N.Z. AIR FORCE BAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 March 1941, Page 2

N.Z. AIR FORCE BAND

VISIT TO MASTERTON. More than the usual interest is being shown in the appearance here of the Air Band at the Masterton Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock, in the Opera House at 8 p.m., on Sunday afternoon at the Masterton Park at 2.30 o’clock, and at the Regent Theatre on Sunday evening at 8.30 o’clock. The band is not only the largest band in the Dominion, but it has a great variety of instrumentations that gives a wide scope for musical colour. The fine reed section and the brass sections are well balanced. Their playing as a combination has been a revelation wherever the band has appeared. The tune and intonation of the band is very sound, while the bass section is of a particularly mellow quality. The outstanding feature of the band’s outside performances will be the exhibition of quick-step and slow marching. The fine bearing of the men in their natty uniforms, the stateliness and grandeur of their marching, and most important of all, their playing, is always the subject of favourable comment. When one takes into consideration the quality of the musical fare that is to be offered by the band to the musical lovers of Masterton and surrounding' districts the Showgrounds, Park, Opera House and Regent Theatre, should be filled. -In cities and towns far apart the praise is unanimous concerning the musical qualities of the band which has received a splendid reception wherever it has appeared. As a result of its visit to Masterton, the patriotic funds should be considerably augmented.