Schools’ Music Festival

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 August 1949, Page 9

Schools’ Music Festival

Sir.—As one of many teachers interested’. I must thank your correspondent “Brian Macdonald” for his criticism of the standard of music presented at the' recent Primary Schools’ Festival. Unfortunately, he has not given the intelligent public any facts ol which they are not already quite aware. Nor, in my opinion, is all his advice for improving the standard as sound as it may appear. If. after a third festival of this kind, even one critic comes forward, then possibly the festivals have not. been the waste of time that was “probably spent on them.” Your correspondent’s comments concerning enunciation, and accuracy in the teaching of-melodies are timely, but his broad statement, unsupported by specific argument, that nasal tone is being encouraged in speech and singing, seems not the type of accusation that would be made by an honest critic using a nom-de-plume. It may not be argued, as your correspondent suggests, that difficulty’ in training 300 pupils to sing “neatly” is any excuse for mediocrity. It might well be argued by teachers, pupils and those enjoyed the festival, despite its obvious faults, that it is a good thing to give 300 or more pupils an opportunity of participating in the singing, to their evident enjoyment. Is it better to provide “Brian Macdonald” with a. comfortable but cheap seat in an expensive theatre for the pleasure of hearing a salon pro : gramme presented by the privileged few’ whose musical ability, appreciation and training may be excellent? Such a selected group would surely present work of a much higher standard for the public’s appreciation, but what of the many other nupils who must then add more mere listening to the already passive pleasures of screen and radio? Surely your correspondent does not believe that educationalists have the impression that “anything done on a large scale is good.” From a recent report on school music by a capable committee, of which two members at least are eminent musicians, I quote the following:— “The inspirational' effect of hundreds of young voices is so great, that every endeavour should be made to include some massed singing in the festival.” The object of the festival is not to mislead the public by mere numbers but rather to encourage as wide an interest as possible in school music among teachers, punils and parents. If this end is achieved in some measure, however humble the beginnings, I can assure youi- correspondent that the standard in speech and singing must be raised, especially if the excellent cooperation between pupils and teachers at the recent festival is maintained in the future. Finally, I feel that the general public in appraising any musical efforts will not be misled by the comments ot' critics who do not always appreciate that it is mo£e difficult to offer constructive than destructive criticism. Neither will they be swayed in their judgment by the well meaning but often inaccurate press reports that mention as features of a festival programme such items as folk dancing which have been included merely to add variety and which are of little importance from a musical point of view.— Yours etc. O. M. PHILLIPS. Kaiata School, August 17.