MUSIC WEEK

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 103, 25 January 1930, Page 13

MUSIC WEEK

Sir, —Your contributor of humorous sketches has performed a public service in bringing the question of a ‘‘Music Week” before many readers who may have overlooked the report of the conference of music teachers held this week at Palmerston North. It is something of a coincidence that the idea which was favourably considered at Palmerston had been already informally discussed in Wellington some two or three months ago, after giving much thought to the desirability of doing something to stimulate interest in music, which through a variety of causes has been experiencing something in. the nature of a slump, I evolved the idea of a “Music Week” during which various aspects of music would be brought under the notice ,of the citizens generally—not in the nature of coercion, but by a week of joyous music-making, in which musical societies, bands, children’s choirs, chamber music organisations, etc., would all combine to present the best music in an attractive form. I discussed the matter with several

prominent citizens interested in music and education, and it is intended to call - ■ a meeting at an early date to submit the scheme and have it discussed. Now that the question has been opened at the conference and approved, probably the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Society of Professional Teachers of Music will take a lead in the matter. I am convinced the movement will have the support of all sections of the community. The, music trade will, lam sure, co-operate with the profession, as the activities of . the-two are so closely interwoven. It calls for splendid organisation and boundless enthusiasm to carry such a scheme to a successful issue, but if this ean be done it will be a splendid thing not only for musicians and all lovers of music, but for the city as a whole.—l am. etc.. H. TEMPLE WHITE. Wellington, January 23. [The scheme as roughly outlined by Mr. White is as follows: On the first Sunday special musical services in the churches with approi>riate addresses by the clergy. During the week mid-day community sings and organ recitals. Afternoon matinees of chamber music and children’s concerts. One evening devoted to the performance of a modern choral work, one or more to orchestral concerts,'one to smaller choir works, partsongs, etc., and one to huge, children’s festival. The Saturday afternoon could be devoted to a band contest in the open air, and the final evening to a massed performance of an oratorio by the combined societies and choirs of Wellington and adjacent districts of Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Manawatu.J