WORLD OF MUSIC

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 7 August 1926, Page 7

WORLD OF MUSIC

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

A very busy time is being experienced by memliei's of the Orchestra I Society,'for,• in addition to their own special concert programme, they have to work up the orchestral part of the opera ' ‘Oboron ' ’ for the choral performance organised annually by the Male Choir. This year they have taken on a- prettv big order in that great work of the celebrated composer Von Weber, and of this work distinctly the most diffiuelt part is that allotted to the orchestra. It will take their very best and most serious effort, but every member has his heart in the future of the society, and' success is certain. For their own concert a programme is being prepared which, though j not mi’ so ambitious a- scale as the- laft, is dill one that is certain to attract- and delight the audience. And one feature will again he that of the numbers' selected several will, be performed for the first time in Hawera. This is always a “drawing card.” Another special orchestral feature in Hawera. is the boys’ orchestra at the Main School. It- is a work initiated along with the hand by Mr Fox, and one in which he has taken a very keen oersonal interest. And it is remarkable how in a comparatively short space .of time he has been: able to make Ijovr plnv instruments quite well, of which when they began they knew nothing. Enthusiasm and interest are the watchword of such progress. MUNICIPAL BAND. Another instance of wonderful and sustained enthusiasm is the Municipal Hand, which makes such a fine and useful asset to any town. The members were spurred to their best efforts bv the receipt, of the wonderful new instruments raised through the generosity of the public, and this has been a great stimulus to progress. They have, too, in view the Dominion contest, at which they will he contestants early in the New Year, and this has been a fine spur to their enthusiasm. Their consistent practice is a model for every society to emulate. . In order that new members may always he available to fill places as required. the conductor has had in training for some considerable time an auxiliary hand. This is composed of young players, most of whom have^begun. right from “zero,” and have been trained by him till they are fairly prohdent. It is a great opportuntiy for a, boy who has a fancy for learning an instrument and a valuable “extra” to the' band. SCHOOL BAND. Any musical institution at a- school is of special value because it “catches ’em young,” as the American says, and so gives an enthusiast in the training of the “young idea” the opportunity to sot them-on their way freed from any bad: habits or methods they might otherwise have acquired. It is quite a stirring sight to see 60 youngsters, mostly “armed” with flutes, and accompanied hy drums, and to hear them playing way with that want of self-consciousness which is so attractive in the young. This is a most useful asset to any school, and is another pliasve- of that activity for which Mr Fox is so well known. Essent-i-ally <i good work is here being done.