ST KILDA WINS HYMN TEST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18396, 24 February 1928, Page 11

ST KILDA WINS HYMN TEST.

OPEN CONTEST PROVES POPULAR EVENT,

Over three thousand people assembled at the King Edward Barracks last night to hear the hymn test, open to any band, own choice music. Nine bands took part, including all those in the A grade and two of the B grade section. There was never any doubt that the event would be other than a very successful one. The huge gathering of citizens evidenced their appreciation by enthusiastic applause, and further pleasing entertainment was provided by several items given by one of the leading bands while the musical points were being made up. The adjudicator, Mr E. Jackson, in announcing his awards, praised the bands and competition very highly. There were at least four performances which equalled, if not excelled, anyi thing he had ever heard in a competition of the kind. The bands had evidently set themselves out to make the, event a success. He could see from the great gathering before* him that a hymn contest in New Zealand had a great drawing power. New Zealanders showed greater interest in such a competition than was the case in Australia. Mr Jackson also gave comments on .the playing, which were very informative not only to the bandsmen, but to the audience, who showed their appreciation of the adjudicator’s remarks by approbation. HOW THE BANDS PLAYED. Following is the order in which the bands played, with comments on each performance:— Greymouth Municipal (A. M’Masters, conductor).—This band’s choice, “ Nearer, My God, To Thee,” is probably the most favoured of all hymn tunes for bands. The opening was in moderate volume with an effective crescendo. The colouring in the first phase was pretty. The second verse was also in moderate volume, with good balance and blend, the arrangement providing for the movement merging into quartet form, which - made a pleasing diversion. The third verse opened very firmly, and then from piano strength the band built up a wonderful climax, the power increasing and never being overdone. It was a clever and inspiring piece of organtarned band work. Jupp’s Silver Band, Wellington (W. J. Jupp).—This was the first B grade band to oppose the champion section entrants. The own choice number was “ Jesu, the Thought of Thee.” Tone and intonation were very appealing and a devotional atmosphere permeated the interpretation. The balance and blend were also good and the colouring was delightful. The piano portions were nicely subdued and the intermediate and greater volume were equally well produced. The rendering was most satisfying. Kaikorai (E. Franklin).—The southern band’s choice was “ Lead, Kindly Light,” another great favourite with the bands. The tone of this, band was of rich, round quality and the effects were organ-like. Expressive treatment was in evidence from the opening note and the colouring was highly effective. The bigger volume was reminiscent of a great organ heard above a massed body of singers. The rise and fall of sound was perfectly done by the players and the performance was noble in character and of very high contest standard. Wellington Municipal (T. Goodall).— “ The Day Thou Gavest ” was the musical choice and a novel effect was introduced in the use of mutes in the second verse. It is the first time the innovation has been introduced on the contest platform. The experience was certainly enjoyable from the audience. The band excelled in its general work and gave a pleasing rendering of the beautiful hymn. The cornet section in this performance was a fine feature. Christchurch Municipal (A. Schnack) —“ Nearer, My God, To Thee ” was the hymn chosen, and a fine effect was produced on the first chord and maintained consistently. The organ-tone quality was true to type. All sections worked in harmony, and whether in piano passages or forte a good standard was shown and maintained. The rendering was most creditable. Woolston (R. J. Estall).—The hymn chosen was “Rock of Ages,” presented in the ordinary form as for a church service, without any embellishments. As an example of simple devotional playing the performance would be hard to surpass. The band never gave forth its full power, being heard always as might an organ—powerful, but not at any time obtrusive. The intonation was good, and balance and blend were of the best. The devotional atmosphere was in evidence throughout. A dignified hymn performance.

Central Mission (C. Forrest).— “Abide With Me” was heard for the first time, and a glorious choice it made as played by this splendid B grade band—champion in its class. Real organ effects were produced, and the rendering was both appealing from the devotional viewpoint, and inspiring from that of the audience. There were many points of good band playing in evidence, and the standard was quite good.

St Kilda (J. Dixon).—"Nearer. My God, to Thee” was the choice of this Dunedin band. The first verse was played sotto voce, in perfect time and with nice colouring. At no time did the players rise above moderate forte power, consequently the devotional element permeated the whole. A dignified interpretation from a fine band. Queen Alexandra's Own, Wanganui (Captain G. Buckley).—This band’s choice was “Lead, Kindly Light,” Sullivan’s setting. The hymn was opened in perfect accord, with intonation and balance perfect. The first verse was in ensemble form, while the arrangement of the second provided for part of the melody being played as a cornet, followed by another rich ensemble. The band’s playing was glorious. A great performance. - Following is the result:— (First prize £4O, second £2O, third £10.) Pts. St Kilda (Dunedin) 144 Queen Alexandra’s Own 141 Kaikorai (Dunedin) 137 Greymouth Municipal 135 Woolston 132 Wellington Central Mission 108 Jupp's Silver (Wellington) .... 105 Christchurch Municipal 97 SATURDAY’S QUICKSTEP. To-morrow afternoon, at the Trotting Club’s grounds, the A grade quickstep and marching competition will be held. It was demonstrated last Saturday afternoon that the public enjoins the military of the bands. The contestants in to-morrow’s competition are the elite of the Dominion’s bands. An additional spectacle will be provided by the Christchurch pipe bands, who will give a display of massed marching and Highland dancing. This item was given at the military pageant at the Show Grounds last year. It will be under the direction of PipeMajor James Erskine. Arrangements for handling the crowds expected for to-morrow’s event will be similar to those in force last Saturday. Special

trams and the electric train will run at frequent intervals. THE FINAL CONCERT. In the King Edward Barracks tomorrow evening, a demonstration concert will be given. The winning bands will be heard in their champion selections, and the final of the solo cornet championship is to be plaved off by the three competitors recalled- A new feature to Christchurch audiences will be the champion of champions competition. For this event the winners of the various solo competitions of the week will play to decide final honours for the best player, irrespective of instrument. The presentation of prizes, shields and other trophies will also take place to-morrow evening. Motorists who intend visiting the A grade quickstep at the Trotting Grounds to-morrow afternoon are advised to park in the paddock off Lincoln Road. Last Saturday confusion was caused by some motorists parking on the tramway loop.

Suckling wrote accepting positions as vice-presidents of the association. In connection with the St Patrick’s sports at English Park on March 10, it v.-as reported that arrangements were well in hand and that everything pointed to a very successful gathering. Reports were received from members of the committee who had been deputed to visit the head masterß of the various schools in the city to see if entries could be obtained for the primary schools’ events. The effect of the reports was that the head masters generally were in favour of their schools sending teams to compete at the sports. The chairman said that this showed what could be done. In the past they had depended on circulars and what appeared in the newspapers. The result was that the entries had been poor. This year the indications were for large entries, and he thought they would have good contests among the primary school boys. It was decided, in view of the possibility of large entries for the primary school events, to recommend to the Programme Committee that the school events be started earlier than 2 p.m., if the enfries warranted the change. It was reported that the general entries for the sports were satisfactory.