BAND FESTIVAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 102, 13 February 1950, Page 2

BAND FESTIVAL

ALL REVEAL FINE FORM RAIN SPOILS FUNCTION The heavy rain which fell yesterday was responsible for the transferring of the Ashburton Silver Band’s demonstration concert from the Domain to the Radiant Hall. Although the move was made at short notice, the concert was fairly well attended, and those present were treated to a feast of brass band playing. The Woolston Brass Band, conducted by Mr R. J. Estall, revealed by their all-round balance and technique that the combination is at the peak of its form for the championship, and should provide «trong opposition for the champion hand, Sti Kilda, and the Wellington Watersiders’ Band, cochampions in 1948. One prominent bandsman stated that he had not at any time heard the band play better. The contest items presented by Woolston were: March “Perseus,” contest selections, “Fantasia” (Mozart, arr. by Dr. Malcolm Sargent), and “Morning Rhapsody” (Eric Bail) and the hymn “Abide with Me.’ 'The Christchurch Municipal Band also played well, and should perform creditably at the contest. Under the baton of Mr R. Simpson they also presented their contest music. The numbers were; March “8.8. and C.F.”; hymn “Fierce Raged the Tempest”; test selection, “Four Freludes” (Eric Ball). The Ashburton Silver Band displayed a splendid tone in the playing of the popular “Cossack” march and the hymn “Pax Dei,” both numbers being part of the contest music. The band also played the two contest selections “Plenry the Fifth’” (Maldwyn Price) and “Music for Brass” (Denis Wright). • A majority of the public like to witness the spectacular quickstep display, and to enable them to see it .the band will give its final demonstration before the contest, assisted by the Ashburton Pipe Band on Wednesday evening.