COMMUNITY SINGING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23953, 31 October 1939, Page 16

COMMUNITY SINGING

HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION The final community sing held in the Main Town Hall last night attracted a full house, and. a most enjoyable evening was spent. The crowd was' in a holiday humour, arid the leaders were at the top of their form. In addition to the 'joy of singing the familiar choruses, there was provided a first-class programme by guest artists. The collection amounted to £55. exclusive of promised gifts. After the St. Kilda Band had opened the sing by playing “ God Defend New Zealand,” with the audience joining in the chorus, the band played Mr Alf. Pettitt’c “ Centennial March.” Although the players had had .short notice, they gave a very spirited performance for this cieserve_d tribute to the composer, who was afterwards greeted with musical honours. This was the first public band performance of the march. The bandmaster (Mr L. Francis) congratulate. Mr Pettitt on his composition, and Mr Petlittt briefly returned thanks. Later Mr Pettitt. in response to a general request, played his march as a piano solo. Miss Doris Darracott sang “When You Come Home” and “In an Oldfashioned Town,” and Mr Ivan Hanna sang “Eriskay Love Lilt” and “Shortnin’ Bread,” and these items were all well received. A popular novelty was the appearance of Miss Muriel Caddie’s Accordion Band. This group of young players made a favourable impression, and their n l aying was good considering that most of them have not been learning for a lengthy period. The Opoho Ladies’ Choir, under the conductorship of Mrs W. H. Carson, is a well-balanced combination which produces a most pleasing tone quality. Its group of numbers was also warmly received. Begg’s Concert Orchestra, conducted by Mr J. F. Himburg, also contributed to the evening’s entertainment. . At the conclusion of the sing, which was a worthy ending to a remarkably successful season, gifts were presented to Mrs Mclntyre, who has had charge of the stall, and to the leaders — Mr H. P. Desmoulins. Mr J. F. Himburg, and Mr Alf. Pettitt.