COMPETITIONS FESTIVAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 August 1929, Page 2

COMPETITIONS FESTIVAL

FINAL DAY’S AWARDS.

The West Coast Competitions Society’s 1929 Festival was successfully concluded yesterday, when the attendances at morning, afternoon, and evening sessions were good. The evening programme, although long, was interesting. After makings his announcements, Mr Russell-Wood (Elocutionary judge) in thanking the committee for the assistance and consideration shown during the festival, remarked that the standard of work in all his sections, especially by male competitors, had been very good, and had afforded him some surprise. It was delightful to see so many men and young boys coming forward to take part. Although he had not the privilege of judging the Oratory and Debating section, the work there, too, had been particularly good, and had greatly impressed him. Mr Wood then thanked the gentlemen and committee, and especially Mr R. T. Bush, the secretary, for their kindness, and the audiences for the kind reception of his judgments. In remarking generally on the Oratory-Debating sections, the judge, Mr W. Meldrum stated that all through the competitions the speeches given by the senior contestants had been exceedingly good, and had shown an advance, rather than a falling off on last year’s work. He was sorry that he could not say the same of the junior competitors, whose work had, shown lack of preparation. It was necessary to study and practice hard to become an easy correct speaker and he hoped junior competitors would do so next year. Dr C. A. Jarman of the Instrumental and Vocal sections) stated that his first visit to the Coast had afforded him infinite>pleasure. He had been told that he would find cold conditions and wet, but it had been just the opposite. The work throughout the competitions, although strenuous on Monday and Tuesday, was very enjoyable. The high standard of work had surprised him and compared most favourably with much larger centres. Dr Jarman expressed his appreciation of the work and consideration of the Committee, and paid a tribute to Mr Bush, the secretary, who he said, was a man of whom Greymouth could well be proud. The awards made yesterday afternoon and evening were as follow: — AFTERNOON SESSION. Pianoforte Solo, 12 to -14 years, “Apple Blossoms” (Clarke). —Those recalled were: Phyllis Restieaux, Cecil Hannan, Doreen Donovan. Also competed: Millie Parkinson, Muriel Williams, Irene Walter. Choir Contest, under 16 years, (a) “Boat Song,” (b) own selection: Runanga School Choir and St. Cecilia’s Choir were recalled. Also competed: Grey Main School (2), and Cobden School Choirs.

Girls’ Vocal Solo (own selection). Class (a), under 9 years: Class (b), 9 to 16 years. The recalls were: (a) —Clare Keating (“Always in . the Way”), Colleen Phillips (“Lullaby”), M. Rafferty (“Slumber Song”); (b) Alice Radcliffe (“Flutes of Arcady”), Gladys Higson (“Butterfly Wings”), Cecilia Keating (“Hanging Out the Clothes”). Also competed: Audrey Washer (“Four Little Candles”), Betty Forsyth (“Lullaby Land”), Monica O’Reilly (“Fairy Pipers”), Peggy Forsyth (“My Treasure”), Joy Crams '(“Wondering Wfyy”), Patti Marshall (“I’m Waiting for the Spring”), Jean McKechnie (“Four Little Candles”), Phyllis Restieaux (“Little Coon’s Prayer”), Eileen O’Brien, Mavis Joseph (“Birdie’s Song”), Elsie Rogers (“Babette”), Marjorie Rodgers (“Little Lady of the Moon”), Anzac Lees (“Tip-Toe”), Margaret James (“Lullaby”), Melva Moss (“Meadow Sweet”), Freda Brown (“Sing, Sing Birds on the Wing”).

EVENING SESSION.

