FINAL CONCERT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21576, 12 February 1940, Page 6

FINAL CONCERT

Municipal Band Farewelled Good Wishes Offered Keen public interest in the Timaru Municipal Band on the eve of its departure to take part in the Dominion Centeninal Band Contest at Wellington was evidenced by the large crowd which packed the Theatre Royal last night, when a farewell concert was given under the patronage of the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs W. G. Tweedy) and members of the Borough Council. The band played a varied programme, and the test selections, which were included, were listened to with great interest. Good wishes to the band for its success at the concert were expressed by the Mayor on behalf of the citizens. Mr Tweedy said that as it was the last appearance of the band in public before leaving for the contest he was sure that those interested in the band would welcome the opportunity of hearing the test selections and hymn test played. Personally, he had been very impressed with the playing of the band and predicted that it would be prominent when the final results were known. The very satisfactory standard of the band’s playing was due first to the inspiration and leadership of the conductor (Lieutenant W. H. Osborne), who was admittedly one of the finest conductors in the Dominion, and, secondly, to the loyal co-operation and support of the members of the band. Under such conditions the members were able to give of their best. He had also been very impressed with the quickstep display and he congratulated Drum-Major W. Andrew on the results achieved. Mr Tweedy went on to say that Timaru had reason to be proud -of its bands as all had set a high standard of music. They always gave their services willingly when called upon. He doubted if the public realised the sacrifices entailed on the part of bandsmen playing out or in attending practice regularly, particularly in preparing for a contest. He considered that a special word of thanks was due to the wives of the bandsmen, also for their interest in the work of the band. Funds Assurec’. It was very pleasing to know that the amount required to send the band to the contest was now assured, Mr Tweedy continued. He congratulated the Citizens’ Committee on the success of their efforts. A special word of thanks was due to the Caroline Bay Association for its generous gesture in granting the Citizen’s Committee two extra days of the carnival which resulted in a substantial addition to the contest fund. In conclusion, Mr Tweedy conveyed to the band the best wishes of the citizens for success at the contest. Lieutenant Osborne, in replying on behalf of the band, thanked the Mayor and Mayoress, the president (Mr P. B. Foote), the Borough Cpuncil, the nurses who had taken part in collecting, and the public for the interest taken in the band. The band, he said, appreciated also the work of the Citizen’s Committee through whose efforts the money required had been raised, and particularly the Caroline Bay Association,. At one time he did not think that the band would reach A Grade standard, and in all his experience he had never known a band to improve so quickly. On the outbreak of war they had lost one or two members, while others were unable to go to the contest. These vacancies had been filled and he could assure | the public that the band would do its best. In playing at contests there was a certain element of luck as to the likes and dislikes of the judge, and the Timaru Band had had experience of that in the past. The band felt that they had the goodwill of the public and would do their best for the reputation of the town. The programme was as follows: March, “Knight of the Road”; hymn, "Stranger of Galilee” (by request); grand selection. “Tchaikowsky”; song. Mrs C. T. Ballantyne, “What a Wonderful World It Would Be,” “Wal-ata-poi” and "Sylvia”; trombone trio, “Three Old Pensioners” (test selection); grand selection, “Beethoven’s Works"; Miss Barbara Mclnnes, recitations, “Crowning of Dreaming John,” “Italian and the Rose"; contest hymn, "Plain and Gwarry”; song hit, "Beer Barrel Polka”; “Hanging Out the Washing on the Siegfried Line”; hymn, “Silent Night.”

BANDS ON PARADE DISPLAY AT CAROLINE BAY In spite of a heavy shower shortly before the scheduled time of starting, a crowd numbering several hundreds assembled before the Sound Shell at Caroline Bay yesterday afternoon, 1 when the three Timaru bands—Municipal, Highland, and Harmonica—paraded together with the Military Band from the Burnham Camp. The weather cleared shortly before 2 o’clock and the afternoon’s programme was given under pleasant conditions. A collection was taken up by nurses in aid of the Municipal Band’s contest expenses. Considerable interest was aroused by the presence of Burnham Military Band which was heard in Timaru for the first time. Under the baton of Lieutenant G. E. Patterson the visitors showed themselves a polished, wellbalanced musical combination playing with precision and spirit and well earning the appreciation of the crowd. Their selections were March, "Steadfast and True”; hymn, “Nearer M.y God To Thee”; selection, “Hang Our Washing on the Siegfried Line”; "Beer Barrel Polka.” A feature of the afternoon was a quickstep display by the Timaru Municipal Band in their last open air appearance beTore their departure tor the Centennial Band Contest at Wellington. The fruits of weeks of intensive training were evidenced as the bandsmen, under Drum-Major W. Andrew, stepped out with machinelike precision and executed the counter-marches, turns and wheels with delightful crispness. Some of the more complicated manoeuvres were applauded by the onlookers. The Municipal Band later played selections from the Sound Shell, “Harlequin” (March), and “Plain and Gwarry” (hymn). The programme concluded with massed items by the Municipal and Military Bands. Lieutenant Patterson conducting “Victoria” ('march), and Lieutenant Osborne “Fierce Raged the Tempest” (hymn). Before the close, Lieutenant Osborne thanked Colonel S. D. Mason for permitting the Burnham Military Band to visit Timaru, and Lieutenant Patterson and the visiting bandsmen for the fine spirit they had shown in assisting the Timaru Band in preparation for the Centennial Contest.

During the afternoon popular items given by the Timaru Harmonica Band, which did not appear to be at full strength, were well received.