HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28262, 27 April 1957, Page 2

HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT

High Standard Of Performance

The value of the broad musical education now provided in schools and the enthusiastic way that pupils respond to it were illustrated by the high standard of performance given at a choral and instrumental concert presented by the Christchurch Boys’ High School in the Civic Theatre last evening.

Although the acoustics of the theatre' sometimes played havoc with the balance of the voices, the choral items, from the majestic solemnity of Beethoven’s Creation’s Hymn to the humorous “Allouette” were performed with sincerity and good understanding. The music master, Mr Clifton Cook, arranged a programme that included orchestral works, band items, a piece for strings and woodwind, and several vocal solos. Two of his young musicians conducted choral works. Of the band works, perhaps the most enjoyable was an arrangement by Denis Wright of the popular “Oklahoma” music. The vigour and humour of these wellknown songs were brought out in robust playing by thp band. The school orchestra played two items and accompanied two of the choral works, and A. Austin (tenor) and A. Stokes (baritone) sang confidently and intelligently. Of special interest in the programme was the inclusion of a rather symbolic piece of clowning and miming devised by the Physical Education Branch. All the' actors and gymnasts entered into the spirit of the act and provided a great deal of amusement.