THE BRASS BANDS CONTEST

Temuka Leader, Issue 2876, 3 October 1895, Page 2

THE BRASS BANDS CONTEST

The Brass Bands contest commenced at Timaru on Wednesday evening most auspiciously in the Theatre Royal. The weather was delightfully fine, and a very large audience assembled, the Theatre being full. Mr Anthony Grieve, of Victoria, is actiug as Judge, and occupied a small room at the back of the dress circle, botweeu the main entrance doors. The evening wa3 devoted to the test piece s Der Frieshiitz," a selection calculated to give each instrument aud baud full opportunity to display their performers' skill. Popularly speaking it may be said to contain a of repetition passages in the " Huntsmau'3 Chorus." The bands played the selection in the following order : Chmtchurch Garrison, conductor R. Soavrell. Did not compete last year. Oamaru Garrison, conductor W. Kiug. Did not compete last year. Dunedin Navals, conductor James Coombs. Tied with Timaru for third prize last year. Kaikorai, conductor E. Stratton. Last year's winner, owing to the luvercargill Garrison beiug disqualified. Stanmore Brass Baud, conductor D. McKillop. Did not compete last year. luvercargill City Guards, conductor P. H. Mohl. Fifth last year. Sydeoham, conductor W. F. McLean. Attended last contest but were uuplaced ) Timaru Garrison, conductor S, Wolf. Tied with Dunedin Navals last year. Wellington Garrison, conductor T. Herd. Did not competo last year. Canterbury Engineers, conductor J. Pooley. Did not compete last year. Oamaru Naval Artillery, conductor A. Frew. Unsuccessful last year. Waimate, conductor T. Langdou. First appearance at a congest. The number of performers in each band varied from 19 in Waimate aud Sydenham, to 25 in both the Oamaru bauds. The performances of the bands were much appreciated by the audience, aud applause was frequent. It is thought by some that the principal prize-takers will be found among tho Kaikorai, Wellington, Oamaru Garrison, and Timaru. Yesterday the solo competiiton commenced at 9 30., and lauted the whole day There were about 80 soloists.

There were a large number of people in town, many of whom came in from the country districts, and Timaru was unusually lively. Today, however, will be the great day of the contest. The twelve bands will assemble at the Ship Hotel c.ruer, and march to the Athlotic grounds, playing music as they go along. The gro.ii woi f t6bt v/ijl ta!;e on the Athletic grounds,' and as it is expected that large numbers will be present, arrangements to nivet their requirements havo boon made ou a large scale It will certainly be a fine sight to see the twelve marching through tho town iu

bniic'o '' -rma, and playing nrisic. their gay It is what perhaps His r C'auterbury will not bo privileged to witness again in the lii'o time of the urgent generation. That the music will bo excellent goes without saying. IN one but first-diss bauds havo onterod for the como.'iition, and as these aro bound to do their best, band music of a very high order may be expected. On Friday tho contest will be continued iu tho Theatre Koyal, Timaru, when the final contest selection will bo played. For further particulars readers are referred to nu iidvertisomeut which appears elsewhere.