MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22326, 28 July 1934, Page 10

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

TRINITY COLLEGE AWARDS DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES The annual distribution of awards gained in the examinations conducted in 1933 by the Dunedin Centre of the Trinity College of Music, London, was held last evening in the Town Hall Concert Chamber, the large audience that practically filled the ball affording an encouraging indication of the increasing interest that is being taken in the activities of the centre. The president of the centre (Mr W. J. Morrell) occupied the chair. The first half of the evening was occupied by an enjoyable programme of instrumental, vocal and elocutionary items presented by the successful candidates, and at its conclusion the awards, a list of which has already been published, were distributed by Mr Morrell. In his introductory remarks, Mr Morrell said he was sure that all those who had listened to the programme would join with him in expressing warm appreciation of the performances not only of the comparatively experienced candidates but also of the younger ones, who had displayed a technique and feeling that reflected the greatest credit on themselves and on their teachers. It was interesting to note that out of seven local candidates for the honour, four had gained fellowships—a result that was highly creditable to the centre and to the candidates themselves. He also congratulated the winners of exhibitions awarded by the college, and wished to draw attention to the fact that of seven of these that came to the South Island five were won by local candidates. It was gratifying also to note that the number of entries had increased, 388 candidates having come forward at the last examination compared with 368 (or the previous year. Examinations were, no doubt, necessary and good, blit it was to be hoped that no young musician would bo foolish enough to set his or her heart on them; for, after all, the real thing was the music itself, and a richer reward than any mere prize was the delight of having attained a required standard of proficiency, and n greater understanding of music. There were many opportunities of hearing good music nowadays, but it was a pleasure to hear a piece well played by a living performer instead of having to listen to what was sometimes called “ canned ” music. In conclusion, Mr Morrell advised all young musicians to give a certain amount of time to reading about music and musicians. Such time would be well spent, and would help to deepen and widen their appreciation of music. They should continue to practise that very necessary branch of musical education—reading music—and, above all, take every opportunity of hearing good music. If this advice were followed there was no doubt that the high standard on which examiners had from time to time congratulated local performers would not only be maintained but made higher. The following contributed to the programme:—Miss Merle Wildey, Miss Margaret Sidon, Miss Edith Turnbull, Miss Islay M’Kellar, Miss Molly Runnerstrum, Miss Audrey Kirk, Miss Muriel Ironside (piano solos), Mr H. Sheppard, Miss Julia Holmes, Miss Ruth Burn, Miss Ngaio Garland (violin solos), Miss Gwen Smith, Miss Elise Armstrong, Mr Ken. Stewart recitations), Miss Florence Sumner (vocal solo).