Full Orchestra for Oamaru Envisaged by Professor of Music

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26777, 21 May 1948, Page 3

Full Orchestra for Oamaru Envisaged by Professor of Music

North Otago New®

Special to the Daily Times

OAMARU, May 20,

Oamaru was within striking distance of possessing a full orchestra of its own. All that was needed now was a person with sufficient enthusiasm and experience to weld the isolated musical units into a cohesive body, and to conduct the orchestra if necessary. These' opinions were expressed to-day by Dr Vernon Griffiths of Christchurch, professor of Music at Canterbury University College, who is at present in Oamaru judging the vocal and instrumental classes in the centennial festival of the Oamaru Competitions Society.

“ For the first time in my competitions experience the whole class of entries for the violin solo under 12 years were boys, all of whom, moreover, except the winner, who came from Dunedin, were taught in Oamaru,” said Dr Griffiths. “Allowing for the stage they had reached, the young competitors were most commendable in their bowing, tone and intonation.” It was well known that there was a serious shortage of string players in New Zealand, and the excellent results shown in this particular class indicated that where there were skilled teachers available, as in Oamaru, and parents were willing to give their children the opportunity to learn, the shortage could be speedily overcome. Oamaru now had the foundation for a string orchestra, and for small violin groups playing in the home. What was needed now was similar groups of viola and 'cello players. “ Band players are noted for keenness in their work and support of any worthy cause,” Dr Griffiths continued. “These remarks apply particularly to the Oamaru Garrison Band, which deserves every encouragement from the public for its high standard of musicianship and public work. The best of these brass players could be added later to the orchestra, and then with the accession of the necessary woodwinds, the town would have the foundations of a full orchestra.” Dr Griffiths concluded by saying that in his experience with young musicians in New Zealand, they provided some very fine material for orchestral players. All they wanted was an opportunity to learn.