Music in Schools

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7241, 22 August 1933, Page 2

Music in Schools

In view of the interest now being taken in the "music in schools” movement, tho following extract, taken from tho latest issue of tho "King’s Collegian,” is well worth quoting:— "Much is being done in New Zealand schools to better the standard of music, but much remains to bo done. There still exists''a tendency oil the part of some to regard music and artistic subjects generally as "fancy subjects,’ which may be patronised when any spare time is available. This point of view must be combated if we are to seal up the gap in our educational cdific which neglect of art lias brought about . "It is interesting to look at the state of music in the homo of our national game of football, namely, Rugby School. In a school of (500 boys there are 139 pianists, 20 violinists 7 ’cellists, and 75 wood-wind and brass playci-S) That is to say, that more than a third of tho school actually studies instrument. There is in addition, a chorus of 200 boys and masters, and apart from the orchcstal and choral concerts given by these organisations attention is paid to the inter-house competition. The programmes at the latter events would put to shame many of the programmes given by the best of our New Zealand musical societies. "It is object that wc cannot hope to. attain this . standard. Why not? And even if we cannot wo can at least begin to try. Anything that will rais the status of tho community from its present commonplace standard should be undertaken in all seriousness. If we are trying to'use the best things that the public schools of England can show us, is not music one of them? It is arrant and obstinate folly which regards music as a more side issue in education. If the position is that our system in New Zealand is sacrosanct, that tho matriculation examination, sat at the ago of 17, and all the requirements thereof, arc more important than life itself, let us not try to make changes; let us continue to know all about motor cars, financial systems, etc., and shrink form such terms as concerto, fugue, oratorio. But so doing let us purge our curricula of good literature and other thought-stimulat-ing subjects. By so doing wo shall at least consistent if uncultured.”