MUSIC IN THE COMMUNITY

Putaruru Press, Volume XX, Issue 1193, 1 August 1946, Page 4

MUSIC IN THE COMMUNITY

TUTOR’S VISIT (Contributed) July 8 found approximately fifty. members of this wide-spread community, from Okoroire to Tokoroa. gathered in a central home to meet Mr. Owen Jensen, music tutor attached to the Adult Education Centre. Those present listened with rapt attention as Mr. Jensen spoke of music in the community and clearly showed in his playing the j importance it held in the 18th and j 19th centuries. He demonstrated i from the music of Bach, Haydn, apd j Schubert works written spontaneously to satisfy the needo of their J immediate circle. These composers played a vital part in the lives of those .about them, giving no thought to posterity; but now, today. a community spirit to create the need of these things is lacking. 1 Here lies the crucial point—it is for the community itself to re- j create such a spirit and a desire. Already, from out of our peculiar environment, music is growing, ex- i pressive of New Zealand. As he played Douglas Lilburn’s Preludes and Tracy, Moresby’s compositions, though full of originality, we felt they belonged. This music of our fellow-countrymen appealed greedy and, as Mr. Jensen described, such potentials can best expand when we, in homtn and Communities, respond to the needs of our time. | Some discussion followed, and Mr. Jensen played request items, j Then the company moved to an- j other room, and over their tea or coffee and plain fare, expressed amazement at the number who so readily gathered with a common chord of interest. Those keen oh choral werk arranged to meet; on July 22. Some lone instrumental- j fects were so enthused by the prospect of opportunities to make j music together that they arranged j to congregate in homes for this mutual enjoyment. Playing such as Mr. Jensen’s—so good to listen to—so pleasing to j watch—seldom comes to rural j areas such as this, and combined with his clear presentation of facts and our urgent need, he has given an impetus to at least one part of life in this community.