ORCHESTRAL MUSIC.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14900, 13 February 1914, Page 7

ORCHESTRAL MUSIC.

INTERVIEW WITH BANDMASTER

STRETTON

(By "Strad.")

His utterances regarding the future development of orchestral music in our Dominion, to which I referred last Saturday in "Music and Musicians," induced mo to seek an interview with Mr Stretton during his presence in Christchurch, with the object of obtaining a more definite clue as to how j he proposes to solvo the problem. I submitted to him my own scheme of establishing a National Grand Orchestra upon the basis of a co-operation with that intent by the four chief municipalities of New Zealand. He not only cordially approved of the scheme, but expressed the opinion that such a body could easily be made remunerative. But he pointed out, without questioning its superiority from a musical standpoint, that in the interests of stability he favoured military bands in connexion with the Territorial forces of New Zealand. Subject to military regulations and continuity of service, they would not be liable to incessant changes and difficulties of control. Of course, in tho English Army bands some of the men served sometimes a.« long as twenty, twenty-five, even thirty years. Tho object, he thiuks. could bo attained in various ways. Talented members of existing bands might ' be drafted out and sent Homo to be trained; probably the Now Zealand Government could secure their admiseion as students at Kneller Hall. Generally only men serving in the British Army had the right of entry; recently a detachment of black men belonging to a West Indian regiment made their appearance there. These New Zealandcrs should, on their return, bo fully competont to undertake the tuition of tho local bands. Or, as an alternative, men might, be engaged from Homo at once to act as instructors of garrison bands. Such men. possessing a thorough knowledge of a variety of instruments, it should not be difficult to secure, he believes, but they could not be chosen directly 'from the 3sVmy or Navy Training Schools, who uppiy only their own requirements. Trained conductors should be appointed, and what that means, in these days, may be understood by quoting his own case, as he was compelled, in order to qualify for the post of military conductor, to play every instrument incorporated in an orchestra, He holds, 'with mc, that the best musician, without such special training, or, failing that, vast experience, is unduly handicapped in filling tho position: But, above all, he advocates boldly the engagement of two or more complete bands from Homo, confident that they would pay their way and prove an educative force of immense value for the advancement of musical art. They should be at least of a strength of forty men, to whom ten boys could be attached. Hβ declined to commit himself to any definite statement as to the probable cost, but emphasised again his conviction that "there is money, in it." Their earning capacity in concerts of their own, and other engagements should be great. Hβ acknowledges, as we all do, the good work and intentions of the amateur orchestral societies, but their necessarily slow productions at long intervals cannot possibly meet the situation and suppi.. what the country wants and hungers for, if actual experiences count for anything. While in Wellington ho discussed the whole question with General Godley, who, ho believes, is in thorough sympathy vvjth tho suggested movement to be carried out»in soittw »*»y or other. Failing, however, to secure the help of the Government, ho would pin his faith to the good sense and goodwill of the municipal bodies in the big centres. I have no doubt that Mr Stretton's unselfish and able advocacy of a progressive policy in matters musical will be endorsed by large numbers throughout the whole Dominion, let us hope with practical results.