BANDSMEN'S COLUMN

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 151, 1 August 1914, Page 5

BANDSMEN'S COLUMN

"Valkyrie." writing from Wanganui again tliis week, says that the third recital was a great success, and enclosed the programme, which will be interesting to my readers. It is certainly 'first-class fare:— ( f Air Varie," "Welsh Melody," W. Rimmer; grand selection, "Haydn's Works;" cornet solo, '' L 'Hirondelle'' • (this difficult triple-tonguing solo was played by three cornetlsts, Messrs Northey, James, and M'Grath); overture, "The Viking's Daughter" (Rimmer); grand selection, "Reminiscences of Tschaikowsky," arjranged by Douglas; morceau, "Les Cloches de St. Etienne" (Douglas). : Vocal items were given by N. L. Tyler ; and A. G. McLean. The latter sang 's '' Thou Art Passing Hence.'' The two grand selections are gems indeed. The former was one of the test pieces at the Auckland Contest, and the latter is by the finest composer that Russia has produced. This selection was played by every firstclass band in Great Britain the year it was published, and its popularity will never die. My correspondent sends me a cutting 1 from a -local paper. I will merely quote from it. After congratulating the band on its wonderful playing, the writer says that the hearty reception accorded the band by the huge audience showed that their effort* in providing such a high standard of music was fully appreciated, and that the wonderful performance of "Haydn's Works" proved that the band can give a first-class exhibition of playing at any time of the year equal to a contest xierformance —a feat which few banas are able to perform. The Tschaikowsky number again proved beyond doubt the skill of both conductor and band. The interpretation and artistry and wonderful ensemble simply thrilled the audience. The fine playing by the cornets came in for special praise. That section of the band has never before been heard to such advantage. This augurs well for Wanganui at the next contest. Other competitors will find this band hard to beat.

The 10th Mounted Begimeutal gave an honorary members concert in the town hall last week to a house that was filled in every part. The star item of the evening was the trombone solo by bandsman A. Sullivan, "Lend Me Your Aid" (Gounod). The band and conductor were handicapped by a weak cornet section. By the way, one criticsays that they were amply compensated by the presence of the full brass section. Ido not agree with him, for that would make the balance bad, especially as the horn section was depleted. My sympathy always goes to the conductor who has worked hard to get up a good programme and then at the final stage the band is not at full strength to do justice to themselves, the conductor, pr the public. The Wairarapa Band has ordered a new set of Bessons instruments.

Wangaiiui City gave a very successful concert last week, and Lieutenant Cf. Buckley comes iu for a fair share of praise," also Mr Gray, the trombonist, for l.iis excellent rendering of the "Death of Nelson." The death is announced of Mr E.

(By "MAESTRO.")

Newton, whose name is a household word in musical circles, both in and out of England. Deceased was in his 76th year. He arranged and'composed music for a good number of band and military journals, and his w'orks have been a source of pleasure to thousands of people. As an arranger for brass bands he was amongst those who were considered to be first-class. He was a composer of repute, and some of his marches will live for ever. He was one of the most amiable men one could wish to meet, and of a cheerful and kindly disposition. His death will be mourned by thousands, but he will not be 'forgotten. Addington Band's carnival will bring an extra amount to the exchequer. I hear that every available ticket has been sold for the gigantic poster carnival, and that it has been decided to make it a two days' affair instead of one. Mrs Morris has been most untiring in her efforts for the success of the carnival, and it will be a source of satisfaction to know that all has gone without a hitch. The ladies have done admirably in working this up, and they deserve success. I hope the bandsmen are doing their duty to the conductor by turning up regularly to rehearsals., and that they are also doing systematic home practice. Without the latter there can be little hope of success. The Rechabite Band's progress is very slow. I hear some of them have not turned up to a single practice since they first met. This is certainly most discouraging to the committee, and especially to the conductor. Give your conductor a chance to help you, and assist hint all you can.

A few notes on the social and euchre party held by D.erry's Band will be included in next week's report. A writer in a Tasmanian paper says that the man of the hour is Mr Fred Hornsley, who, with wallet on back and a stout heart, traverses as regular as the circuit of Nthe sun, the various centres of band adherents of Tasmania, and should their instrumental supply run short, or a new band be inaugurated, the the genial Fred always has a stock of "Boosey's best" at hand. There is no better encyclopedia ou bands then F.H., and an additional factor in his travels is a ready pen, a gifted tongue, and a social and concert entertainer of merit.

Army Bands in England have many privileges which are denied similar organisations in Australasia. To the Duke of Cambridge the Army and the country js indebted for the establishment of the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall, as the result of which the bands in the service have made such rapid strides, and instead of foreigners being appointed as conductors and bandmasters, we now have British born and trained men occupying these important positions. These are men who have graduated at Kneller Hall. In spite of the regulation, says a ''Globe" correspondent, foreigners have been introduced as bandmasters to the Viceroy's and Governor's bands in India. This is a distinctly retrograde step, and one naturally resented by British bandmasters and bandsmen.