TECHNICAL COLLEGE MUSIC

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24959, 21 August 1946, Page 5

TECHNICAL COLLEGE MUSIC

IMPRESSIVE START MADE Ample evidence that the Christchurch Technical College has embarked enthusiastically upon a scheme of music, on the lines followed by its associate schools in Dunedin and Petone, and by Nelson College, was given last evening, when an audience, comprising mainly of parents and friends of the school, heard a recital of instrumental and vocal music in the Memorial Hall. Success in this work largely depends upon enthusiasm. In the orchestral work, little more than enthusiasm was apparent, yet it was sufficient to indicate that, given time, the school will fill a musically important place in the community.

The main interest of the evening was the appearance of an orchestra of roughly 200 players, - conducted by Mr R. E. Perks, the recently-appointed music specialist to the school. Six months ago, most of these students knew nothing of music-making; but with a polyglot collection of instruments, and by dint of much practice of specially arranged music, they presented several pieces which, at least, sounded balanced and pleasing. Two orchestral exercises by Vernon Griffiths, demonstrated by their satisfactory result the necessity to use music of interest to the performer, and also to preserve simplicity in each part. In addition, the orchestra presented “Our Cheer Leader,” a virile march of. obvious value in school assembly life. The capabilities of the more adw vanced players are not neglected, for, as the senior orchestra, they played several pieces. They achieved greater unity and facility in a minuet by Charles Woodhouse. Other competent players have formed a brass band under Mr A. M. Hatch. In a stirring march by Lithgow they displayed a good sense of attack and release. The massed choir of 300 voices gave the most polished performance of the evening. Under Mr A. G. Thomson they sang in unison “The Hunter and his Career” (Grainger), “Praise” (Dyson), and in four parts “The Bay of Biscay” and “Tavern in the Town” (Griffiths). These were outstanding and revealed the value of good training. Not only this choir, but also a girls’ choir, showed that the. four cardinal points of choral training had been observed: good tone and intonation, good balance, and clear diction. A boys’ choir also sang with pleasing tone and balance, but they tended to hurry the tempo of their songs. Incidental items, all of a high standard, were given by E. Tetheridge, D. Denton, G. Saunders. G. Rolston, E. and G. Hussey. N. Mills, J. Batt, J. Sharplin, G. Palmer R. Caukwell. Also a group of girls, trained by Miss Benstead, gave splendidly rhythmic displays of two national dances. |

Altogether the evening was refreshing and encouraging. The board of governors, the principal and teachers of the school are to be congratulated on the opportunity which they have given their pupils.