BANDSMEN’S NOTES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8355, 15 February 1913, Page 10

BANDSMEN’S NOTES.

By Magenta. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. "D.-.F.”—Matter had already been specially reported, sorry"Kip."—Send it along; cant pass au opinion otherwise* MIRAMAR MUNICIPAL BAND. “Drum Tap" waxes enthusiastic, besides being . reminiscent i —At a meeting held last February (1912) of the residents in the Town nail, Miramar, it was uec.ded that a brass baud snould be 1 cnued, to be known as the "Miramar Municipal Brass Baud,'' and that a canvass oi too borough should be made tor subscriptions to purcuase a set of instruments. In the course of a tew weeks some -850 was raised by this, and at a subsequent meeting it was decided tnat an instructor should bo procured. Now this was a task the committee had to consider very carefully. They did not require one of those so-called bandmasters who m*ght bo a good performer himself and wield a baton to players already made for him. but count not tell the U trombone player which position to make D double flat in. They required a man with tho lull knowledge of all brass instruments and one who could teacn them their music and play the various instruments. Mr I'. L. Dean was chosen out of several applicants. The band purchased a full set of Besson's instruments through Messrs Cnas. Begg and Co. some -83 CO, and on February 22nd, 1912, Mr ‘ Dean met the intending members. Out of a band of twenty-six only three of mat number ever played in a band before or knew one note of music, but Mr Bean did not despair; ho had a blackboard and chalk, which sufficed for the first night. After that each practice he arranged progressive studies and scales for full band in various keys. In a few weeks the band was able W play little pieces quite harmoniously together. Father Tom." polka march, written by Mr Dealt, was about their first achievement, and now the band has a very fair repertoire of music. The band is possessed of some very real live men. Rev geant .1. G. Newton, vice-president and treasurer, could not be beaten as an energetic and trustworthy officer; Mr J. Cullen has made an ideal secretary; and the committee, Messrs G. and H. Walden. W. T, Boyd. B. Jones, G. irede well and J. Love, have left nothing to be desired. Also, tho whole of tho momffiers of the band are grafters. Correspondents are requested to write ill ink if possible, but if a lead pencil must be used please let it bo as black as the ace of spades. Several communications hove been received recently written in pale copying pencil, and at night in the electric light they are practically undecipherable. Verb. sap. The Sumner (Christchurch) Brass Band played a selected programme of music Last Sunday afternoon in aid of sending delegates to attend the fire brigades demonstration at Wanganui. AVoolstoti (Christchurch) Band gave a performance in the Domain of that city last Sunday afternoon, Mr Mullinget conducting. A good programme was contributed, which incluued Handel's celebrated “Largo," two compositions by the .versatile Did, Hume; and a cornet sole on the air "Sing Me to Sleep." The Dalmevirke Municipal Brass Band is now practising assiduously under Conductor Savage, and intends to make a big bid 16r i honours at tho Auckland contest, in December. A concert is being given ev«rry third Sunday evening, and preparations are being made for a bazaar next September, Tne funds from both thfese sources will bo devoted to purchasing new instruments. With a complete new set the band's chances will be much brighter, notwithstanding that several members oan only be classed as learners. A fortnight ago the band made its annual visit to Herbertville, forty miles away, to play at the sports. Music was also supplied at the dance the same evening, and at various points en route. It was an enjoyable outing for everybody concerned, and the band’s efforts were much appreciated by the country people. Writes '‘Bill Tong":—The Tramways Band gave a very enjoyable programme of music at Newtown Lark oil Wednesday of last Week (the report of which Was unfortunately crowded out). The Park is now well installed with electric lights and though a trifle late in the season, there are many more enjoyable nights to look forward to. A good programme whs pretented fay the baiid, which Opened up with the "20th Century March." The trombone solo by Bandsman Sara, “The Death of Nelson," though weak in parts, was a good performance, find the comet duet by Conductor Goodall and Bandsman Evans was tastefully given. The overture, “Jolly Robbers," was a bit ragged, one of the cornets being very harsh Tight through, and the band was not too Well together. In the march, "Old Comrades," the band showed to much advantage, hut the "Queen of Jewels" (waltz) was played too slow all through, the Slower finish being very distressing. The band played as if it were tired, and ns if the waltz were an old friend they would like to take out and lose. The band did much good work in "Galvani,” a march that gave good opportunities to all sections. When the members get a good tiling “on" they make the best of it. Taking the band as a whole it is improving, and there is evidently a lor ol first-class talent in the ranks that only wants the opportunity. The trombones and euphoniums are good, and with decent luck should be further heard of. Tho Wellington City Band (late Garrison), under Lieut. Herd, gave a splendid programme of music at the Botanical Gardens last Sunday afternoon, which was much appreciated by the large audience present, which included his Excellency the Governor, the Countess of Liverpool, and party. The preliminary announcement of the band contest to be held in connection with the Auckland Exhibition (opening on December Ist) is to hand. The contest will be held from February 4th, 18X4, to February 14th (inclusive), and XG6S in cash prizes, the largest yet offered in the Dominion, has been allotted. There are to be two grades) the prizes tor which are as follow:—A Grade (first test): First prize 2870, second .£25, third .£ls, fourth £10; (second test); First £7O, second -825. third -815, fourth -810. B Grade (first test); First prize -840, second -820, third -810, fourth 285; (second test): (same os first). For the quickstep the prizemoney has been allotted as follow*;—A I grade: First 2850, second -820, third -810. tourth £o. B grade: First -820, second -815, third -810, fourth 285. There are numerous prizes in the solo, trio, and quartette competitions. AU entries close on November Ist, 1913. Next week the subject will be further dealt with. The 10th Regimental Band (Blenheim! has xone in tor a new set of instruments (Bessons). Tluse instruments ■ were used at the last Dunedin contest, and helped tho baud to put up a fiuo : performance.