GARRISON BAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19829, 2 May 1927, Page 3

GARRISON BAND

BE-UNION GATHERING At a re-union of members and exmembers of the Garrison Band, Mr J. Crichton presided over a large attendance. During the evening the following record of the band was given:— Since tho commencement of its contesting career in 1898, the Garrison Band has competed at 23 contests selection and maching, has won eleven first prizes in selection contests, 14 first prizes in quickstep contests, secured second prize in six selection contests, was three times second in quickstep contests, three times third in selections ,twice third in marching, three times unplaced in selections and four times unplaced in marching, making a total of: 25 first prizes, nine seconds, five thirds, and seven times unplaced. The band has won the double at nine contests, won the title of International Prize Band at Christchurch Exhibition Contest, and Champions of Australasia at Ballarat in 1910. It has won the Besson Shield outright, a silver cup for marching, two cornets, a set of music stands, and there have been approximately 250 gold and silver medals, a silver-plated* euphonium, a presentation cornet and trombone, won by members. In addition the band has won upwards of £2500 in cash prizes. It was also mentioned, that though a number of other New Zealand bands had visited Australia and competed at contests there, the Wanganui Garrison Band: was the only band that had ever been successful.