SCHOOL MUSICIANS

Evening Star, Issue 25565, 18 August 1945, Page 12

SCHOOL MUSICIANS

TECHNICAL COLLEGE FESTIVAL On the two nights of the peace celebrations one of the principal events in the city was the festival of music of King l'idward Technical College, in the Town Hall. In spite of the absence of city transport, two surprisingly large audiences witnessed the demonstration of the musical activity in the college. The festival followed the lines of its predecessors and was on the usual massive scale, the stage and half of the ground floor of the auditorium being occupied by vocal and instrumental performers. It was an impressive sight to see about 700 choristers and nearly 300 instrumentalists in action, and an inspiring example of what can be done and what should be done in the study of music in secondary schools. ■ • From the small beginning made 12 years ago the college has made extraordinary progress in its music department, and has given its pupils remarkable opportunities for acquiring an ■-^iV^.nA^vvw^JVVv ,^vvvw, w■w

appreciation of music. With a quicklychanging school population it can scarcely be expected that standards will always rise, aud on the opening night of the festival some items did not reach the high peaks of recent years, although the general level of excellence was most creditable. The necessity for repeating a good deal of music previously performed tended to rob the festival of some of the thrill of novelty. Responsible for the whole of the preparation of the items, Mr Frank Callaway again saw his efforts come to fruition on a very big scale, and as the principal conductor he had few leisure moments during the festival. Mr Callaway has had conspicuous success in carrying on the college's manifold musical activities, and his new venture this year in forming a symphony orchestra may have important results in the city's cultural life. Associated with him on Wednesday night as guest conductor were Dr Vernon Griffiths, originator of the work at the college, and Sergeant W T hite, a former conductor of the military band, both of whom were warmly welcomed.

The massed choir was, as usual, notable for its precision diction. 1 The big volume of tone was judiciously handled and controlled, and the effects were at times thrilling.