SCHOOL SINGING PRAISED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19474, 26 April 1933, Page 5

SCHOOL SINGING PRAISED

MR JOHN BROWNLEE'S TRIBUTE. VISITS TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS. “I have heard boys singing everywhere, at Home and throughout Australia and New Zealand. Some of it has been especially fine, but what I have just heard has been the climax, and it has given me more joy than I can express in words,” said Mr John Brownlee, noted baritone of the Paris opera, after listening to the singing of pupils of the Timaru Boys’ High School in the course of a tour of some of the secondary schools of Timaru. Mr Brownlee said that it was usual to find boys shy and somewhat reticent about singing, and to feel that it was an accomplishment rather for girls, but fortunately that idea had been exploded. The visiting singer congratulated the Rector (Mr W. Thomas) and those responsible for the coaching of the boys, and stated that none of them would regret the work they were doing. “Music is becomihg _ a very necessary part of life, and it is a great element in helping people through the hard times,” said Mr Brownlee. The artist then sang “The Jolly Tinker” and “The Red Haired Bo’s’n” for the boys, who expressed warm appreciation of the numbers. Mr Brownlee’s pianist, Mr Raymond Lambert, also played two numbers, to the evident satisfaction of the boys. Prior to visiting the Boys’ High School, Mr Brownlee called at the Girls’ High School, where he was welcomed by the Principal (Miss J. R. Barr), and given a rousing reception by the girls. After addressing the pupils, Mr Brownlee sang “The Jolly Tinker” and “Trees,” and Mr Lambert played two solos. Another warm welcome awaited Mr Brownlee at Craighead Diocesan School, where he was met by the Principal (Mrs D. B. MacPherson). The pro gramme took similar lines to that carried out at the other schools.