GISBORNE RIFLES BAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 336, 10 February 1902, Page 2

GISBORNE RIFLES BAND.

OPEN AIR CONCERT,

Thekk was a great crowd out to listen to the open-air concert given by the Rifles Band on Saturday ovoning. The concert was a credit to the conductor (Mr D. McKillop) and the band, and proves from the class of music rendered that this band is certainly endeavoring to please the public taste, for which they deserve every encouragement. The programme opened up with a stirring American quick-step, “ Minor v. Major.” The noxt item was the grand operatic selection “ Bohemian Girl,” by Balfe, which was splendidly rendered; the cornet, euphonium, and trombone solos were well in tuno and carefully played. A special feature of this selection was the bass work. “ The Beauties of Sullivan” (J. Ord Hutno) gave plenty of scope for tho soloists, and is certainly a splendid group of Sullivan’s leading operas. This selection was specially arranged by Mr J. Ord Hume for the Crystal Palace world’s championship contest. On that occasion a £IOOO challenge trophy was awarded as first prizo. The critics were unanimous in their praiso of the work, which contains a groat number of excellent contesting pieces. This selection has many catchy solos, but Mr McKillop has certainly schooled tho players up to perfection, for it was carefully rendered, and a faithful interpretation given of the composer’s work. Then followed tho selection, “ Recollections of Carl Rosa,” including some of famous songs sung by tho well-known singor Carl Rosa, such as “ The Heart Bowed Down,” “ There is a Flower That Bloometh,” “ The Fair Land of Poland,” etc. With this selection, the Band scored a great success, the bass work especially being good. Mr H. Aston took the euphonium solo, “ Tho Heart Bowed Down,” with good feeling and expression. The cornet solo, “ There is a Flower That Bloometh,” was tastefully given by Mr T. V. Aston, while Mr C. F. Humphreys rendered the cornet solo, “ The Fair Lani of Poland,” in good time and with careful expression. “ Songs of the Sea ” is a splendid collection of English nautical airs, and the different solos were excellently played. These were :—Cornet : “ A Southerly Wind and a Cloudy Sky,” “ Haul Away,” “ Tom Bowling,” “ I’m Afloat,” “ A Life on the Ocean Wave euphonium, “ Rock’d in the Cradle of the Deeptrombone, “ The Flag That’s Braved a Thousand Years.” The last item on the programme, “ In Memoriam,” was an arrangement by S. Lynton, dedicated to the memory of our heroes who have fallen in South Africa. This piece has some excellent Band work, especially for cornets and basses, and tho different movements of this selection were carefully rendered, the accompaniment, time, etc., of the Band being good. “ God Save the King ” concluded one of the best Band performances ever given in Gisborne. Mr McKillop has improved the Band greatly, and he and his Band are deserving of the support and encouragement of the public in their efforts to provide good music.