WOOLSTON TEAM GAINS POSSIBLE IN QUARTETTES CONTEST

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 February 1947, Page 6

WOOLSTON TEAM GAINS POSSIBLE IN QUARTETTES CONTEST

WANGANUI BAND SECOND

Awarded the possible, 50 points Woolston Brass Band No. 1 won the quartettes competition when the New Zealand brass band contests were continued in Wanganui yesterday. Wanganui Garrison No. 1, with 49 points, was placed second and Hawera, Municipal No. 1 was in third place with 48 points. There were 23 entries and the adjudicator, Mr. Hugh Niven (Melbourne) said the first three placed quartettes were of a very high stanuard. ‘I congratulate these three teams, particularly the first two. 1 have never heard anything so good, and I have played in dozens of quarter: competitions against the pick of Australia.” The competitions were held in the Opera House and lasted practically a full day. Only 11 points separated the team placed first and the one in 10th place. Wo/ston Brass No. 2, 47 points, were fourth, St. Kilda Municipal No. 1. 45 points, were fifth, and Christchurch Municipal No. 1 were placed sixth with 44 points. Other placings were: Auckland City Boys No. 1, 42 points, 7; Wanganui Garrison No. 2 and Palmerston North City Silver No. 2, each with 41 points, equal 8; Gisborne Home Guard and Queen Alexandra No. 1, each with 40 points, equal 9; Ashburton Silver, 39 points, 10. “The quartette playing to-day has been of a very high standard in the case of a few of the teams, but what I said earlier in the week regarding the cornet duetists lacking. practice is applicable to the quartettes,” said the adjudicator. He again stressed that it .was essential that teams taking pare in these competitions must practice together.

Mr. Niven added that two or three teams had played the “Wagner” quartette. He had heard it hundreds of times previously and had played it himself, but had never heard it at such a fast pace. The theme we» shut out and it would be in the interests of the players if whoever wa s responsible would see to these things. Playing generally was of a very high standard, but some competitors spoiled their chances by overblowing. In some cases the balance was lost because the players were not properly placed on the stage. “The conductor should see that the competitors are placed in such a way that the tone will reach the adjudicator, no matter where he is,” said Mr. Niven. “However, it was a most enjoyable session.”