BAND MUSIC.

Wairarapa Age, 1 March 1927, Page 4

BAND MUSIC.

THE DOMINION CONTEST. JUDGING AND METHODS. Some interesting comments on developments disclosed at the Dominion Band Contest in Wellington were made by Mr. J. Noble, conductor of the Masterton Municipal Band, who went to Wellington to hear the quickstep competition. “It. was a very interesting contest in more ways than one,” Mr. Noble observed in conversation with an “Age” representative. “For the first time for many years, we had an English judge, and I may say, from the experience of many years, that the method of production of tone in a brass band has changed owing to the fact that for a good many years we have had Australian judges. New Zealand bauds have copied Australian methods, and a number of conservatives have not approved of this development. The late contest has, in my opinion, demonstrated the advisability of a return to the English methods which were ably portrayed by Mr. Halliwell. “Mr. Halliwell’s demonstration was very interesting to me because I have always been opposed to the Australian 1 explosive’ methods. Any success I have gained has been won through aiming at pure refinement of tone. “Mr. R. Estall, of the ‘ Wpolston Band, put the matter very aptly,” Mr. Noble continued, “when he said that we had forsaken the old gods, and he, for one, was very glad to see a return to v.f.at he considered pure music. “Amongst the leading bandsmen who were assembled at Wellington,” Mr. Noble added, “'there were some who defended the Australian methods, but I think the effect of the contest will be to bring English methods again into favour. In Christchurch, next year, jf either an English or a New Zealand judge is appointed, bands adopting the methods Mr. Halliwell so ably demonstrated will have considerably improved prospects of success.”