SCHOOL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28972, 13 August 1959, Page 16

SCHOOL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Children Present New Programme There was a new programme given at last evening’s concert in the Primary Schools' Music Festival, because children only from contributing schools (up to Standard 4) were in the massed choir. The schools represented were Addington. Banks avenue. Bromley. Elmwood. Normal, Harewood, Linwood North. Opawa. Quinns road, and West Spreydon. These young children put on an excellent show, with plenty ot verve and hilarity of spirit. There was an engaging freshness to their work and—at their best — they could give the older children a few points on production of pleasing tone. Some of the tone heard from a few of the individual choirs was excellent, and we heard some of the best playing of recorders yet encountered in the festival. The music chosen was attractive, but often surprisingly difficult. At times it was too difficult, especially in w’hat was required in the way of descants. However, the singing of Desmond MacMahon’s setting of “Loch Lomond” came off well, and “The Dream Children,” by Cecil Sharman, was delightfully sung. This is a splendid song for this age group. Three nursery rhymes were very effective and the children managed the part singing most creditably.

The advances made in instrumental music have been a feature of this festival. All sorts of classroom instruments have been demonstrated with telling effect. A massed choir item with an accompaniment by these instruments. written by Mr R. E. Perks, was very successful. The children who have played these instruments, at this and other concerts, are to be congratulated on their splendid sense of timing and rhythm.

A very effective item was some handbell ringing by a group of boys from Christchurch East School. It was unusual, most attractive, and exceedingly efficient. Discipline and concentration produced an excellent result.

Congratulations muit be given to the children taking part in items by individual schools. Their work had been well prepared and in tonal control most of them gave highly interesting and pleasing performances. One person, who has had none of the limelight of the stage performances, but whose sterling work has contributed in very large measure to the smooth running and success of the festival, is Miss B. Evans—who is not only the secretary of the association but has also gone to many schools to act as accompanist for the final stages of rehearsal. The festival will continue throughout the week, and there will be another concert by junior children on Friday evening. —C.F.B.