MODERN EDUCATION

Evening Star, Issue 19409, 18 November 1926, Page 2

MODERN EDUCATION

RIUSIC NOW INTRODUCED Education ia the higher standards of the 'local schools now embraces music. A short time ago tho Dunedin Philharmonic Society approached the Head Masters’ Association and ottered its assistance to help to educate the children in music, with the result that the orchestra played before about I,UI'U children in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. , Mr W. J. Morrell, as the vice-presi-dent of the society, addressed the children before the programme commenced. He hoped that they would gain a great deal by listening to the music. Music should be given a great deal more attention in the schools. Some of the hours in the school were enjoyed more than others, and he would he very surprised if the musical hour was not enjoyed. The Philharmonic Society wished to do something in teaching the children to like good music.. He said that the orchestra was the most' eloquent and capable source of music in the world. If one was to take a little trouble and make an effort it would be found that music would be enjoyed a great deal more. He urged the children to learn to listen. There were four families in the orchestra—• the strings, brass instruments, woodwinds, and the drums, and if they listened carefully they would easily distinguish each instrument as they were introduced into the particular piece being played. The children would find pleasure in trying to distinguish the various instruments. In conclusion lie told' the children to learn to follow the subject or tune. A very appropriate programme had been arranged, and the orchestra was n fvue issyu, .Verdi’s - La Forza Del

Destine ’ was an illustration of a typically Italian overture, _ while ‘ Alpine Echoes ’ (Herfurth) depicted the echoes that resound in the Swiss mountains. A Keltic suite of three pieces was then played, showing tho children how a Scottish. atmosphere could bo created in music. Another item was Beethoven’s ‘Minuet,’ played on the strings, helping the children to distinguish the violins from the other parts of the orchestra. Then followed a pizzicato by Squarise. This showed how the violins could bo plaved by merely plucking the strings. ‘ Onward Otago ’ and a military caprice, both items being the composition of Squarise, were also played. The latter gave a good idea of now various phases of a battle could he described in music. Vocal items -were given by Miss Macdonald. Tho playing ot the National Anthem brought the pro gramme to a close. Before each item was rendered Mr Mon-ell briefly explained what it was to represent.