Ye Olde and Ancient Order of the Mouthpiece

Observation Post, Volume 1, Issue 4, 12 June 1942, Page 2

Ye Olde and Ancient Order of the Mouthpiece

(By Sgt. Bowman.) The regimental band is proceeding with their duties and practises as per schedule under the able conductorship of A/Sgt. Connolly. We are few in numbers, but our quality and enthusiasm remain the same.' Vacancies still exist for new players and any of you who have the necessary knowledge can have no fear »f approaching the Sgt.-in-charge in connection with becoming a member of the band. Music whether brass or orchestra or “canned’’ plays a definite part in our existence and takes the form of one of the oldest forms of entertainment in the world to-day. On Tuesday night an impromptu concert or sing song was arranged by the Padre and the band was called on to provide the music, unfortunately owing to night training by various units of the Regiment the attendance was not large, nevertheless the evening. was thoroughly enjoyed by all those present. The main feature of the baud at present is the astounding performance by the Trombone section, namely Sgt. Bowman on Solo and Gnr. K. Hanify on 2nd Trom. These two exponents of the

I “slush pump’’ or “syringe” as it is sometimes termed by the lower.. class produce harmony that is a delight to the ear. I If it were not for these two able souls the band would be lacking in the essential part of any brass band. i In American bands at least, 6 Trombones are employed and-1 ask you, do they lend a colour of tone not only to the band, but also to the parade in which they, participate. The Trombone is used in all classes of music conbinations. It is used in the dance band to good effect. It is used in the theatre orchestra and the symphonic orchestra. When a brass band is playing an opera, the part that is sung by the tenor voice is written for the Trombone, as it is the nearest approach to the human voice in the brass band combination. ■ We have recruited a player for the 8.8. Bass in the person of L/Sgt. Bill Harris. Bill admits he is no champion, but who knows? He has knowledge of the instrument and that’s all I ask of a recruit. If a man has the knowledge and has not played for any considerable period come and see me just the same and I undertake to give him a fair go. Our Regt. S/Major is a recruit ’ who is starting from scratch, and is learning to handle a cornet and is getting good results. We are determined to have a band in the 2nd. Field Regt, and with the help of all members we will do just that.

GUNNERS’ GOOSE. (Sung to the tune of ‘ ‘ Kiss the Boys Goodbye. Gunners when you see that Goose, pack your valise, and get on the loose, You’re not the one to pick and choose, Kiss the camp goodbye. When you hear their flapping wings, that’s the time to shout and sing, What’t the mystic song they bring, now’s the time to part. And on the way to the station, take a liberal point of view,. . Just remember you’re on a vacation, and the geese are calling to you. Gunner when they haul you in, carry on and wear a grin, IV hat’s the use of worry-in the geese will be back again. r (5 Battery).