SUCCESSFUL CONCERT

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 65, 10 March 1933, Page 5

SUCCESSFUL CONCERT

Wellington Artillery Band LOCAL ARTISTS ASSIST LARGE ATTENDANCE LAST NIGHT The Wellington Artillery Band, which, in the course of its visits to Waipukurau, has become very popular with the local public, was responsible for staging an excellent concert in the Municipal Theatre last evening. There was a large audience, which was obviously well-pleased with the entertainment. The band, an exceptionally fine combination, played under the direction of the deputy-conductor, Sergt. W. H. Bowman. Its items were without exception of a high standard including:—March, “Invader”; nautical fantasia, “A Sailor's Memories”; march, “Jolly Coppersmith”; humorous novelty, “Band Rehearsal”; fantasia, “Pop Goes the Weasel”; march, “Coons’ Brigade.” “The Band Rehearsal’’ was a cleverly arranged novelty. One by one the members drift in to rehearsal and start playing, each part fitting in as if by accident, till, when the conductor arrives, a stirring march is in “full blast.” Facing the audience the conductor commences to direct the band, the members of which, one by one, pack up their instruments and “silently steal away.” The frantic efforts of the conductor to draw the requisite volume from one or two instruments aroused a great deal of amusement, and the denouement came when he turned round and faced an empty stage. Gunner J. Prentice, with his accordion, was a great favourite with the audience, being recalled again and again. With the assistance of two other members, he also staged a humorous sketch, “Maori Itch.” Several Highland dances neatly executed by Miss B. Davey, to the accompaniment of the pipes played by Mr. W. McKenzie, were q,lso enthusiastically received. A banjo and guitar duet, by the Urwin Bros., was a very pleasing item. Sergt. Bowman gave a delightful rendering of “The Rosary” as a cornet solo, with band accompaniment. The band also accompanied Bandsmen Newton and Bagnall, who played as a cornet duet the ever popular “Besses o' the Barn,” and Bandsman R. Fenton, who contributed a pleasing euphonium solo, “Jennie Jones.” Mr. Len Wood, with the assistance of Mr. J. Bryce at the piano, conducted a few minutes’ community singing, interspersed with humorous anecdotes.