SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 69, 22 March 1910, Page 6

SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.

SINGING IN SCHOOLS.

"Vocal Music in New Zealand" was the subject of a very interesting address by the new president of the Auckland Society of Musicians (Mr J. L. lanes) at the opening of the session in the Society of Arts Building last night. During the course of his remarks, Mr „_es dealt at length wit— what was termed a weakness in the public school syllabus in this country, in that music is" practically untaught. In Great Britain, Mr limes pointed out, music is one of the principal subjects dealt with on •the curriculum, and the schools of the Dominion, he contended, should follow the ' example of the Home land. The speaker also stated that despite the endeavours of the choral and other .musical societies, there va.% practically no choir or body of singers in. New aliarid which could -read: music at sight. A deputation 'bad some time ago waited upon the Minister for Education (the "Hon. G. Fowlds), and pointed out to -Join the •want of proper instruction in singing, and more particularly voice produ-etion, in schools. The Minister's reply, however, had been to the effect that nothing could be done in the matter, as the syllabus was already overloaded. There the - matter rested, and the fact was greatly to be deplored toy all musicians. Messrs W. H. Webbe, •__, Leslie Hunt and J. H. Fray spoke, endorsing what the president had said. It was pointed out' that the syllabus of the Auckland Musical and. literary Competitions' Society did not contain any prize for vocalists reading music at sight. '■Mr-'W—» moved, and Mr Hunt seconded, that the executive of the society be asked to include a prize for a vocal solo, to be..read at sight. This proposal was carried unanimously. During the evening ,Miss Freda Marsden contributed a violin solo, Miss Best a vocal selection, and Miss A. Law was the accompanist., '