Recitation, N.Z. Author (own selection), final: Mr C. O’Neill 82pts 1; Miss Maureen Phillips 81pts 2; Miss A. Bush and Mr A. McCarthy and Mr O. Morris, third, equal, 80pts. The class on the whole was rather disappointing, Mr Wood remarked. The selections had been poor, although there is no scarcity of beautiful New Zealand verse. Those competitors who had selected beautiful pieces had given them in a grave, funereal style. The importance of making suitable selections could not be too greatly emphasised, the selection being taken into consideration in making the awards. No. 8 (Mr Morris) had given Bracken’s “Dunedin From the Bay” which was quite a fair selection. His phrasing and rhythm were good and he made a good finish. No. 15 (Miss Phillips) had given “Westland,” which was only a fair choice, and he (the judge) was sure there were many beautiful poems written about the beautiful province. However, the competitor had a good clear voice and he was sorry that she did not enter the other’ sections. No. 18 (Mi’ C. O’Neill) gave “Not Understood,” which was not new to any of those present. It was, however, one of the very best, if not the best of New Zealand poems. The competitor should have been more careful of the words “not understood,” and more pathos was required in the last verse. Otherwise the interpretation had been very sincere. Boys’ Monologue, 12 to 16 years, own selection, final: Pat Gallinari 105pts, 1; Pat. McGavin 104pts. 2, and Brian McDiarmid 103pts, 3. The judge remarked that the work in this section had not been very good with the exception of the three recalls, there being little cohesion between instrument and voice. The winner had made a good choice, a bright opening, and had an engaging style. The accompaniment had been very well played. Character Recitation, 12 to 16 years, final: Clare Keating, 103pts 1; Freda Collogan lOOpts, 2; W. Clancy 99pts, 3. Mr Wood characterised this section as the poorest one he had to judge during the festival. The selections had been poor, long and uninteresting—badly dressed and badly done. He had made only two recalls. No. 3 (Freda Collogan) .said “In Front of the Milliner’s Window,” costume and stage setting were effective, but the performance lacked vivaciousness. Some of the performer’s gestures were rather funny, and it was hard to follow her lines. The other competitor had said “I’m a Kitten.” Her selection was suitable, and had been well handled. More “business” could have been put into the work. She was one of the youngest competitors and had performed very well. Character Sketch (junior): Violet Ross, 96pts, 1; Melva Moss 95pts, 2; Helen Renton, 94pts, 3. No. 1 (Helen Renton) w’ho had given “Peter! Pan,” had made a pretty selection, j the judge remarked, but could have

got much more out of it. The winner who gave “Dolly Varden,” made a bad entry, and could have played the coqutette more effectively. ISome words were badly pronounced. In character sketches people needed to sustain the character throughout. The other competitor had also given “Peter Pan.” Her opening was fairly good and movements done fairly well. “Peter Pan” should always wear a hat.

Character Sketch (senior) —Mrs \C. G. Moss, 105pts, 1; Miss Adria Bush 103pts, 2. There were only two entries. Mrs Moss gave Joan of Arc, and made an effective entry, said Mr Wood. Pauses were very effective indeed, but the voice was a little too boisterous in one part. The competitor could have used more facial expression. The character was well sustained, and costuming was good. The other competitor’s was an unusual one, from Richard 111. The start was good and the character sustained well, although the voice was out o’f character slightly at times.. Impromptu Debate (final). Subject, “That New Zealand should encourage Immigration.” Messrs W. P. McCarthy (aff.) and A. Carroll (neg.) 214pts, 1; Messrs J. Booth (aff.) and W. D. Murray (neg.) 213pts, 2; Messrs ,M. Daly (aff.) and J. Kent (neg.), 173pts, 3. The final speeches were exceedingly good, said Mr Meldrum. Mr M. Daly made the best speech of all. He had opened well, made good arguments and had put life and fire into his delivery. Finish had been good. His partner in the debate had not been so good and did not support him well. The third placed pair had not the grasp of the subject. The winning pair made two good speeches.' . Mi' McCarthy’s speech was a fine one, and showed a grip of the subject, and good arguments. Delivery was good. The negative was almost as good, and the reply was a fine one. Pianoforte Duet, under 12 years, “Tarantelle” (Hammond). Nell and Star Chalk, 86pts, 1; Nell Chalk and Ray Nelson 84pts, 2; Mary_and Teddy McDonnell, 82pts, 3. Dr Jarman did not give individual criticisms, owing to the late hour.

Pianoforte Solo, 14 to 16 years, “Ripples” (Jarman). —Jean Abbie, 85pts, 1; Sheila McSherry, 83pts, 2; Dorothy Panckhurst, 81pbs, 3. Dr Jarman remarked that the section was quite a good one. In Sydney 97 competitors had played “Ripples” to him; then he felt rathe rsorry he had ever written it.

