CHEERFUL MUSICIANS

Southland Times, Issue 22728, 2 November 1935, Page 10

CHEERFUL MUSICIANS

THE BLIND INSTITUTE BAND. CONCERTS NEXT WEEK. Performing in Southland next week the entertainment party from the New Zealand Institute for the Blind promises to be both novel and outstandingly good. The magnificent results achieved by the institute in the training of the blind are well known, but it is not often that South Islanders have the opportunity to see an actual demonstratioij of them. Depressed as people sometimes are by their difficulties, it is an inspiration to see how these young men make light of what seems the heaviest of burdens and expect no concession on that account Some have never seen the light of day, some have been blinded in youth or early manhood by unfortunate accidents or illness, while others have a certain amount of vision, though not enough to read or write or to earn a living without special training, but all are equally happy, independent and doing a useful day’s work at the institute. Most of . the band members, prior to taking up band work, had a thorough initial training in pianoforte and part-singing, and others as piano-tuners. The various parts are transcribed into Braille, which can effectively present, the ordinary musical notation. These are learnt by heart, and difficult and intricate pieces are played by the band with little obvious leadership by its quiet, confident conductor, Lieut. G. W. Bowes, late of the Bth Hussars. The party, which also includes .a number of excellent vocalists and instrumental soloists, will present a programme on November 2 and 3 at Queenstown; on November 4 at Gore; on November 5 at Invercargill; on November 6 at Bluff; on November 7 at Riverton; and on November 8 at Mataura.