HOW THE BANDS PLAYED

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 March 1947, Page 6

HOW THE BANDS PLAYED

(By "Loch Lomond.’’) Hastings and District (Drum Major E. A- Mosely; Pipe Major A. C. Hutcheson)- Excellent drumming, particularly in the tenor section. Drones were in good time. The tone could have been fuller. Port Ahuriri (Drum Major W. Budge Pipe Major H. McLeod). Pipes nicely in tone and playing with plenty of feeling, but the drumming a trifle strident. Band worked to a very stirring climax. A first class performance. St. Andrew’s College (Drum Major E. W- Musgrove; Pipe Major E. M. Russell). An excellent drum section, playing with plenty of style, although in the concluding stages the bass was a little too heavy. The drones were, too light. Nelson City (Drum Major J. R. Sim; Pipe Major J- Patterson). A piper anticipating the start spoilt the opening. The band was nicely toned, but the effect was marred by false timing of the drums at the change of tunes. New Plymouth Caledonian Society (Drum Major K. J. Campbell; Pipe Major C. A. Hetherington). The band lacked the piping strength of its contemporaries, and consequently the drumming was a little too noticable. Temuka (Drum Major H- Harrison; Pipe Major R. F. MacKinnon). Drums were a trifle weak, While the tenor drums were too dominant and staccato. The straphspey was taken a little on the slow side. Tauranga (Drum Major J. M. Crocker; Pipe Major L. J. Johnson). A poor opening when one piper got in ahead of the beat. A very nice selection. The tone was inclined to falter. Ashburton County Scottish Society (Drum Major L. L. Aitken: Pipe Major D. Wilson). Very nice drum work with a lilting effect. Drones at good strength and time. The straphsey could have done with more life. A much improved band. Patea District (Drum Major R. L. Bond; Pipe Major Mrs. T. E. Cook). With the minimum strength of eight pipes and four drummers, this band could not produce a very full tone, but played well after a shaky beginning. A poor change from the march to the straphsey. Canterbury Caledonian Society (Drum Major L. N. Billcliff; Pipe Major C. Gibson). Played in bright fashion, but here again the drums were on the militant side. A pleasing performance. Auckland and District (Drum Major C- Annis; Pipe Major L. Amor). A novel drum setting for the slow march, and most pleasing. A full tone, with the drones nicely in place. City of Christchurch (Drum Major D. McTavish; Pipe Major A. McTavish). The playing was pleasing w*th the settings unusual and attractive. The slow march was interpreted t ittle too literally. City of Wellington (Drum Major I Roberts; Pipe Major A. Guild - ). A well blended combination, nicelv tuned and timed, with feeling treatment given each piece. A fine finish to the evening’s programme. An exciting performance.