DUNEDIN TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Evening Star, Issue 21709, 2 May 1934, Page 16

DUNEDIN TECHNICAL SCHOOL

CONCERT OF MERIT MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC PRESENTATIONS The realisation of the importance of fostering the cultural needs of its pupils and implanting an appreciation for the arts, has resulted in qualities of dramatic and musical worth that have visibly enriched the curriculum of the King Edward High School. Since their debut a little less than a ■ year ago, when the initial concert impressed with the unearthing of latent talent, and the immense possibilities of future activities, the musical and dramatic societies have greatly improved. The growth of the former branch may ho attributed to the skill of Mr T. Vernon Griffiths, under whoso guidance the school orchestra and band have progressed from comparatively small beginnings to a state when they might safely embark on more advanced studies. 'To those who filled the Burt Hall last night for the first concert of the year, the evidence of careful training ill the two sections was clearly apparent, and the spontaneous enthusiasm of every performer was a tribute in itself to the wisdom in encouraging the societies. Two short comedies formed the presentations of the dramatic society. The first, entitled ‘ Moya Manages,’ was excellently produced, a strict attention to detail resulting in acting of a commendably high standard. Imelda Wood as Moya, the youthful owner of a hat shop, had the leading part, and her delineation of a role that demanded an exacting interpretation invested the play with the sparkle it required. Her performance was equalled by five natural manner and stage presence of Dorothy Hall as Miss Tanso.y, the vivacious young woman whose quest for a suitable hat results in the disorder of the shop, and much humorous dialogue. Charles Olds, as Ronnie Simpson, the fiancp of Moya, gave a studied portrayal of a difficult role that was marred to sonic extent by a weak enunciation and the late arrival of a section of the audience. The other leading part was taken by Doris Symonds, whose Lady Simpson was interpreted with skill. As the aristocratic member of the social world, sho caused the climax to the play by undertaking to manage the affairs of the shop during its owner’s absence. The other members of the cast gave satisfactory performances. _ They were May Vallancc, Myra M'Kechie, Paula Angelo, Marjorie Brain, Peggy Groves, Nancy Rive, Eileen Mawhinncy, James Paterson, and Stanley Parker. 1 Once Aboard the Lugger,’ a comic opera in two acts and having its locale in three different climes, was a charming presentation full of action that added to its success, and materially suited to a cast which made the most of its dramatic possibilities. As the domineering Captain - MacGregor, Harold Robinson gave an interpretation of merit, while Ids acting was both natural and forceful. He was ably supported by Douglas Palmer (mate), R. Jarratt (bosun), W. Paine (cabin boy). M. Corlet (carpenter), H. M'Lenaghin (Sludgy Meaglcs), W. Breeze (cannibal king), and a chorus of sailors and savages, composed of members of Form Ela. The scenery for both productions played a large part in investing them with the necessary atmosphere, and with a few exceptions was prepared by the art staff and students. Apart from two numbers the musical programme was formed from compositions either arranged or written by Mr Griffiths. Simple in theme, yet possessing a beauty of form, these works were given an arresting interpretation by both the orchestra and the military band. Strict adherence to the tempo, and the ready manner in which its members responded to the conductor's demands characterised the playing of the band, and though its pitch was not always of the best (especially in the bass sections) its performance throughout the evening was one that was of a uniformly good standard. its best items were the march ‘ Invercargill,’ in which the crescendo passages were finely modulated, and ‘Happy Song,’ a number played with spirited balance. Though as yet in its cmhyro stage, the orchestra gave quite a promising exhibition, and one that will improve. A predominance of violins and a lack of snfficmnt woodwind instruments and ’cellos did not give the requisite power and depth Its selections wore three marches (Griffiths) and an arrangement of Tschaikowsky’s, ‘ Chanson Triste-’ Individual members of this unit were associated with the junior and senior girls’ choirs, who rendered the brackets ‘Golden Slumbers’ and the ‘Ash Grove ’ and ' Robin Adair ’ and ‘Ye Banks and Braes ’ respectively. A simple work composed by Mr Griffiths. ‘ Quartet in D.’ was played with facility and expression by A. Baxter (violin), L. MacDonald (’cello). R. Bain (saxophone), with Mr Griffiths at the piano. It was, perhaps, the most striking item of the evening. Miss C. M. Anderson was the accompanist. 'The concert will he repeated to-mor-row evening.