ADJUDICATOR SAYS CORNET DUETISTS LACK PRACTICE

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 February 1947, Page 6

ADJUDICATOR SAYS CORNET DUETISTS LACK PRACTICE

First place in the cornet duet competition held in the Opera House yesterday aiternoon went to Woolston Brass Band No. 1, with 46 points, Queen Alexandra (Wanganui) being placed second with 45 points, and St. rvilda Municipal third with 44 points.

The adjudi(utoi! ? Mr Hugh Niven (Melbourne) said that though there was some good playing, K was obvious that some bandsmen had not spent sufficient time iu practising together.

Hawera Municipal No. 1 and No. 2, each with 42 points, tied lor fourth place, and three bands, F’eildir.g Municipal, Westport Municipal and Wellington Waterside Silver No. 1, each with 40 points, were in fifth place. Taranaki Regimental and New Plymouth Municipal No. 1 were sixth 39 points. Christchurch Municipal was seventh .with 37 points.

Twelve entries were received for this competition and the possible number of points was 50. “Ano .or session has concluded, and knowing so much about bands and solos and duets it appears that there has been a repetition of what goes on very often,” said Mr. Niven. “When bandsmen go to a contest they often say ‘The duets are on to-morrow, we had better meet to-night and have a run through.’ Not too many times at home are sweetiiearts, wives and mothers troubled with the boys practising duets.” Mr. Niven added that in his long experience of band work he had found practising very essential. On one occasion, when preparing for a duet contest he has practised eight hours each week. This was the .way to win a competition.

It was quite correct to say that in the present competition there had been very little unanimity between players. Sometimes a player seemed to forget that he had a “cobber” on the stage with him. A balance was lacking, whereas each player should understand what the other was going to do and balance his tone to suit.

At the same time he had heard some very good playing that afternoon. He had known case s elsewhere, however, where champions were beaten by players, not as good, who had spent much time practising. It was noticeable in the present competition that very little separated the first six.