DERRY’S BAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17230, 22 December 1923, Page 15

DERRY’S BAND.

CONCERT ON SUNDAY. To-morrow 'afternoon, commencing at 3 p.m., DerryV Military Band has arranged to give a concert on the Victoria Square j Rotunda. This fine military band—the largest in Australasia—recently gave a eeries of concerts in Wellington. In ad- ; dition to a brass section of thirty-three : instruments, Derry’s have an equal number of reeds, including one oboe, two flutes, eight piccolos, twenty clarionets, and ten saxophones. A fine programme oi specially selected music ha-s been drawn up for this concert. It will include several Christmas carols, in addition to the usual Sunday programme. Judging by the increased attendance at each Sunday con* cert, this fine band is becoming more popular with each concert, and next Sunday being Christmas Sunday, a record attendance Is expected. Arrangements have now been completed for Derry’s to visit the West Coast Exhibition at Hokitika, where, commencing on January 11, the band has been engaged to give a series of seven concerts. This, it Is expected, will prove one of the big attractions ' of the Exhibition and, judging by the reception accorded the band while in Wellington, the Coast people and visitors to the Exhibition from all parts of New Zealand will be provided with a feast of musio that will prove a revelation to all who have not as yet heard this talented band, under the capable conduetorship of Mr E. C. Dorrs'. The band was formed twenty-two years ago with a membership of twelve, but, thanks to Mr Derry’s unceasing endeavour, has now risen until it can proudly take its place among the leading military bauds in tho Southern Hemisphere. To-morrow’s programme includes the grand overtures “ Paragraph III.” and ” The Merry Wives of Windsor. ” A special feature will bo tho “ Anvil Chorus.” from Verdi's well-known opera, "II Trovatore.” This will be played with the anvil effects and should prove one of the most popular numbers of the concert. In addition, the band will play the following fine old Christmas carols: — " Adeste Fideles,” " Christians Awake ”■ and “ Ilark, the Herald Angelß Sing.” The combination of reed, string and brass provides a most effective tono colouring and adds an irresistible appeal to these grand old hymn tunes. For the convenience of the public, Derry’s arc arranging a system of numbers. which will be prominently displayed while ea#h item is proceeding. This, when i compared with the programme, will obviate any confusion as to the name of tho piece being played, and will enable the band’s patrons r.o select their favourite numbers without any difficulty. Should a sufficient number of requests be received by the Entertainment Committee any item will he included in the next Sunday concert- This will give the publio an opportunity of selecting they 1 own programme.