HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 136, 6 December 1944, Page 6

HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC

"ROMANTIC PURCHASE"

. This beautiful organ, so romantically purchased," were words used by her Excellency Lady Newall, when she and Sir Cyril Newall attended the assembly hall at the Hutt Valley High School last evening for the first recital upon the Wurlitzer organ purchased for the school by donations from parents and supporters of the school, by a substantial contribution from the Parents' Association, another from the school itself, and with assistance from the Education Department towards the cost of installing the organ in a loft built above the hall. The evening was most pleasant. The hall was filled to the last seat, whereby the school's various improvement funds have been assisted again, the music was excellent —organ, band, instrumental, and singing—and later supper was served by the girls. Among those present were Mr and Mrs. Walter Nash, Mrs. J. W. Andrews, Mr. H. Green. Mr. E. N. Hogben (principal of Wellington Boys' College) and Mrs. Hogben, Father Blake (rector of St. Patrick's College) Father Evans (rector of Silverstream College), and Miss N. V. Mason (the principal of Chilton St. James School) The principal (Mr. J. N. Millard),' when introducing the chairman of the board of directors (Mr. D. A. Ewen) said that lie wished to forestall Mr. Ewen's reference to those who had contributed so generously to the purchase, by saying that Mr. Ewen him-! self had contributed very substantially indeed. (Applause.) Mr. Ewen replied that he was one of many donors, and on behalf of the school he thanked them all, making special reference to the donations from the Parents' Association and from the school. He thanked, too, Mr. Maurice Pirani for his great interest in the purchase of the organ, from which the school and, he hoped, the Hutt Valley would benefit greatly culturally. Lady Newall warmly congratulated the band, the choir, and the school upon its high musical attainments, and reniarked that it was an established scientific fact that almost everyone had good musical sense, that everyone could enjoy music. That was the reason for the attention given nowadays to community music, for so many discovered to their joy that they could sing, and could enjoy music. The purchase of the school organ, she wished for all, would be a great opening of musical windows.

Mr. Pirani gave a brief talk upon the range of the Wurlitzer organ and demonstrated the many stops and effects, from grave and solemn to gay, and during the evening played a number of items. He also accompanied the school choir and the soloisis. Miss Sybil Phillips and Miss Winifred Kindred, and a pupil. Shirley Lister ('cello). Hugh Dixon, the band's leading come list, was another most successful soloist,. The school certainly enjoys remarkable musical talent.

This evening the recital is to be repealed.