Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-07-06

brunswick. Bath, Rockland. Lewiston. Au-
burn, Bangor, and the Kennebec valley. thou
sands Of spectators assembled to witness the
unique spectacle of contest between the
leading bands Of Maine. The day was de-
lightful. The foliage of the trees sheltered
the crowds from the warm sun, while re-
freshiEg breeze sifted among the branches.
The sparkling waters of the lake were cleft
in all directions by sktfs and swiftly-plying
steam launches.
GRAND BAND CONTEST
AT one o'clock living sea of humanity
surged down towards the ampirheatre in the
south of the grove. The judges had taken
their positions They were Prof J. B.
Claus of Boston, Of the New England Con-
servatory of Music; Prof. L. W. Ripley of
Boston, the well known composer and pub
Usher. and Prof. C. W Thompson of Bos-
ton, Of the firm of Thompson & Odell, pub
fishers of brass band music. Frank l.. Col
Inns. the musical director, steps upon the
dais. A cheer breaks from the crowd.
Miller's Band of Auburn comes into the
enclosure. They play ''liail to the Princess"
and the ''Diadcm Overture" Mild ap-
plause greets them they finish: The
Waterville Band follows, and play the ''Capis
Coils March" and for Il selection pot pourri
called ''Fiscination.' The North Berwick
Band play the .'Maranocook March" and an
overture with the prententious title of La
Rendezvous du Chase The Yarmouth
Band play the international March and
and rip Van Wrinkle" overture,
The crowd pricks up its ears and
begins to cheer Justify. This bands execu-
ton is fine and the tone and time excellent.
They are followed by the South Berwick
Band with ''Triumphal Quickstep' and a
selection called ''Mixed Candy" Glover's
Band rendered selection called civilian
Fell" and brigade March, Stormy
cheers greet the Auburn bows as they retire.
They have touched the popular heart. The
people after all, are the true judges of excel
lence in poetry and music. Next comes the
Winthrop Band" with ''Du Quense Greys"
for march and II 'somtardi'" for a selec-
lection. We feel proud of Kennebec county
as they play. But why couldn't they choose a
less difficult selection than the last? They
have warm friends among the Is, 900 specta-
tors who manifest their approval by APP
plause. Collins Band of Portland play
the Major Quickstep'' and selection from
Olivette." Mr.. Collins should feel pround
of his band. 1t is composed of geutlemanly-
looking fellows who play splendidly. The
Waldoboro' Band finished with the beauti-
fll march Over Land and Sea-" and the
fantasia Fairies Moonlight Revels."
GRAND CONSOLIDATED BAND CONCERT.
The Judges retire to agree upon a decis-
ion, and thousand uniformed musicians
crowd into the ampitheatre. Imagine half
acre covered with showily eaparisoned
Maine never saw such sight before. Mr..
Collins. the director, waves ibis baton, and
the harmonic crash begins. the effect at
little distance is superb. The great, swell
mist, and then flows over lake, hill and
meadow until its ayes are checked and lost
IN the immenstv of space. The programme
closed with the grand old selection of
America" which fairly electrified people
with its grandeur.
AWARDING THE PRIZES.
Back come the Judges. and silence falls
ver the vast concourse. There are hum
lreds of eager faces in the throngs. ''Glov-
ers band, Auburn, LIST prize. $780, reads Mr..
Thompson. There is a mild burst of cheers
from nhe friends of the Auburnites- Collins
Portland band takes the I'd prize. 500;
Yarmouth band. Sd prize, SIS; West Water
lille band, 4th prize, $50; Miller's band of
AUBURN. 9Th prize, $40; Winthrop band, 9th
prize. $50; North Berwick band, eth prize
So. There is some grumbling over the de-
cison, and some disappointed faces, but the
general feeling is that the judges have de-
cided wisely and we'll, and the public cheer
fully acquiesce on their verdict.
GONG HOME.
1t is no slight task to d. spatch $1,000 peo-
pie in different directions. but Payson Tuck
er is equal to the emergency. and stands In
the ticket office and gives out his orders with
out hesitation, like the cool-headed business
man which he is. The ONaine Central bor-
rowed every car which friendly roads would
lend. yesterday, and then found itself. like
Oliver Twist. clamoring for more. There
was considerable complaint over the slow rate
& he tb., trains. max
ing the Journey very tedious. The arrange
men,, for feeding the crowds were made
qua,e. yesterday. But, on the whole the
pubiic had no reason to find fault 1t got its
moneys worth Fifteen thousand people
went home with headaches: but happy, and
satisfied that Lake Maranocook is a glorious
place for a holiday.