CHAMBER MUSIC.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 5300, 22 September 1885, Page 4

CHAMBER MUSIC.

[to the editor.] Sir, — I was to-day pleased at reading your remarks in this morning's Argus with reference to the String Band which Mr Miller is trying to form in Greymouth. As you justly remark, we have brass bands enough ; and noisy, harsh concerns they are — heard to best advantage at a distance. Let me say a word about Mr Miller, whose acquaintance I have recently made. TTo has "ffiyH (violin) with me at my tv>iwi- >i-vi.t;il limes, :i 1 1 el I t:nn s->felv s-iy of hi hi fiat, whilst nor ht;it./ n RuniL-nyi «'ic Will,, nij, lic.i-j ■! ■ -- o« -el, .sinuiil pl.-iy:.r. and (•::]! .• :f,l| that Ik: professes <>i nff'ra .'.i .1.1 \\V h.u'f. played s>me pretty difficult mn ie t- gether, — p.g. sot ataf-j operatic elections, Xc. and he is ;t goon reader, playing the music "at sight" off

a pianoforte score. I have signed my name as a member of the band Mr Miller is trying to establish, and will cheerfully and loyally work under his leadership, for Mr Miller is no charlatan, pretending to teach what he himself does not know. I hope therefore ere long to Bee a really good little string and woodwind (no brass) band in Greymouth ; and 1 earnestly urge upon those young men (and women too) who have " put their hand to the plough, not to turn back", but to persevere and try to improve under so competent an instructor as 1 believe Mr Miller to be. I would just add that the formation of an orchestra (stringed) was what I strove and worked hard for in the late Choral Society, and I succeeded fairly well until the orchestra collapsed owing to the departure from the district at about the same time of our five best players — four violins and 'cello. I do earnestly hope, therefore, that Mr Miller's efforts will be duly rewarded and crowned with success in every way. We have singing enough, goodness knows, good, bad, and indifferent— some very bad indeed. Let us try to get some decent instrumental music ; and now there is the opportunity. At any rate I will do all that I can, and as far as my health and strength will permit, to help Mr Miller in his efforts to establish a string band in this town. — I am,&c. James G. Woon. September 19.