Girls’ Vocal Solo, under 16 years, final (own selection) —In the first section, under 9, the awards were : —Clare Keating 79pts, 1; Muriel Rafferty, 74pts, 2; Colleen Phillips, 71pts, 3. B Section (under 16). —Gladys Higson 86pts, 1; Cecilia Keating, 85pts, 2; Alice Radcliffe, 84pts, 3. Violin Solo, under 13 years, “L’Extasi” (Lardelli). —Cecilia Keating 90pts, 1; Tessie McSherry, 85pts, 2 ; Geoff. Fogarty, 82pts, 3. Pianoforte Solo, 12 to 14 years, “Apple Blossoms” (Clarke). —Cecil Hannan 88pts, 1; Doreen Donovan, 85pts, 2 ; Phyllis Restieaux 3. Pianoforte Solo, 16 to 21 years, “A Frolic” (De Caras Rego), final.—Leslie Marshall 88pts, 1; Mary Martin 87pts, 2; Marjorie McKay 86pts, 3. Dr Jarman stated that, fihe section was a very fine one indeed, the playing having pleased him greatly. Choir Contest, final, under 16 years. —Runanga School Choir, 165pts, 1; St. Cecilia’s Choir, 157pts, 2. Dr Jarman also announced special awards in the musical sections. Miss Mary Bald was awarded the medal as the most promising vocalist, Miss Lesley Marshall the medal for the most promising pianiste and Miss Mary Martin was adjudged the best all round musician. DR JARMAN INTERVIEWED. Interviewed this morning, Dr Jarman expressed the opinion that the standard of the musical sections was really high. The amount of competition was not so great as in the larger centres, which was, of course, to be expected, but the quality of the work compared most favourably with that of other places. Dr Jarman said that he was impressed with the excellence of the violin playing he had heard in Greymouth. It was of a higher calibre than at the majority of festivals, while the pianoforte sight-reading sections had been quite the best he had heard, either in the Dominion or at Australian and English festivals. He expressed disappointment at the fact that choral work was apparently weak in Greymouth. Choral work is always a source of delight to those who practise it, and a source of strength to the musical life of a community and to the competitions in particular. Surely, said Dr Jarman, some enthusiast can be found to organise a choral society, who will be encouraged and supported by those who love music and the beautiful things of life. Dr said that Greymouth was to be congratulated on having in their midst a man of the calibre of Mr Bush, so' full of enthusiasm and withal so unusually capable in a knowledge and appreciation of the fine arts. He expressed his own appreciation of the courtesy and consideration he had received from Mr Bush as Secretary and from his excellent Committee.

Dr Jarman is the official city organist to the Corporation of Launceston, and is a coffiposer and conductor who has won distinction in England and Australia. He has filled the Judge’s chair at all the big festivals in the Commonwealth, some of them several times jn succession, and also in England. He will proceed to-morrow to Dunedin to judge this year’s Competitions there, and from there to tire Cam bridge Competitions in October.

MR RUSSELL-WOOD’S COMMENTS

The teaching of elocution and voice production has greatly advanced in the last few years,” said Mr RussellWood, adjudicator in the elocutionary sections, when interviewed to-day. Every town of any size has its teacher, and some good work was being done.” Speaking generally, 1 think that the technical side of the art does not receive the attention it should. Speech training, by which I mean the correct shaping of the vowels and correct articulation of the consonants receive only scant attention. In our schools teachers do their best but classes are for the most part large and the subject is allowed to take a backward position. There is no doubt but that during the next few years, speech-training will receive due recognition in the training of probationers in our colleges and that a more prominent place will be given to the cultivation of it in the lessons in the primary schools. When this happens, there will be a vast change for the better in a comparatively short time. Parents should be careful and set a good example in their own daily speech. As far as Greymouth is con-

cerned, I am well pleased with the standard of the work brought before me. There has been evidence of careful thought and preparation, especially in the senior classes. Pronunciation has been uniformly good,, but a little more attention to vowel sounds, correct use of inflections and the gripping of their full consonants would give many of the competitors the finish desired by all judges. In the children’s classes, the chief fault was lack of imagination, wrong emphasis and inflection, but for the most part the children’s efforts were spontaneous, and lacked the self consciousness which is often the nightmare of our mature? years. It has been refreshing to me to see so many young men and boys coming forward in the various sections, and although the oratory-debating sections have been out of my sphere as adjudicator, I have been deeply impressed by the compelling earnestness of the speakers.

“Now that the festival is over, there are, no doubt, those who after careful preparation, feel a shade of disappointment at not being among the prize winners. This should not deter or dishearten them. On the other hand, the advice and helpful criticism of the adjudicators should spur them on to further effort next year. My advice to all competitors in their work is to seek self effacement. Provided the technique of language is correct, be individual in your expression of the work before you and not a, merely copyist of style. When studying excerpts from authors acquaint yourselves with the contexts and the general trend of the story, merely creating atmosphere. In conclusion I cannot do better than say cultivate your powers, gather help and knowledge from every source within your reach. Speak so naturally that your words go from the heart to the heart that people may forget the messenger while they listen to the message.”

PRIZEWINNERS' DEMONSTRATION

TOWN HALL TO-NIGHT—7.IS.

