Musical.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 9, 2 June 1894, Page 3

Musical.

BAND NOTES.

Bet me see, I stopped in my last notes at the Oamaru Garrison Band, I think this band may he at the Invercargill contest, but I am afraid it is very doubtful. Mr Jones, I learn, has not been able to attend a practice since be returned from his visit to England —his health being anything hut good. No one will regret this more than their redoubtable opponents —the 1.G.8. and the sympathy of all bandsmen and musicians will be with the 0.G.8. with their loss. The Oamaru City is practising constantly —their conductor, Mr Frew, being a most painstaking musician. They still retain the services of Mr Phelong, solo cornet, but he is hardly the player that he was, Although still a good man. It is pretty certain that this band will attend the contest; They have not missed any, I believe, since they were formed tome six or seven years ago. The next band on which I dropped was the Timaru Garrison, and here let me say that members of other hands will do well to “keep their weather eye open ” and “ wire in,” as I should not be a bit surprised if this hand came out at the top of the tree or very near it. They have got both good material and a good head — Professor Woolfe, a musician of very high standing—not only that, they practice three times a week (as vouched for by a member) ; and taking all these facts into consideration I think 1 am justified in my opinion. Prof. Woolfe was for some years conductor of several opera companies. After leaving Timaru I come to the Christchurch bands, and I think that in all fairness I will start with the Garrison. Mr R. Trist Searell is the conductor. Their past performances are enough to place them as one of the best bands in the colony, having tied the Oamaru Garrison for first place in the last Wellington contest. The members, I am sorry to say, do not attend as they should, there being a want of enthusiasm among them that is very rarely noticed in other bands. There is also another little point where they might improve themselves, i.e., in their attention to their conductor. It does not matter how good a man may be—if his followers are inattentive they cannot possibly expect to improve as they otherwise would. And while on this band I might also say that were they to stand at practice they would get a much better tone out of their instruments —sitting, as they do contracts the lungs, and does not give them a chance of blowing freely. I am certain that the Christchurch Garrison boys will not take this amiss, as it is given with all good faith and for their own good. Were the band to act up to the advice offered, I am sure they would make it “ warm ” for any other band in the colony. The Stanmore Brass Band, of which that old I. G. Bandsman (Mr D. McKillop), is conductor, have a good set of Boosey instruments, and any amount of good material to work on, and although rather low down in late contests have every chance of pulling up. They will be made very welcome by the I.G. boys, to whom they presented one of their handsome photos. On Sunday week last I heard the Sydenham Band (Bandmaster McLean), who were giving a concert at the hospital grounds. They played very creditably ; amongst the pieces being “Robert II Diavolo ” and “Verdi.” They have a good bass and the solo euphonium has excellent tone, and should make a good player with a little tuition from a capable man. The Engineers (Christchurch) are also practising consistently, their conductor, Mr Alex. Gordon playing cornet solo also. There are several other minor

bands in and around Christchurch, but as I have not yet met in with any more I cannot say anything about them. Next week I hope to be able to give you some particulars of the Wellington bands. Andante.