STRING ENSEMBLE FOR UNIVERSITY

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28343, 31 July 1957, Page 13

STRING ENSEMBLE FOR UNIVERSITY

Conservatorium Training A. string-music ensemble will become part of the staff of the music department at Canterbury University College -at the beginning of next year. This innovation will mark the beginning of conservatorium-type training to which the department has long aspired. Instead of appointing an additional full-time lecturer, it has been arranged that the equivalent salary should be used for the part-time employment of three string instrument players, who will take part in formal teaching,.! and also . contribute . to the wider services of the department. • These musicians will give demofistrations to. classes so that students may have... a more intimate knowledge of bowed string instruments. their acoustic principles, their tone (singly and in combination), techniques, bowing effects, and the appropriate textures for string music composition. z Supervision of string ensemble groups, assistance in the college orchestra, and performance of chamber music during the collegers lunch-hour’ recitals will also be among their duties. ‘The work of . these, three parttime members of the staff will' be. a great asset to the department’s ‘music leadership’ courses,” said' Professor Vernon Griffiths yesterday. “Music graduates, becoming directors of music in scobls and elsewhere in the commilnity, will be better prepared to organise and direct string classes, orchestras, and chamber music grcups in association with string teachers. . “It is hoped that in their work Outside the music department, these string players will train individual pupils (including university students), undertake short concert tours for chamber music Societies and adult education groups, and give occasional broadcast recitals,” Professor Griffiths said. “The appointment of these String players will integrate the university music courses with the practical side of a musician’s training and bring this college’s musical activities into line with the most recent developments in overseas university musical education/’ Professor Griffiths said