SINGER'S BUSY DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21920, 4 April 1933, Page 4

SINGER'S BUSY DAY

SCHOOLBOYS HEAR JOHN BROWNLEE. Yesterday wag Mr John Brownlee’s first day in Dunedin, and the well-known baritone fulfilled a very heavy round of engagements. Shortly after 9 a.m. he paid a visit to the Otago Boys’ High School, where he gave the students a brief address on musical appreciation. “Don’t get the idea that singing is a thing for girls only,” was his advice. “ Sing often, sing loudly and lustily, amg in tune if you can, and out of tune if you can’t do otherwise, and you’ll soon find how good it is, and what a wonderful exercise singing can be.” At the conclusion of his talk Mr Brownlee offered to sing to the school, and his two songs —“The Jolly Tinker” and “What the Red-haired Bosun Said” —were greeted with great delight by the pupils, who performed their school haka in honour of the visitor. M. Raymond Lambert, who accompanied Mr Brownlee, also played two piano solos. The rector (Mr W. J. Morrell) thanked Mr Brownlee on behalf of the school. Later in the morning the visitor heard a number of the most promising students of singing from the various teaching studios in Dunedin. He expressed himself as being delighted with the high standard of the voices, several of which he declared were of great beauty. After lunch a visit wag made to the Girls’ High School, where the school orchestra and choir both provided a number of pleasing items before Mr Brownlee addressed and sang to the girls. Miss Rita Miller was also associated with Mr Brownlee in a duet number, and M. Raymond Lambert played once more for the girls. Later in the afternoon an hour’s music was given to the nuns at the Dominican Priory, where the party were later entertained at afternoon tea. The evening of a busy day was occupied with a visit to the rehearsal of the Dunedin Male Choir, after which Mr and Mrs Brownlee and the members of their party joined the Dunedin Choral Society in a “ basket supper ” which followed the members’ usual rehearsal. To-day Mr Brownlee ia to visit the M’Glaehan School at noon, when he will address the students.