Municipal Band's Successful Year Under Review

Waikato Independent, Volume XLV, Issue 6233, 2 May 1949, Page 5

Municipal Band's Successful Year Under Review

The following extracts are from reports to the annual meeting of the Cambridge Municipal Band as reported in last.Fridays' issue:The chairman of committee, Mr. C. Kelly, in his revieAV spoke in high appreciation of Mr F. Kear's services as conductor. It was noticeable in the period that Mr Kear had gradually lifted the attendance at practices from a low ebb. By last August the band was once again able to play-out at public functions and it had gone steadily on to its fine strength at the recent contest. Mr Kelly offered warmest congratulations to Mr Kear and sincere thanks for his loyalty to the Cambridge Band, despite the distance handicap of residing in Hamilton. Mr Kelly Avent on to refer to the very successful field day at Leamington on the occasion of the visit of Te Akarana Girls' Band. They appreciated the assistance of Te Avamutu Band on that occasion. This aay did much to stimulate interest in piactice, and the band had gone on to take high honours in the contest. Mr Kear's moulding of the band for the contest had shown his good judgment. (Applause.) Mr Kelly concluded his review with an appeal to the playing members to keep right on with their practices for next year's contest at Pukekohe. Conductor's Comments In his report Mr-Kear said he took over the band on May 17, 1948. With one practice a Aveek the attendances were poor to fair. In July the attendances began to show an improvement and continued so from this time on. In January the practices were increased to twice weekly, but it was not until the last fortnight that the full contest band was able to get together. After consultation with the band officers and the committee it was .decided to nominate in the "B" grade. The services of several unattached Hamilton players Avere obtained and they did.well. Best thanks are due them. The contest results proved that the grading up of the band was justified. Mr Kear detailed the various play-outs during the year. He concluded his report with heartiest thanks to the playing members and the committee. The work prior to the contest had been strenuous, but very pleasant. Band Sergeant's Report Band Sergeant S. Simpson reported on the active work of the band and stated it finished up in the best..condition for many years; both for attendance and conduct. The Sergeant supported the Bandmaster about the attendances and said the band had been built up to a contest strength of 30, with an average • attendance of 27. There are three learners in the hands of Mr Ross Cubis. They are about to enter the band. During the year five new instruments and two second-hand ones were purchased; also 12 music stands. Six or seven new uniforms were urgently required. Sergeant Simpson thanked the Hamilton players, who were registered members' of the Cambridge Band, for their good services. He concluded with thanks to his assistant librarians, George Boulton and Brian Webber. , Conducting The Band In replying at the annual meeting to 'tributes of appreciation for Ids conductorship, especially during preparation for the recent contest, Mr Kear, said his heart was with the Cambridge Band. However, he was aiding the travelling to and from Cambridge a strain, and with the Winter at hand he would like to see the Band get a .local bandmaster. If this could not be arranged, then he was still prepared to 'come to practice one night a week and suggested that perhaps the Band Sergeant could take the band for the other night. Mr Ross Cubis had been a big help Avith the learners. "It Avould be best if the Band could get a full-time local conductor, but I will not see the band stuck," said Mr Kear. The speaker went on to refer to the value of practice and of the importance of learners. It was his opinion that the splendid work Mr W. Meanie, a previous conductor, had done among learners, especially among young boys, had stood to the band during the recent contest. It was decided to refer to the matter to the next Committee meeting. Solo Competitions In urging the band to continue with practices in, preparation for the next S A. contest in twelve months' time, Mr Kea r suggested that the Band introduce local solo competitions to be held each year round about October or November. A section for cornets and another for the other instruments in the band. Such competitions would keep members in practice and Avould be of all round value. The suggestion will go fonvard as a recommendation to the next meeting; also another suggestion from. Mr Boulton that the band make provision in the rules for honorary members. At the close of the meeting supper Avas provided by the ladies and was much appreciated. Adjudicator's Commemts After perusing the adjudicator's (Mr R. J. Estall) remarks it can be fully appreciated that the Cambridge I Band fully earned the placings recorded. I In his references to the hymn test, Mr Estall said the band attempted

something great when it selected "I Heard The Voice of Jesus." It had done it exceedingly well. In his detailed remarks on the Test Selection the Adjudicator commended the band for an excellent opening, but a little out of tune at one stage. "Generally speaking an excellent performance and my congratulations for, at many times, good musical ideas." The band played "Viva Petee" in the quickstep and the Adjudicator said that after a rather uncertain start the band settled down well. "Bass solo, very well played." In the repeat of the march there was the same fault Avith the unison quaver passages. On the whole a fairly good rendering of this march." The Cambridge Band obtained 284 points in the quickstep," made up of 163 military points out of musical points out of 150.