NEW PLYMOUTH'S BAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1917, Page 7

NEW PLYMOUTH'S BAND.

THE WORK OF THE FUTURE. * During the course of a conversation witb a representative of this journal, at the conclusion of Sunday's band recital, he bandmaster (Mr McLeod) remarked tbat be was naturally very pleased at the good reception again given to the Junior Band by the general public. He realised, of course, that their work was pot really of sucli a character as to warrant their appearance on a concert platform in so short n time after their formation, but he hoped the pqblio would bear with these lads in the early stages of their career, because they were the bandsmen of the future, and it was these same boys to whom we must look for our music in the daya to come. The appearanoe of the juniors under the wing (so to spdak) of their elder brethren was a great help to the boys themselves, and what is more important it serves as an impetus to them, and encourages them in their studies. The music choßen was, of course, very simple in the main, but some of the workallotted to certain of the players was of an interesting nature, and was the means of demonstrating the presence of considerable ability and promise on the part of quite a number of the youthful musicians. Of the seniors, Mr McLeod did not care to say very much, further than to say that taking into consideration the many inroads made into we ranks of late, it was very satisfactory to feel that they were capable of putting on even the. class of music submitted of late. Several new members had come along to fill some of the vacancies occurring from time to time, but it was not to be expected that these gentlemen could grasp the methods adopted by their new bandmaster in a matter of n week or two. However, tho rank and file were very loyal to the work of the bank, and, given time, a good many of the difficulties with which they had at present to contend would be overcome The class of music to be submitted next summer gave promise of considerable improvement on. that of the season just over, which waß saying a great deal, but in order that this same music may receive the necessary preparation, the bandmaster may find it advisable to curtail tho frequency, of recitals, so that this work may be carried out; He hopes M give one or two more programmes before taking action. Being obliged to "dish np" old muaic (01 rather the same tunes over and ovex* •again) is one of the very worst, things that (Jan possibly happen to a band (and ,the pnbljc, too, for that matter), and Mr McLeod knows of nothing that so effectually "kiljs" the enthusiasm of a bandsman as to be "drumming" at the same tunes everlastingly. The bandmaster hoped the public would readily understand tho position, because these remarks were by way of explanation more than anything else. Tho band hoped to give their nej.t recital at the Kast End pavilion, due notice of which would be given. »: