BANDS CONTEST

Evening Star, Issue 19799, 24 February 1928, Page 2

BANDS CONTEST

ST. HILDA WINS HYMN COMPETITION [Special to tub ‘ Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, February 23. The principal attraction at tho band contest to-day was tho hymn competition, open to all bands. The event took placo in the King Edward liarracks before an attendance of over 3,000, and the playing was followed with marked interest, prolonged appreciative applause following tho close of each performance. The bands were heard in their own choice music, and a most entertaining variety was forthcoming. Clreymouth Municipal opened the proceedings,, and, playing superbly, sot a very high standard. Tho band won the hymn contest at tho Wellington contest last year, and put forth a worthy effort this evening to uphold its prestige. _ When the judge announced Ids decision it was found that the Coasters w -c in fourth place, close up. Victory went to St. Kilda (Dunedin) for a performance which was regarded by musical critics as likely to bo bard to beat. Queen Alexandra’s Own (Wanganui) was placed second. Mr E. Jackson (the adjudicator) considered the playing as being amongst the very best in hymn competition music that ho had ever heard. ■' Over the water, where 1 come from, a hymn contest js generally put into an odd corner—a iill-up item,” he said. He was glad to see it such a success in New Zealand. The great attendance indicated that New Zealanders did really appreciate hearing good bands in hymn music.

Following is the older of play and a few comments on tho playing:— Groymonth Municipal (A. M’Masters, conductor).—This ha ml's choice, ‘ Nearer, My God, lo Thee,’ is probably the most favored of all hymn tunes for hands. The opening was in moderate volume, with an effective crescendo. The coloring in the lirst phase was exceedingly pretty. Tho second verso was also in moderate volume, with good balance and blend, tho arrangement providing for tho movement merging into quartet form, which made a pleasing diversion. 'The third verse opened very firmly, and (hen, from piano strength, the band built up a wonderful climax, tho power increasing and never being overdone. It was a clever and inspiring piece of organ-toned band work. Points awarded, 135 (maximum 150). Jupp’s Silver Baud, Wellington (W. J. Jnpp).—This was tho first B grade hand to oppose the champion section entrants, and the performance proved the band worthy in every respect, its choice was ‘Jesn, tho _ Thought of Thee.’ Tone and intonation were very appealing, and a devotional atmosphere permeated tho interpretation. Tho balance and blend were good, and the coloring delightful. Tho piano portions were linely subdued, and tho intermediate and great volume were equally well produced. The rendering was quite satisfying. Points, 105. Kaikorai (E. Franklin). —The southern band’s choice was ‘ Lead, Kindly Light,’ a great favorite with the bands. Tin tone of this band was of rich, round quality, and the effects were wonderfully organ-like. Expressive treatment was in evidence from the opening note, and the coloring was highly effective. The bigger volume was wonderfully reminiscent of a great organ heard above a massed body of singers. Tho rise and fall of sound was perfectly done by tbo players, and tbo performance was noble in character, and of very high contest standard. Points, 137. Wellington Municipal (T. Goodall). —‘ 'The Day Thou Gavost ’ was the musical choice, and a novel effect was introduced in tho use of mutes in the second verse. It. is the first time tho innovation lias been introduced on tho contest platform, and tho experience was certainly enjoyable, Tho baud excelled in general work, and gave a well-balanced rendering of the beautiful hymn. The cornet section in this performance was a lino Icnturc. Points, 107. Christchurch Municipal (A. Sebnack). — 1 Nearer, My God, to Time ’ was tho hymn chosen, and a tine effect was produced on tho first chord and maintained consistently. Tho organ tone quality was true to type, and the blend and balance were in accord. All sections worked in harmony, and whether in piano passages or forte a high standard was shown and maintained. The rendering was quite creditable. Points, 97. Woolston (R. J. Estall).—The hymn chosen was ‘Rock of Ages,’ presented in tiie ordinary form as for a church service, without any embellishments. As an example of simple devotional playing the performance would be hard to surpass. The band never gave forth its full power, being heard always as might an organ, powerful but not at any time obtrusive. The intonation was good, and balance and blend were of the best. A dignified hymn performance. Points, 132. Contral Mission (G. Forrest).— ‘Abide With Me’ was heard for the first time, and a glorious choice it made as played by this splendid R grade band, the champion in its class. Real organ effects wore produced, and flic rendering was both appealing from the devotional viewpoint and inspiring from that of the audience. There were many points of good hand playing in evidence, and the standard was up to that of fair A grade. Points, 108. St. Kilda (J. Dixon).— 11 Nearer, My God, to Thee ’ was the choice of this Dunedin band. The first verso was played sotto vocc, in perfect time, and with nice coloring. At no time did tho players rise above moderate forte power, consequently the devotional element permeated the whole! A dignified interpretation from a fine band. Points, 141. Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui. (Captain G. Buckley).—This band chose ‘Load, Kindly Light,’ Sullivan's sotting. The hymn was opened in perfect accord, with intonation and balance of tbo best. The first verse was in ensemble form, while tbo arrangement of tho second provided for part of the melody being played as a cornet solo, followed by another rich ensemble. The band’s playing was glorious. A groat performance. Points, 141. Two solo competitions were decided during tho day. Twenty-five engaged in tbo R flat cornet event. The judge, Mr W. S. King, described it as one of the best of many fine cornet contests he had heard at the annual gatherings. Tho winner, AT. Kay (\A T cllington

