BLIND INSTITUTE BAND

Western Star, 8 November 1935, Page 2

BLIND INSTITUTE BAND

I?IRST-CLASS EN TERTAIN MENT The Empire Theatre was filled with a large and appreciative audience last evening when the Blind Institute Band provided a lirst-class entertainment of over two hours. A lengthy and varied prugramm 6 was presented, and every item was heartily encored. The band was conducted by Lieut. G. W. Bowes. At an interval the Mayor extended a nearty welcome to Sir Clutlia Mackenzie anil members of the Band and wished them every success. Replying, Sir Clutha said that Riveitou had treated the institute generously in the past, and there were a great many people here who took a keen interest in its work. At the headquarters in Auckland there were about 175 blind people from all parts of the Dominion. The institute was a busy, active and cheerful place equipped with school, workshops, retail shop, Braille library and centres of social life. Formerly institutes for the blind were but charitable homes, but to-day how different it was. The busy blind man lived an enjoyable and interesting life, and was of the opinion that he was infinitely better off than many groups in the community. Visitors were always welcome at the institute, and j when in Auckland should, therefore, ' reserve time for a call. The purpose;; of the present tour were to giv© the bandsmen the interest and pleasure or travel as a reward for their good work, and to show the friends and subscriber; of the institute something of what had been accomplished as a result of thengenerous assistance. They also wished to further interest the public in modern work for the blind so that they would purchase their goods Last year the sale of goods had amounted to £13,000 and over 100 blind men and women were kept in constant employment The band, which opened the programme, is a highly efficient organization. As soon as the bandmaster, Lieut. G. W. Bowes, gives the word the music commences. It is a particularly well-balanced hand, its march playing being crisp, with frequent variations of colour and just enough emphasis on accent to avoid monotony. The varying characteristics of the different, composers are presented accurately and efficiently and with a pronounced easiness- of style. A march “Conqueror,” a hymn, “Deep Harmony,” and a novelty two-step, •‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic,” were the bund’ s first numbers A pianoforte solo bv Julian Lee, aged 11 years, followed. Julian, who has been in the institute since the age of five, played very well and responded to an encore. A cornet luet, with band accompaniment, featuring bandsmen Allan Morton and Thos. Taylor, was loudly applauded. The numbers presented were “Badinage” and “Sleepy Hollow Tune.” Bandsmen •Joseph Papesch, perhaps the most accomplished musician in the band, played a piano accordion solo, “Down South.” This was instantly popular and the player was recalled. The dance hand gave. a good account of itself in “Russian Medley.” Sir Clutha explained that the hand played at many function;;, in Auckland and was always in keen demand Community singing brought part one of the bill to a close. Three numbers by the band headed the second half of the programme. A fantasia, “Golden Valley,” a serenade, “Sizilietta,” and a march, “Half and Half,” were all firm favourites. Bandsman Robert Martin’s pianoforte solo, the slow movement from Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, revealed him as a player of very great merit. He was recalled. Two cornet solos were presented b.v Bandsman Morton, “Red Cap” with hand accompaniment, and “Post Horn Gallop” with pianoforte accompaniment, while an interesting Braille reading was given by Bandsman James McGuire, 8.A., L.L.B. A number of spirited s ea shanties sung bv the band were instantly acclaimed. 'I lie soloist was Bandsman Papesch. One of the most popular items of th e evening a xylophone solo by Bandsman R. Gheradi, came next oil the programme. H© played a diverting composition by Bandsman Papesch entitled “Xylo phobia.” Bandsman Tumai Taraewu played with accompaniment, a euphonium solo, “Land of Hope and Glory. ’ ’ As an encore he produced from his instrument ’ several clever modern and farmyard imitations. The band brought the first-rate programme to a close by playing the “Invercargill” march.

Before the last item Sir Cliitha Mackenzie thanked the W.D.F.U. and the Returned Soldiers’ Association for their valuable assistance. His Worship the Mayor and Mr Wm Trembath (president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association) replied, and a first, class concert concluded with the National Anthem.