The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-07-16
THE BAND CONTEST JULY Att
Report of the Judges.

Report of the Judges.
Owing to the crowded state of our
columns and the lateness that the sue
ceeding report was submitted, it was
ted, Having been a pleased listener
at the Contest" we commend to the
attention of our readers the following
criticism Of the Judges.-[ ED. PRESS.
PRIZES AWARDED.
Windham Band. First Prize. $50 90
Hiram &" -...Second -. 5000
Streetsboro' Third e. 1000
The Judges beg to submit the follow
ing report:
In deciding the relative merits of
Brass Bands, many things ought to be
taken into account. The manner of
playing and the quality of the selec-
tions, is of the first Importance. The
quality and condition of the instru-
ments, the variety of the instruments,
general appearance and discipline of
the organization, and the Uolunae and
quality of tone, all should receive con-
sideration.
We are pleased to say, that as far as
general appearance went, the Streets
boro' Band possessed the finest uni
forms, and is well conducted organ
ization. Their playing, as was also
that of the other Bands, during the day,
was carefully noted. In the final con-
test for the prizes, all the above noted
qualifications were considered. The
STREETsBoRo' BAND showed progress,
both in volume and taste, though
there is still room for drill in the for
mer quality. The choice of music, par
ticularly in Quicksteps, which is the
foundation of all Brass Band selec-
tions, should be changed by this Or
ganization. A simple song, with or
binary harmony in accompaniment,
is not a satisfactory quickstep in this
day and generation. Upon this ground
alone, we must have given the Streets
boro' Band third place in this contest.
The HIRAM BAND possesses an ex-
cellent leader, his cornet playing be-
ing far superior to any of the others.
Their selections were-also good and of
modern make up. The accompaniment
was not always strong, though of good
general character.
The WINDHAM BAND, while not
having the advantage of strong cor
oil i'm,
has an ensemble that large |
ly counterbalances. Their Cldrionets are |
a great help, and when in a six eight |
or four-four movement the afterbeats |
are required, they stood out full and I
clear. The harmony was thus more
and satisfactory.
AS between the Hiram and Wind.
ham Bands, there was little to choose,
on the whole. What the Hiram Band
lacked in accompaniment was largely
made up by the excellence of its Lead
er, and Uiee versa.
In finally deciding the matter, at.
LentiOn was directed to the Drums Too
little consideration is often accorded to
this most important adjunct of a band.
During the contest, the parts written
FOR the drums were of no special ina
portance either in the selections of the
or Hiram Bands, while
IN those of the Windham the drums
were prominent. During the three
pieces played by the Windham Band,
no error by either drummer was noted,
though the opportunities to err were
Their drums were also in
good shape, and snapped with vim
that is eminently desirable in Brass
Band. Upon this point it must be
that the Windham Band
the advantage that gave
them the first prize.
Gi GAH H. A. kHRaSSH: Bnarns, Judges.
q H GOODMAN