SPLENDID BAND MUSIC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 109, 11 May 1931, Page 8

SPLENDID BAND MUSIC

FAMOUS WANGANUI GARRISON There is nothing like the spell of good music in days like these present. It casts away the gloom, it brings back the firm resolves of youth to the aged, it spurs the young to greater effort. And good music it was that the large audience heard at the Majestic Theatre last night played by the Wanganui Garrison Band. This combination has won fame for Wanganui in many a contest field, and, under Conductor Watson, it is quickly climbing back to the peak of its palmy days again. In honour of the guests of the evening, the officers and men of tho H.M.S. Veronica, the band played “Tipperaryland.” The piece made a pleasing impression and in the selection “The Vagabond King” the band revealed its wonderful ability to grasp the mood of the moment and waft it out to play upon the heartstrings of ardent listen ers. The march “ Voice of the Guns,” was reserved for tho last, and here again, rhythmically blending to the beat of the baton the instruments portrayed the deep toned challenge of artillery. One visioned again the siege of Verdun, the thundering of the Navy's shield in the North Sea at Jutland. All very appropriate with representatives of that Navy as guests.

But the treat of the evening was the singing of Master Keith Lund. It took the audience by storm. This boy has a great future as a soloist and it is to be hoped that tho band include him often in the fortnightly Sunday night programmes. Miss Zelda Watts recited “Braying and Working,” and this was another item which left so pleasing an impression that there was an instantaneous demand for more. Mrs S. L. Kendall, F.T.C.L., was a most efnc.unt accompaniste. A voice of welcome to the men of the Navy was ixtended on behalf of the band by their president, Mr D. McFarlane, who eulogised the Veronica’s part, in the distressful Hawke’s Bay earthquake. He knew that Wanganui, with the men of this ship as giu’sts. would respond in fitting manner in an appreciation of th? wcndcrful part, that had been played. The audience ca:n.‘ away from the theatre fully aware of what a powerful mind tonic a wcll-baianced ban ) can be to a community.