COMBINED SCHOOLS CHOIR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 12 November 1928, Page 2

COMBINED SCHOOLS CHOIR

AN APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCE In view of the very fine entertainments that have been given by the Combined Schools Choir under Mr F. Mitchell it was not surprising that the School of Mu.-iic was much too small on Saturday night to accommodate all who wished to attend the third and final performance. Prior to tho concert, the City Schools' Fife and Drum band paraded the streets and played selections outside the School of Music. The band, consisting of S(J boys drawn from the three schools, owes its origin to the enthusiasm and interest taken in the schools by Mr T. Cole who acts as bandmaster. The bright and attractive music provided was favourably commented upon and before long the boys band should play a prominent part in the life of the community. Saturday's crowded audience showed appreciation of the splendid singing of tho choir and several songs had to bo repeated. A very effective items was the

"Flag Song," and it was difficult to say whether the audience or the children derived the more pleasure from the singing of "Li'l Liza Jane." Both the "Magic Wood" by Mrs Moynihan's Central School elocution class and "The Toys that Came Alive" by Mrs Kirk's Auckland Point School elocution class again evoked rounds of applause. A recitation by June Brasier and a monologue by lan Fletcher were deservedly encored.

The headmasters and teachers desire to express their appreciation of the very fine services rendered by the conductor Mr F. Mitchell, who, despite his many other exacting duties, left nothing undone that would ensure the success of the choir. But for his efforts, a labour of love, many children would be unable to secure the musical education they are now receiving as members of the schools' choir,—an education that will be of help to them in many through life. The popularity of- the concerts is unquestioned and Mr Mitchell is just as popular with the children, who, of their own initiative gave him three rousing cheers before finally leaving the stage on Saturday night. Hearty cheers were also accorded Mrs Vining for her very capable assistance as accompaniste.