AIR FORCE BAND

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21689, 27 March 1942, Page 4

AIR FORCE BAND

CONCERT IN HAMILTON LARGE AUDIENCE THRILLED The Theatre Royal was crowded last night, with scores of people turned away, when the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band gave a concert on behalf of the Hamilton patriotic appeal. Under the direction of Flight-Lieutenant Gladstone Hill the band gave a programme that will long be remembered, proving itself a musical combination of which New Zealand is justifiably proud. Its tone is perfect, its precision clocklike (the drummers particularly are fascinating in this respect), and its light and shade a delight. Thorough artistry marked all the items. The Slavonic Rhapsody by Friedmann and the Maori Rhapsody by Lew Jones were very beautiful, the latter introducing some little-known native airs as well as the betterknown ones. The marches, “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “Sons of the Brave,” were very exhilarating, while new beauties were revealed in the somewhat hackneyed “William Tell” overture. The song “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair,” the waltz “The Skaters,” and the hymn “Deep Harmony” (arranged by Flight-Lieutenant Hill) showed the band’s mastery of a more flawing type of melody. f Two novelties were introduced with great success. “The Band Came Late” was a delicious satire on people who annoy everyone by coming into a theatre after a performance has started, while “My Task” illustrated in amusing fashion the bandsmen’s day in camp. Talented soloists added to the enjoyment of the audience. Bandsman J. McCaw gave a clarinet soio, “Concertino”; Bandsman A. Munio, violin solo, “Czardas” and Drdla’s beautiful Serenade; Warrant-Officer J. Hardwick, xylophone solo, “On tne Track”; Corporal H. Geard and Bandsman Loper, comet duet, “The Two Juliets.” Bandsman J. Jeffries, a young singer, gave a spirited rendering of “Lords of the Air.” “God Defend New Zealand” opened the concert, and the National Anthem, preceded by a stirring roll of drums, brought a satisfying programme to a close. During the evening the Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro, thanked tne bandsmen for their assistance, and Wing-Com-mander G. E. Nicholls outlined the work of the Air Training Corps. The Air Force and Law and Order contestant in the Popular Girl contest, Miss Betty Davey, was introduced by Flight-Lieutenant Gladstone Hill.