BAND CONTEST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 43, 21 February 1939, Page 8

BAND CONTEST

FIRST B GRADE TEST THREE LEADERS NAMED EXACT PIACINGS WITHHELD I Per Pre-:* Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 20. The first B grade test selection was held this evening, after which three bands were singled out as the best of the evening. These were Ashburton Silver. Christchurch Municipal, and Dannevirke Municipal. In accordance with custom the exact placings were withheld tn order that no band should become careless in the second test selection supposing it held a lead of several points after the first test. The judge said every band gave quite a creditable performance.

STAGE FRIGHT

four bandsmen withdraw SOLO PLAYERS AT CONTEST | Per Pres? Asbociation. I CHRISTCHURCH. Feb. 20. Overcome by stage fright four bandsmen withdrew after getting halfway through “Silver Threads Among’ the Gold'’ (Rimmer), which was the test piece for E flat soprano cornets in the New Zealand championship band contest. “There were several very fine players,” said Captain H. Shugg, who judged this section. The solo was wisely chosen and the players did well. The use of the vibrato was, however, excessive and there was quite an amount of exaggeration.” Detailed results were:—A. W. E. Webb (Kaikorai) 92 points, 1: D. G. Taylor (Timaru Municipal) 90, 2; R. Thomas (Ashburton Silver) 86, 3; C. Unwin (Green Island Municipal’ 85, 4; R. McKechnie (Ist. Battalion Band, Auckland Regiment), 84. 5: C. Hutcheson (Ashburton Silver Band). 83, 6: J. Banpin (Wellington Boys’ Institute). 81. 7; G. Sneddon (Christchurch Municipal'. 80, 8; J. Edwington (Hau era Municipal Band). 70. 9. E Flat Bass Solo. Lack of understanding of the set piec’j “Romance Bohemian.” was noticed by Mr. James Dixon, who judged the E flat bass solo. “Although I was very pleased and the piece was very finely played, unfortunately players did not seem to studied the piece sufficiently to catch its spirit,” said Mr. Dixon. “They were so intent on playing every note meticulously instead of giving due attention to the spirit of the piece that there was a lack of light and shade and many of the players missed the underlying sentiment.” Results were:—V. Abraham (Timaru Municipal Band) 92 points 1; Les Jacobs 'Wellington Boys’ Institute) 89 points 2: J. P. Cowlishaw (Palmerston North Garrison Band) 86 points, Euphonium Solo. In erpretation and general playing were not quite what I had hoped for,” said Captain Shugg, commenting on the performances in the euphonium solo contest which was held this afternoon. The selection played was “In a Cellar Cool” (Kappey). “I mt'R say.” continued Captain Shugg, that I have heard better playing and if this adequately represents the standard of euphonium playing in New Zealand, then I am afraid it is not very high. The tone in many cases was too heavy and forced and was sometimes hard and unsympathetic. Too many entrants just played their notes and no more.” Results were: H. Guthrie (Palmerston North Garrison) 92 points, 1; J. Smith (Port Nicholson Silver) 90, 2, H. Dephoff (Timaru Municipal). 88, 3; O. Williams (Wanganui Garrison'/ 87. 4. Boys Under J* The playing of the boys under 17. who made their own choice of music and instrument, was highly praised by ♦he judge. Mr. James Dixon. Results were: R. Francis (St. Kilda Municipal) 97 points, 1: D. Christenson <St. Kilda Municipal) 96. 2; L. Broadmore (W’hakatane Citizens' and D. Baird (Timaru Municipal). 93 equal 3: J. Rennie (Timaru Municipal). E. Harrington (Wellington Municipal Tramways), and J. P. Clague (Matamata Citizens) 92. equal 5: H. Croucher (Hawera Municipal). 91, 8: L. Brown (St. Kilda Municipal' and E. Evans (Lower Hutt Civic) 89. equal 9; C. Martin (Palmerston North Garrison). J. Hyndman (Timaru Municipal) and R. Jackson 'Greymouth Municipal) 88. equal 11.