YOUNG PEOPLE'S ORCHESTRA

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 121, 25 May 1927, Page 15

YOUNG PEOPLE'S ORCHESTRA

SUCCESSFULLY ESTABLISHED AT LEY'S LN'STITLTE.

In connection with tlie Leva Institute an innovation has been introduced in the nature of * young people's orchestra. The movement had been under consideration for some time, it having been felt that there was need for something of the kind in Auckland. A committee was formed of those interested, and arrangements finalised sufficiently about a nu nth ago to make a start. The object of the undertaking is to give voung players orchestral experience which is practically unobtainable in any other way. It is intended to develop every phase of orchestral work and to encourajare not only string but wood-wind and brass instruments in addition. Everv help will be given to young musicians to make themselves proficient in departments which have been hitherto sadly neglected. Already quite a lot of interest is being shown in the venture by prominent musicians of the city, who are promising all the assistance possible. Regarding the class of music to be played, at first simple arrangements of the best orchestral music will be used; this will enable the young people to understand quickly what is required of them. and. of coarse, as the band grows in eniciency more difficult work will be undertaken. Anything in the nature of jazz and its class is to be studiously avoided—the cultivation of taste for the highest forms of music being one of the main objects. At present over fifty young people have availed themselves of the opportunity to become members of the orchestra, and they meet for rehearsal evf>ry Thursday ni~ht at the Leys Instituto under the omdurtorsbip of Mr. G. F. Cu.t.-r. the well-known band conductor, and, judging by the enthusiasm shown so far the prospects for a successful future are particularly bright. The committee of Ponsonby residents, who control the movement consists of the following: Chairman. Mr. Charles Btomfiehl: committee. Messrs. John Bigelow. A. P. Ray. A. C. Pa-nrson and H. SomerviHe: treasurer. Mr. Joseph Xorrie; secretary. Mr. J. Callinan.