NEW LEISURE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1937, Page 10

NEW LEISURE

STUDY OF MUSIC

ENRICHING LIFE

The impetus the study,of music can receive through the new leisure was referred to by Mr. Stanley Oliver, conductor of the Royal Wellington Choral Union, at the annual meeting of the union last evening.

"The reorganisation of society which is taking place in New Zealand should b" an interesting challenge to choral societies and similar groups," he said. "It has for some time been inevitable that our economic relations with' each other would have to be adjusted in such a way as to afford more leisure time to the individual. To find healthy recreational activities for spare time occupations may well give concern to thinking people. '

"It has frequently been said of late that we have too many musical societies. In truth we have not enough. What is meant, of course, is that we have too many societies bidding .for support as public entertaining bodies, which is an entirely different problem. EDUCATING CHILDREN. "The education of children migrTt well relate to the preparation for worthwhile employment of spare time. Almost all children, for instance, could be taught to read at sight a simple melody with the same facility with which they read, a book. This, and similar accomplishments, would contribute immeasurably to the satisfaction of adult life. The enrichment of life in its complete aspect is the chief function of a wellbalanced education. More and more tlv« education must embrace ways and means of spending spare time. To have many leisure hours and to be unable to put them to satisfying and satisfactory use is both dismal and dangerous. Choral and dramatic societies and a host of others are already a social necessity. A Governmental Department interesting itself in what people do in their spare time should be concomitant with legislation which restricts working hours. Choral societies and similar groups may look forward to the time when they will receive Governmental interest and encouragement. DESIRE FOR MUSIC. "There are many signs which indicate that there is a growing desire on the part of people to express themselves musically. This is encouraging. We are fortunate in New Zealand in that our radio control is increasingly desirous of stimulating artistic expression among the masses of the people. The announcement of the formation of a conservatorium of music indicates a tremendous step in the right direction. The value of a conservatorium to the cause of music in any community is not so much to be measured by the musical activity which goes-on within its own .walls, as by the stimulus which it gives to /the music-mindedness of the community at large., We, as a, choral society, should benefit enormously. No matter how large a conservatorium may be, it is a fact; that the large bulk of the teaching of music is always done outsida of the institution. But this private teaching is.beneficially influenced by a conservatorium which sets a high standard. The right to perform before the microphone will, I am sure, always be on the open market. Societies and individuals will continue to be engaged to'perform solely on their merits." . ..-. .-.■ ~ ■ :,-, . ;:-