The prize-winners’ demonstration, always the feature of each annual Competitions Festival, will be held this evening in the Town Hall. The standard attained throughout the competitions this year has been so high that the concert' - should be an excellent one. The programme, published below, offers diverse entertainment, and includes a recital by Mr W. RussellWood. the elocutionary judge. The concert will start at 7.15 p.m. 1. —Opening Chorus: (a) “A May Morning”; (b) “The Gay Highway.”—St. Cecilia’s Choir. 2. —pianoforte Duet, under 12: “Tarantelle.” —Nell and Stai’ Chalk. 3. Recitation, Boys under 9: “Vespers.”—Keith Nordgren. 4. Song, girls 9 to 16: “Butterfly Wings.”—Gladys Higson. 5. _Boy’s Monologue: “How the Elephant got his Trunk.” —Pat Callanan. G. —Humorous Recital: “On Strike.” —Mr P. Williamson. 7. —Pianoforte Solo, under 12: “Plai.nte d’ Amour.”—Ray Nelson. 8. —Boy’s Song, “The Great White Road is Calling.”—Harold Boote. 9. —Recitation, girls under 9: “The Visit.” —Ida McDonald. 10. Test Recitation (b): “Othello’s Defence.” —Mr T. Learmont. 11. —Sacred Solo: “Ave Maria.” — Miss Mary Bald. 12. —Pianoforte Duet, 14 to 16: “Rackozy March.” —Blossom Addison and Dorothy Pankhurst. 13—Girl’s Monologue: “Mammy’s Smile.”—Freda Collogan. 14.—Oration, Junior: “Youth and Sacrifice.” —A. Wilson. 15—Recital: (a) “Godiva”; (b) “If Life were Play.”—Mr W. Russell Wood. ' 1G. —Girl’s Song in Character: “The Second Minuet.” —Cecilia Keatin °’. 17. —Boy’s Recitation, 9 to 12: “The Woes of an Unwilling Orator.” — Teddy McDonnell.' 18. —Ladies’ Test Recitation (own selection): “The Death of Minnehaha.” —Miss Adria Bush. 19. —Pianoforte Solo: Prelude and Fugue in C.” (Bach). —Miss Edna Wif>g. 20. —Ladies’ Vocal Duet: “Whispering Hope.”—Misses Rose and Elsie Rogers. 21. —Girl’s Recitation, 9 to 12: “Nod.” —Gladys Wallwork. 22. —Violin Solo, over 16: “Air on G String.” (Bach). —Miss Mary Martin. 23. —Chorus in Unison: “Will You Fly Away With Me.” —Convent Junior Choir. 24. —Girl’s Recitation, 12 to 16: “Annetta, Jones.” —Nellie McDonnell. 25. —Chappel Gold Medal Song: “My Desire.” —Mrs C. Moss. 26. —Presentation of Cups and Trophies. 27. —Humorous Song: “Because I Were Shy.”—Mr A. Airns. 28. —Prepared Speech: “Should the White Races Inter-marry with the Coloured?” —Mf J. Booth. 29. —Boy’s Recitation, 12 to 16: “The Spade.”—H. Duncan. 30. —Pianoforte Solo, 14 to 16: “Ripples.”—Jean Abbie. 31. —Junior Men’s Monologue: ‘Atoms’ —Mr O. Morris. 32. —Tenor Solo: “Serenata.” —Mr E. Boote. 33. —Pianoforte Solo, 12 to 14: “Apple Blossoms.” —Cecil Hannan. 34. —Choir: (a) “Boat Song”; (b) “The Merry Fisherman.”—Runanga Choir. 35. —Junior Test Recitation: (b) “The West Wind.” —Leo Phillips. 36. —Pianoforte Duet: “Trolddans.” — Misses M. Topliss and M. McKay. 37. —Character Recitation, under 16: “I am a Kitten.” —Clare Keating. 38. Violin Solo, 13 to 16: “Leibeslied.”—Gus Uddstrom. 39. —Men’s Monologue: “Playmate.”— Mr W. Gieseking. 40. —Men’s Shakespearian Recitation: “Antony’s Speech.”—Mr W. McGrath. 41. —Pianoforte Solo, 16 to 21: “A Frolic.”—Miss Lesley Marshall. 42. —N.Z. Recitation: “Not Understood.”—Mr Cyril O’Neill. 43. —Boy’s Character Song: “The Saftest in the Familv.”—A. Campbell. 44. —Pianoforte Duet, 12 to 14: “Sans Souci.”—Tessie McSherry and Stanley Gilligan. 45. —Senior Oration: “Youth and Sacrifice.”—Mr T. Tarrant. . i “God Save the King.”