and„C grade, 15 minutes. That the inspection to be on Wednesday or the day preceding the contests, and that no band should be asked to take the platform after 10.30 p.m. That there be two judges in the quickstep, and tliat

(By "MAESTRO.")

the system of judging be on the same lines as adopted in 1913. These resolutions were endorsed by the association. The military contest will be a separate affair this year, thus enabling those bands to compete in the brass section, providing they comply with tlie V.B.A. rules. A suggestion was made that all bauds stand and play, and that no seats be provided, and that own choice pieces should not be limited to time. The former was left to the discretion of the bands, and the latter is to be treated tinder the test limit. Personally, I think that no test piece for bands should exceed 15 minutes, especially Where there are a large number of entries; then 13 minutes should be the limit.

At ihe ".Young" contest (Australia), the Lithgow Band won first prize in the hymn tune test, also the selection. A very good photograph appears in the July '' Bandsman'' of both the Lithgow and the' Ipswich Bands.

The New South Wales Band Association executive met on June 15, and arrived at the following conclusions regarding the Sydney contest, to take place in January, 1915:—March contest, open to all grades; C grade selection, January 21; B grade selection, January 22; A grade selection, January 23. March, opefl, January 25; A grade selection, January 26. All contests will be at night. The prize money has been increased to the following:— ! First Second Third Fourth " prize, prize, prize, prize. A Grade .. £IOO *£so £2O £lO B grade .. £SO £25 £ls £lO C Grade .. £2O £lO £5 March ... £2O £lO £5 The Christehureh Orchestral Concert. On Wednesday, at the -Theatre Royal the Christehureh Orchestral Society gave its second concert of the season. All the seats in the dress circle and the orchestral stalls were well filled; and a good number were in the gallery. A noticeable feature in the audience was the number of amateur musicians and conductors of various orchestras from all parts of Canterbury. Mr Thorley's fame is spreading, and deservedly so, for he has accomplished a marvellous change since he has taken charge. We can now boast of having a combination worth ealling an orchestra, and a niusician as ; conductor. The orchestral items were bath„ instructive and entertaining, good technique, and interpretaThe balance .and variety of tone was excellent. The brass section has improved beyond expectations. The brass was,used to great advantage in everything where employed. The "Finlandia Symphony ■■? r was a triumph, and eclipsed anything on the programme in point of orchestral playing. The *' Macbeth'' number was well given, but there were a few errors noticeable; The horns were the weak link; the players cannot manage the' instruments, so it is hardly likely * y would play their parts satisfactorily. But the trumpets, trombones, and euphonium were playing together in fine style, and without them the orchestra would have been far less successful.