A SCHOOL ORCHESTRA

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 55, 8 March 1929, Page 5

A SCHOOL ORCHESTRA

VISITORS FROM HAWERA

An orchestra comprising 50 children of the Hawera primary ami technical schools, and "of ages ranging from a o.but nine to sixteen years, produced results 'as surprising as they wore gratifying at a concert given in.the Town Ilall last evening. "" The enthusiasm of the audience during and at the conclusion of the performance left no doubt of its success. The concert spoke volumes for the patient coaching of the conductor, Mr. 11. C. A. Fox, whose control over the children was a feature of tho performance. Tlio programme was excellently arranged, consisting mainly of orchestral numbers, between which songs, recitations, and instrumental solos wore given by talented pupils, all of whom were recalled in the heartiest fashion. A bracket of two numbers by the orchestra—the march "Baron Mimchausen" and the overture "The Spirit of the Winds" opened the programme, and immediately put the large audience in the best humour. The orchestra's other numbers during the first half were selections from the popular "Maritana" and the plantation patrol "Ole South." Doris Gilmoro sang "The Coon" sweetly, and. Louis Fox was loudly applauded for his violin solo "Mazurka" (Saint Amory). Reginald Muschamp made the most of tho comic recitation "Bus 13," and tho horn solo "In My Cottage," played by Ray Hawkins, showed the talent of the young performer. Tho overture "Manrico" commenced the second portion of the programme, and .later the orchestra played selections from "Martha" and, to conclude the evening, the waltz "Joyous Life" and, the rollicking march "The Laurel Branch." Tho popular "To a Miniature" was sung in pleasing fashion by James Collins. A clarinet solo, "Airs from Mignon," played by David Rawson, was an entertaining number, as was the violin solo "Sarabande," played by Ray Downey. Two selected recitations by Mavis Tapp completed the programme. Tho quality of the music and tho high standard displayed in its execution can only make one wish to see more of these gifted children.