PRAISE FOR BAND.

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 167, 8 March 1932, Page 6

PRAISE FOR BAND.

O. H.

COLEMAN.

(To the Editor). Sir, — While listening to our band on Sunday afternoon in the Government Gardens, I met an old acquaintance, who has been a resident of Wanganui for many years, and should like through your columns to repeat his comments on our band. Not only is my fr:end a keen mrsician himself, but he is justly proud of and takes a very lively interest in Wanganui's premier band, Queen Alexandra's Own, and he said he never misses an opportunity of hear-ing-them. He much enjoyed the items rendered by our band, and said the citizens of Rotorua had every reason to be proud of the'r band. Two selections he commented on, the first, Elgar's "Land of Hope and Glory," he considered both the cornet and euphonium solos were very praiseworthy and the tone of the latter perfect. Commenting on the next itcm, "Lead Kindly Light," my friend said the rendering was delightful, the balance of the band perfect, the tone beautiful and the basses deserving of great praise. These two selections gave the band the opportunity to show the perfect harmony and the soft, round tone, wh'ch they did. When I told the gcntleman the instruments were the old set of the Wanganui band, of which rhe was speaking, he said he could only say our band certainly developed the latent quality of the instruments to which he had so often listened in the past. On asking who our conductor was, he stated he considered Rotorua fortunate in having a band master of such ability and energy, as the pcrformance of the band indicated him to possess. He expressed surprise that a greater proportion of Rotorua's citizens were not present to enjoy such an ideal setting. This is not an isolated case of high praise for our band from visiting musicians and I thought it only faY to pass on to you the pleasure and appreciation of a visitor to our town. The bandsmen spend much time both in reheasals and performances, and are deserving of all the encouragement and appreciation they so richly deserve. I append the name of the gentleman I have quoted, but am not at liberty to publish it. — I am, etc.