BAND CONTEST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 109, 21 February 1950, Page 2

BAND CONTEST

ASHBURTON SECOND IN TEST CONSISTENT PERFORMANCE (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, Fob. 21. A high standard was set by bands in the A and B grade tests, which were played in the Civic Theatre to-night. The hand of the Ist Battalion, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Regiment won the first A. grade test with 129 points, two points ahead of the Ashburton Silver Band. In the B grade Oamaru Garrison were first with 118 points, and Christchurch Municipal second, with 11G.

“Had the contest been held outside, the result might have been quite different,” said the chief judge, Mr H. R. Shugg, after results of the first A and B grade Brass Band championship tests had been announced.

“Contesting indoors is a dangerous thing, as what sounded forced playing inside would most probably be good tonal quality outdoors,” Mr Shugg commented. He also said that practically all bands appeared to possess the same tonal quality indoors as the resonance of the building equally supported all bands. It is probable, therefore, that what appeared to be overblowing last evening, caused the downfall of many bands.

“Bands should adapt themselves to the conditions in which ’they are required to play,” said Mr Shugg. Yesterday’s full results were:— First A Gratle Test Ist Battalion, Nelson, Marlborough, West Goast Regimental Band, 129 points .. .. .. 1 Ashburton Silver, 127 points *.. 2 Palmerstbn North City Silver, 125 points <3 Wellington Institute Old Boys, 123 Points .. .. .. .. 4 Band of Ist Battalion Southland Regiment, 120 points; Palmerston North Garrison, 119 points; Greymouth Municipal, 117 points; Blenheim Regimental, 116 points. First B Grade Test Oamaru Garrison, 11S points .. 1 Christchurch Municipal 116 points 2 Wellington Tramway, 113 points .. 3 Auckland City Silver, 108 points; Crichton Cobbers’ Club, 107 points.’ Solo Events Double B flat Bass.—D. Dewe (Palmerston North Garrison Band), 96 points, 1; C. S. Hansen (Woolston), 95 points, 2; T. Hatton (Blenheim), 92 points, 3. Tenor Trombone J. P. Clague (Auckland Watersiders’ Sjlver), 98 points, 1; L. M. Carruthers (Woolston), 93 points, 2; A. Brieseman (Stratford Citizens), 92 points, 3. Baritone Solo.—Miss B. Burtt (Dunedin Ladies’ Band), S 9 points, 1; E. J. Ormrod (Wellington Waterside), S 8 points, 2; S. R. Hall (St. Hilda), SG points, 3.

B Flat Cornet Amateur.—R. Francis (Wellington Waterside Silver), 98 points, 1; T. McKie (Queen Alexandra, Wanganui), 97 points, and G. Downes (Auckland Waterside), 97 points, equal, 2; Keith Caldwell (Wellington Waterside Silver), 96 points, 4.

Further Success

The Ashburton Silver Band’s trombone trio, consisting of Bandsmen P. Broker, F. Lowry and A. Davidson, were placed second to the Auckland Watersiders’ trio, in that section, held this morning.