New Britain herald., 1930-05-17
800 In school OrChestras


 Meriden, May : - More than 500 youthful musicians Of l9 high school musical organizations took part in the first state band and orchestra concert held here yesterday after noon and sponsored by the Lions club. The contest was divided into three sections, The junior high school orchestras having four en- trants and the senior high school orchestras with eight players held their sessions in the high school au- ditorium, while the high school bands played in the city hall audi torum.
 The winners were, senior high school bands. first. William Hall high school Of West Hartford, and second, Hillhouse high school of New Haven; in the senior high school or rhestra group. first, Hlllhouse high school, and second. Lyman Hall high school Of Wallingford junior divi- sion, first, Central high school Of New Britain. and second. Jefferson junior high school of Meridcn.
 While six prizes were 10 be award cd. only two Of the trophies were re- Ceived and these were presented by Gorge J. Sokel, president of the Lions club, to Mrs. Agnes W. Wake man, leader Of the Hillhouse or chestra, and to Richard Moore. drum major Of the William Hall band of West Hartford. MT. Sokel explained that the remaining four prizes will be sent the winners as soon as they are received from the National Bu reau for the Advancement Of Music, which is donating the awards,
 The announcement of the orChes- tra winners was made in the high school auditorium and was greeted with much enthusiasm by the win ming units and their friends. The result of the band contest was made known at the city hall auditorium, and loud cheers were given the win ming group by their student competi- tors.
 Bands On Parade
 The parade of bands which follow cd the contest in the city hall audi torium. was viewed by several hun dred as the visiting groups marched through tho dow ntoWn section, led by Richard Moore. drum major Of the West Hartford unit, and followed by the members Of the group while the other bands followed,
 on their return 10 city hall the bands lined up about the entrance and played several selections under the direction Of Wjggln. whose ability 10 direct 200 musicians at one time was q revelation 10 the hun dreds of spectators that grouped about the massed bands.
 Following the orchestra contest the entire group Of orchestras united to give a masscd concert under the dl- rection of Robert M. Howard.
 Judges of Contests
 The judges of both the contests were selected by the New England Musical organization. The judges oi the orchestra contest were Adrian F. Holmes Of Burlington, Vt. Miss Maude Howes of Quincy Mass. and Robert M. Howard Of Fall River, Mass. The winners of the band con- test were selected by the following, |. II. Chambers of North Adams, Mass. Paul Wiggin, of Pawtucket, R.. l., and Arthur J. Damn Of Worcester, Mass.
 Among the interested spectators attending the band contest was Rob ert w. Gibbs of Dcdham, Mass, composer Of the reqnired band scleC- tion, Youth Triumphant Mir. Gibbs IS at present supervisor of music in the Dedham schools.
 Last night the prize winning band and orChestras gave d special con- cert in the city hall auditorium, tho William Hall high school occupying the platform first, playing three sc lections under the direction of Mark A. Davis. The playing of the band last evening easily demonstrated why they were given the choice over the other band units, as the 45 members went through their selections in splendid fashion.
 The Hilhouse orchestra followed in the concert, playing four sclec- lions and presented d special trio number. which received much ap plause from the audience. Mrs. AEnes W. Wakeman directed the group. which is made up Of 75 nut slcians. For their concert work