THE KILTIES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9386, 4 March 1909, Page 4

THE KILTIES.

Everywhere the Kilties Band goes enthusiasm- , runs riot during the whole time, aud towards evening the spirit catches on high the souls of men, and as the Kilties, paraded by the massed bands of the city, ‘march to the theatre, enthusiasm literally reaches elation. Thousands of people line the streets and in the vicinity of the theatres, the crowds are so great that extreme difficulty is experienced in reaching the doors. Much comment and questioning is rife whether or not the Kilties have fulfilled all expectations. Previous to the Kilties’ visit ‘the Besses o’ fch’ Barn” held the laurels as the excelsior musical body that has visited us, but the Kilties came and conquered ; as a harmony producing organisation the Besses of the Barn, do not bear comparison with the famous Kilties. The performance of the former was marked by excellence certainly; bnt the music rendered waa “brass,” bcld, brazen “brass,” in everj note, every chord, ovary tune.

Instead of this the Kilties Band, with its combination of brass and reed instruments, produces harmony, soul stirring, soul feeling, '.and soul satisfying, tor beneath the brazen brass, the sweet soft notes and chords or the reed instruments wail out all the plaintive tender tones of soft pathetic human nature. The combination of brass aud reed instruments produces an effect such as conveys that which is absolutely complete, perfectly soul satiating, and grandly eloquent of all that is harmonious, high and holy in the realms of music. The Kilties have a way of growing on their audiences; the last performance reaches a climax of enthusiasm and appreciation. To say they simply lift the audience and carry them away on an unfaltering tour of the world of harmony expresses lightly the pure toned buoyant rhythm and harmony produced. The Kilties, in addition to being a first-class military band, are augmented by the Olan Johnstone troupe of Bagpipers and dancers. Albert Johnstone is the champion piper of the world. The Kilties appear in Martou on Tuesday next, when two performances will be given. A grand musical carnival will he held in the Park at 3 p.m , and at the Town Hall in the evening. The Kilties will hold a monster parade at 3.3oj;aud at 7.30., headed by two giant dram majors and the Marton Town Band.