Schools’ orchestral competition

Press, 29 February 1984, Page 18

Schools’ orchestral competition

The first National Secondary Schools Orchestral Course for 1984 will be held at the Christchurch Teachers' College during the May holidays. The National Secondary Schools Orchestral Course was started 25 years ago by Mr W. Waldon' Mills when he was curriculum officer for music in the Department of Education. The May course has been held in Christchurch and the August course in Auckland.

Players in the orchestra are the most able from secondary schools up and down the country with the greatest numbers coming from Auckland and Christchurch.

Players pay their own

fares but billets are found with local families. After a week of hard work the orchestra puts ou a public demonstration concert which is of an excellent standard. Some talented young soloists have performed with the orchestra.

This year the conductor will be Peter Zwartz who is Musical Director of the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music and conductor of the Christchurch Youth Orchestra.

To mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the course, a prize of $lOO is offered for an original composition of an overture for full symphony orchestra only, of two to four minutes duration, providing entries reach a

suitable standard. Entries will be accepted from students currently enrolled in secondary or tertiary education institutions up to April 10. If the composer wishes to conduct the orchestra assistance will be available towards fares.

Application forms giving details will be sent to all secondary schools and may also be obtained from the Secretary. Secondary Schools Orchestral Course (May). A F. H. Baker. C d ; Christchurch Teachers' Col- i lege. P.O. Box 31-065. Clos- ! ing date is March 30. ' Players applying for the first time must supply a tape recording of about 5 minutes duration of their playing.