MARTIAL MUSIC

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 116, 10 February 1919, Page 4

MARTIAL MUSIC

BANDS COME INTO THEIR OWN. A recent general order of the American Army increasing regimental bands to 50 pieces and giving all bandmasters the commission or lieutenant js understood to foreshadow a general reorganisa> tion of army bands and music, like a good many 'things that -military theory had either abolished or regarded as of secondary importance when this war began, music is- to come into its own again, as n primary essential of soldiering. Tho commander-in-chief recently sought the advice of Dr. Walter Damrosch, American orchestra leader and composer, who is now in France, and as a result the army bands are to be brought up to date and perfected. At present army musicians also act as stretcher-bearers when action is on. It is proposed to relieve thorn of this duly, if the military authorities think it feasible, and compel them to practise constantly. Die baud leaders are to be examined as to their musical ability,- and an effort will bo made to find the host instrumentalists in. the service, so that every regiment will have a highly-trained band. The Army authorities have learned that music'is a big part of war. Tho men want it, and they appreciate good, music, as is shown by the large gatherings at tho concerts. Good music is a tonic to the units relieved from, tho front lines, and wearied troops straighten up inwardlv and outwardly when they are played into rest camps after action. It also has been found that to play the men out when they start for the front i»> Droves their moral, <#