BAND GOSSIP

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5760, 2 January 1897, Page 7

BAND GOSSIP

. — *__ FROM FAR AND NEAR. [By TOMTOM.I A special meed of praise is due to Sydenham Band for its excellent carol playing and other evidence of good feelMatters in connection ••- :; 'i <ho West Coast conteXt are progn; t :..--.'ii;g splendidly, aud the gathering should be au unqualified Buccess. Christchurch Garrison Band, recently reported to bo somewhat disorganised, is, I am pleased to write, in capital going ordor and will bo present at Oamaru. Tho Wellington contest is in full swing, and next week I hope to have a full account of tho "Intercolonial." Though tho entries aro not numerous the playing should bo good. Whatever can be said for "double test pieces" the own choice style has decidedly more charm for the public. "Beethoven" — that gem of harmonics — will be the Engineers' selection; they play it well too. " Polacca," a now correspondent, oxpresses generous sentiments regarding the West Coast conteXt, ami strongly advises tho committee to hold a marching competition. Ho, unwittingly, supports a suggestion I have already 'mado to the promoters in the matter of a judge. He says: "A colonial baudnm-stor ought to fill the bill." Yes, and what a bunch to pick from ! To wit, Lieutenant 'Siddall, Pooley, Strattou, Herd, ttearell, Mohr, Otto Schwartz aud others, not forgetting that talented, young — but success!' ul — conductor, Mr 'W. S. King, of the " Redoubtables." Tho Coasters have plenty to select from, ami, as tho expenses need uot be unduly heavy, the appointment of a judge should bo an B^asy matter to arrange satisfactorily.