BAND COMPETITIONS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 17, 28 August 1946, Page 5

BAND COMPETITIONS

HAMILTON MUSIC FESTIVAL LOCAL BOYS’ SUCCESS That the youngest band entered should carry off so many of the honours no doubt came as a surprise to the other bands competing, yet such was the case at the Hamilton Musical Festival which took place last weekend, when the Whakatane Boys’ Band were awarded first place in two sections, and more than its share of honours in the solos. The local lads must be warmly congratulated on their achievement, although much of the credit must go to their instructor and conductor, Mr W. Jarrett, whose interest and enthusiasm has been responsible for the high standard of playing maintained by the boys.

But even more credit is due when it is learnt that not only was the Whakatane Band the youngest entered, but also the smallest. Eighteen players went from this town and competed against bands in most instances numbering 25. Only two of the local musicians, L. Broadmore and K. Jarrett had previously competed in band contests (all players who have attended past festivals have been in solo classes). Honours Gained

As stated, the whole band gained first place in two of the events. These were in the Quartette (Wagner) in which they gained 85 points and bathe Selection (Souvenirs of Shakespeare), in which they received 80 points.. In the Hymn Test,( they were awarded 82 points, and gained fourth place, whilst in the Quickstep they were given 80 points for music (top place) but fell on the marching, bringing them down to third place. In solo work, local boys starred. J. Miles gained second place in the ‘Cornet, under 15’, whilst in the ‘Cornet, open’, L. Broadmore gained third place. The ‘Solo, other instruments’ went completely to Whakatane boys. Brian Skelton (euphonium) gained first place, P. Ward (Ed Bass) second, P. Moore (trombone) third, and R. Ward (baritone) fourth. In the ‘Duets’ section, Brian Skelton and R. Ward gained first place. A prize of £6 10s went to the Band for the ‘Selection’ whilst medals were awarded to the soloists, and the members of the quartette. “An Education” The trip to Hamilton supplied an opportunity for the boys in the band to take part in a function which was, in their conductor’s own words “an education for them.” Five private cars were utilised to transport the players although trouble was experienced with two of the vehicles. The soloists left last Friday evening, and the remainder on Saturday morning, the departure from Hamilton being made at 10 p.m. on Sunday. The Band arived back home at 3 a.m. on Monday. On the Sunday morning some of the lads, having nothing to do at the hotel at which they were stopping made a group in the lounge with their instruments, and rendered a selection of hymns and marches. A collection was afterwards taken up on their behalf, and an appreciative audience donated the sum of £4 8s 3d. . Now that the first stream has been crossed, the Band is looking farther afield for more worlds to conquer. The next one on the horizon, it is understood, is the Annual South, Auckland Contests which are staged at Te Aroha, and in which, if the local band is entered, as it probably will be, much stiffer competition will be met. •We join in wishing them luck, and feel that with the confidence gained by past successes, they will once again prove a credit to their conductor and to the town.