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FOREWORD. |
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It is interesting and gratifying to know that the importance of military music as a factor in the nation's existence, as a contributory element to its joys—and sometimes to its sorrows—is not wholly lost sight of in Britain.
Measures have at different times been adopted to encourage original composition for military bands. In 1872 the Alhambra management offered a prize of £"200 for the best fantasia. The committee of adjudicators, presided over by Sir Arthur Sullivan, declared M. van Herzeele, a Belgian, the winner.
During recent years considerable impetus has been given to progress in the same direction by the action of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, who, for the coronation of the late King Edward, and again for that of His present Majesty, offered substantial prizes for the best coronation march; and stipulated, among other conditions, that the competing works should be scored for a military band.
Again, in 1909, this same company offered five prizes for original military band compositions moulded in the ni^her forms, an offer which had the very gratifying result of attracting the attention of several native musicians of note, thus promoting and stimulating production.
Furthermore, it presents annually a medal to the best all-round student of the two representative training schools for military music, the Royal Military School at Kneller Hall and the Royal Naval School |
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