THE BANDSMAN'S CORNER

Chronicle (Levin), 18 March 1947, Page 4

THE BANDSMAN'S CORNER

DISTRICT WELL ENDOWED WITH BANDS Since the end of the war there * has been intense band activity In the Horowhenua district. Pre-war there' were brass bands in Otaki, Foxton and Levin, while the latter also had a pipe band. These^ combinations are all flourishing 'today, and in addition Foxton and Levin have formed boys' bands which are achieving outstanding success. In recent , months these bands have made a great number of public appearances, increased no doubt by the advent of girls marching Ceams, to which they have given unstinted help in the displays by teams. Band music has become popular with the ' public, and the bands are now an attraetion ■ wherever they appear. The Foxton Silver Band has many • enthusiastic members. They have built a band hall on a half acre' section, and now they hope to prepare the remaining ground for practising marching turns. The section was presented to the band and the timber and other materials have cost in the vicinity of £800. All the labour was supplied by the bandsmen and their supporters. This is something real in achievement. The Levin Boys' Band has received permission to conduct an alluvial gold art union to raise funds to purchase additional instruments. The band has been fortunate. in buying two baritones, one euphonium and two comets this week. Some further flutes and clarionets have also been sent in. The Horowhenua Pipe Band was missed at the recent display in Otaki. A number of people enquired for this ■ combination, and it is hoped that it will be at the next display. There appears to be growing interest and activity in all bands, both pipe and brass, throughout New Zealand. There were record entries at both contests in Wanganui this year.» Those fortunate enough to attend the pipe band quickstep at Wanganui are still enthusiastically talking about it. The improvement shown by the Otaki Band in a month was outstanding to those who heard it at the recent display. The addition of instruments and players has brought this band up to ivs full complement. The Foxton Silver Band is to be favoured with the addition of five top players from Patea. It is understcod that they have all participated in an unbeaten quickstep, and that two of them are ladies. The provincial ' band contest at • Palmerston North has -now been . cancelled, much to the disappointment of the Levin Municipal Band, which will not have the opportunity now to show its prowess. This band has made wonderful progress since its revival less than a year ago. One Foxton bandsman celebrated his 68th birthday by playing with his band at the "recent combined display in Otaki, An Otaki bandsman will have a similar celebration at the display in Foxton on April 13. A band ball is to be a June attraetion in Levin. It is hoped to have all district bandsmen in attendance in uniform, and it should make a colourful scene with the pretty frocks of the ladies.