Music in the Air.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 84, 9 December 1913, Page 5

Music in the Air.

“LISTEN TO THE BAND!”

REPLY TO “SUPPORTER." , At last night’s meeting of the Borough Council the following report was received from the Conductor (Mr T. Marshall), of the Municipal Band:— During the year 1912-13 summer the Band was in a flourishing condition-

sound financially and strong in members, having twenty playing members and six recruits, and everything pointed a bright outelook. TJie Band appeared more often in public than for some years previously, giving ten Sunlay afternoon performances in the miblic parks; live Saturday night performances in front of the Municipal Buildings; and three Sunday afternoons in tiie Hospital grounds, when •ollections were taken up for the Hoslital funds. The Band was engaged or two days’ playing by the A. and !’. Association and the Racing Club, one day for the Gymkhana, and one lay for the Toko Sports Club. The members were all enthusiastic and settled down to winter rehearsals with the object of doing solid practices in contemplation of attending the Auckland Exhibition Band Contest in February next. The committee has considered schemes to raise funds for the purchase >f some new instruments and a fullIress uniform, but unfortunately we began to lose some members through noving into other districts, and these schemes had to be abandoned. Within x few months no fewer than nine of die more experienced players had deoarted for new fields, and, consequenty, the Band suffered greatly by their loss. The members fully recognise the luty they owe to the public, and are nost anxious to fulfil it, but unfortunitely are unable at present to do so. The remaining members are all loyal to the Band, and feel sorry that they >annot appear in public more often. However, they trust the Council and die public will take a broad view of the position, as it is simply the result of very unfortunate circumstances which could not be avoided. The committee are.anxious, and are doing all they can, to lift up the position of the band ; and the annual meeting, which will be held very shortly, will, no louht, result in something definite icing done.

■« THE REASON WHY.”

[To The Editor Stratford Post.l Sir,—Supporter of Stratford Band nay well ask where the Band is; the land is nowhere at present, and why r simply this: Non-attendance of memjers at practice, members being in mtside. affairs, and coming to pracice when they like ; too much Band ■oom practice; not enough outdoor haying for the benefit of the public. Hie above items have caused some demit members who did attend to leave, die Council have subsidised five different ■ Conductors within a few yars. hill there is no band!—l am, etc.. AX ENTHUSIAST. Stratford, December 8, 1913.