BAND CONTESTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1389, 25 February 1905, Page 3

BAND CONTESTS.

f(.To the Editon Gisborne .Times.) Sir, —The writer from Auokland mentioned in the columns of yourjpapor oould not have known muoh about the capabilities of other bands or it would not have surprised him that the local band did not carry off the laurels. Ido not wish to disparago the efforts of the Gisborne Band. I admit they have done well considering this is their initial appearance at a contest, consequently it would bo unfair for one to expect a groat deal. .Participating in the j oontest the bandsmen should j derive good profitable instruction and they will thou be able to form an idea of what is really expeoted of them, and also realise their little faults and discrepancies. But an exalted opinion of oneself is not a wise attitude, as it generally stands in the way of buocess. Regarding the Rotorua contest the 1 Auokland correspondent mentions that there was only one crack band present, viz., the Waihi, which took first prize. Consequently there is no great honor after all in a band having defeated the Devonport, whioh took second place. Tho;Devon- j port band has only been in existence about four years, their marching in previous oontests was the principal feature. Again, your correspondent refers to amateur conductors. If I am not mistaken Bandmaster Booth, of the Hauraki, is also an amateur, being one of the’bandsmen. He was only reoently appointed to this position on acoount of Bandmaster Williams leaving for America.. I know Waihi has a professional in Mr Trussell, but I can only [ speak of those 1 know and there may be more. It is wrong to convoy false impressions to those who may be ignorant of this. However, I say to the Gisborne Band, go on persevering for you have every advantage, there being few counter attractions to draw the performers away from their practices as in larger centres. The Gisborne Band should develop in time into a real good one, but they must content themselves with a perch in the mean- | time. Some day they may fly high.—l j am, eto., ' A. Cummings. I