Municipal), gave a performance nearly reaching the maximum points. It was brilliant, clean, and highly artistic. The teat piece was Percy Code’s ‘Lucille.’ Vincent (Greymoutli) and J. Wills (Invercargill Civic), who tied for second, Christie (St. Kilda), andseveral others gave sterling performances also. Twenty-seven players took part in tho tenor horn competition. The test piece was rather easy, but the winner (W. Smith, St. Kilda) and the runnerup (J. Henderson, Grcymouth Municipal) gave very attractive displays. The A grade championship will be decided to-night. Results B FLAT COB NET SOLO. W T . Kay (WellingtonTramways),9B 1 H, F. Vincent (Grcymouth) and J. Wills (Invercargill Civic), 95 (equal) ... 2 R. Ohlson (St. Kilda), 94 3 Also competed: G. Bergensen (Queen Alexandra’s Own) 93, G. Christie (St. Kilda) 93, F. Rowes (Queen Alexandra’s Own) 92, S. Munson (Ist Canterbury Regiment) 39, S. Teale (Ashburton Silver) 89, H. T._ J. Osborne (Ashburton Silver) 88, C. Flood (Port Nicholson) 88, J. Logan (Kaikorai) 87, D. MTherson (Wellington Tramways) 87. W. M.‘Kay (Dunedin City Tramways) 87, R. Simpson (Christchurch Municipal) 87, A. J. Kelly (Stratford Citizens) 87, S. Lawrence (Jupp’s Silver) 87, J. Fleetwoog' (Queen Alexandra’s Own) 87, L. L. Swindley (sth Mounteds, Oamaru) 86, E. Kelly (Ist Southland Battalion) 86, V. Flatman (Ashburton Silver) 86, C. Morgan (Kaikorni) 85, L. Bruce (Woolston) 85, V, Aldridge (Ist .Southland Battalion) So, C. Hanson (Ashburton Silver) 80. TENOR HORN. W. Smith (St. Kilda), 96 points ... 1 J, Henderson (Greymoutli), 93 points 2 L. Jacobs (Queen Alexandra’s Own), 92 points 8 Also competed: A- Chatter!on (St. Kilda) 91, A. M‘Neil (sth Mounted Rifles) 91, J. Crowley (sth Mounted Rifles) 91, S. Wood (New Plymouth) 90, H. Hunter (Dunedin Tramways) 90, T. Miller (Ashburton) 90, A. Collins (Queen Alexandra’s Own) 89, R. William (Timaru) 89, C. Hansen (Palmerston North) 89, G. Wilson (Woolston) 89, F. Squire (Woolston) 89, D. Scott (Kaikorai) 89, J. H. Tobnn (Jupp’s Silver) 88, J. Contessa (Greymoutn) 88, T. Carroll (Woolston) 88, L. Foster (Stratford) 86, A, D. Sharpe (Ist Battalion, Wellington) 86, J. Campbell (Woolston) 85, A. Grant (Ist Battalion, Wellington) 83, H. Hope (Greymouth) 83, E. Bull (Wellington Tramways) 83, J. M‘Millan (Queen Alexandra’s Own) 82, H. Jackson (Dunedin Tramways) 82. HYMN TEST. St. Kilda 144 Queen Alexandra’s Own (Wang.) 141 Kaikorai 137 •Greymoutli ... 135 i Woolston ••• ... 132 •Wellington Central Mission ... 108 Wellington Tramways 107 Jupp’s Silver (Wellington) ... ... 105 Christchurch Municipal 97.