Diversity In Schools’ Music Festival

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32120, 16 October 1969, Page 14

Diversity In Schools’ Music Festival

Christchurch Primary Schools’ Music Festival. Participating Schools: Bamford, Briggston, Freeville, North New Brighton, Oaklands, St Andrew’s College, St Martins, Sumner, Sumner Deaf Unit. Civic Theatre, 7.30 p.m. to 9.40 p.m.

If the major feature of this year’s festival is involvement, not far behind in last evening’s concert was diversity. Musical instruments made from a broomstick and bottle-tops and appropriately named a lager-phone, a psychedelic orange washboard complete with gaily-coloured flowers, and surely the first time ever, a woman conductor most wonderfully attired in what looked like a pyjamasuit all contributed to a most successful and enjoyable evening. The musical instruments belonged to two of the performers from the Sumner Deaf Unit and if their performance did draw the greatest applause of the evening it was not all sympathetic. Denied the right and opportunity to hear, the nine children in the group demon-

strated most forcibly a splendid rhythmic sense and exemplary attention to their conductor. What they were not able to give in intonation they more than compensated for in clarity of words. Someone can take full marks for their last-minute inclusion in the festival. This year’s festival is demonstrating once again the most commendable standard of performance being achieved in many of our city schools. The choice of repertoire is open to severe criticism and it is not without significance that the most popular item by the massed choirs, enjoyed by performers and listeners alike, “My Flute and I,” by Schubert, was also the most classical in selection.

It is disappointing that these excellently organised concerts are not better attended by parents, friends and all interested in the musical education of children. There is much to enjoy. Or did the present perplexing problems of the personalities Of “Peyton Place” prove too great an attraction? —W.R.H.