CHILDREN’S CONCERT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 December 1927, Page 6

CHILDREN’S CONCERT.

HA WEE A MAIN SCHOOL. A REMARKABLE PROGRAMME. What must bo almost an unique perl'ummnce was tne concert given last uignt at the Opera J-iouso under toe aegis or tne tiaweia Alain School, n ith tne exception of tnree numbers, tne programme was provided by the cmictren—tnat, ot course, is not exceptional—but it was the character of the items that created a concert the like of which has not previously been seen on a Hawera platform and that roused tne audience to enthusiasm, t'lie concert served to still further show the great enterprise shown in the world of music in the Hawera. School. The latest attraction in this work was the performance of the rhythmic orchestra, an organisation designed, as [ the director of tne music in the school, Air. Fox, explained, to develop in little children an appreciation of true rhythm. This, he said, is a new idea in tlie English schools, and serves to help children in their study of music. 'there were 12 tiny musicians from five to seven years old, and led by a conductor of five, Master Don Bailey, and they played a pretty minuet by Bach. Their pianist was Shirley Craig, and to her they owe a lot of their success, for she showed an appreciation of perfect time and rhythm, and fihis helped them very much in the selection. They were received with much interest and given a most decided encore.

The school orchestra has been heard and enjoyed on previous occasions. But it was in specially good form last night, showing nice expression and a capital balance, with nice, rich, full lone. The wood wind was particularly good, but all played well, and the ensemble was excellent. The numbers were Zamenevik’s “On the Hike” and “The Flying Ace,” and the medley “Ole South,” bv Allen. The orchestra had to respond to two encores, and certainly did credit to the conductor, Mr. Fox, who has given a lot of time and work to Hie instruction of mciii-lici-s.

The school band, flutes and drums, played very nicely its competition number, “Operatic Gems.” Two part song numbers, fa) “Homeward Bound” and “The Bears,” and (b) “Joyful Echoes” and “China. Mandarin,” were contributed by the school choir. There were 60 voices, and they sung in two parts. Their instructress, Miss Petersen, is to be heartily congratulated on the results achieved. The tone, balance and blend were reallv good, while a nice expression was secured. They were also enthusiastically encored.

One of the outstanding attractions in a capital programme was the folk dancing by 10 little boys and girls from Whareroa School. Dressed in last century costumes, the girls in the graceful frocks of former days and the hoys in knee breeches, they gave a series of old time dances, with a grace and decorum that quite won " the hearts of the spectators. Their instructress, Miss McCormack, is to he congratulated on their performance, and it proved so ponulnr that hv special request a third dance was added.

The clover recitations hv Mcrvyn Dymond “So was I” and bis encore number were much enjoyed. Loins Fox was deservedly recalled for his good playing of the Tvreisler mi in her “Liebesfreud,” and he, with

Betty Pinson and Alarion Axchbold, delighted the audience with a pretty andante from a Beethoven symphony. Songs were given by Doris Gilmore, “There are fairies at the bottom of our garden,” and Alns Bryant “Like to a Damask Rose.” Aluch amusement was created by the singing of “The ok! bassoon” by Mr. A. E. Morris, with the bassoon obligato by Air. Fox. They were recalled twice. Tire aceompanistes were Alis-s Rodgers and Airs. L. A Tavlor.

Aliss Joan Tonks was very successful in her recitation “Yes, papa,” and the encore number, in both of which she showed clever and effective work.

The concert was arranged to provide music for the school orchestra and band and for the Orchestral Society. There was a large and appreciative audience, and the return w r ill be a welcome addition to the funds of each organisation. At the conclusion, Air. T. J. Horrell. chairman of the committee, expressed hearty thanks to all who had assisted in the very successful performance.