TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20838, 21 September 1937, Page 5

TECHNICAL COLLEGE

SUCCESSFUL CONCERT Despite the inclement weather, the Scottish Hall was packed last night for the annual concert of the Timaru Technical College. The programme was a varied one, and amply demonstrated the versatility and ability of the pupils. The numbers as a whole were of a uniformly high standard, and indicated a deal of efficient teaching in singing, dancing and physical drill. At first sight the items looked to be ambitious for a school to perform, including as they did an operetta, but such was the talent available that the concert must be considered a success from every angle. It was perhaps enlightening to the many people present that such a comprehensive range of subjects, as was indicated by the concert, was within the compass of the Technical College. Perhaps the most popular numbers of the evening were those of the Mouth Organ Band, which played "Believe Me If All,” "Three Blind Mice,” "Haeremai” and Haerera.” Conducted by a pupil, the band preserved good tone and rhythm, and interpreted the selections with intelligence. In "Haerera” two students embellished the performance by singing a duet, in which their voices blended beautifully. The conclusion of this item was greeted with unstinted applause which lasted a considerable time.

In the opening number, "Land of Hope and Glory,” by the school, good tonal quality and balance combined with a sympathetic interpretation made the presentation a very enjoyable one. The singing reached a good standard, being quite in keeping with secondary school concerts. In a bracket of songs the girls’ choir was responsible for good harmony in "The Ash Grove.” In "Ba! the Ewes,” good effect was obtained by the sustained piano part which concluded the song. Other numbers were "John Peel” and "The Minstrel Boy.” A Russian and English folk dance "by the girls was given with much animation, and the various figures were executed with grace and precision. A violin solo by Alan Rankin and a duet by Isabel Crabb and Alan Rankin were enjoyable contributions and merited the warm applause which greeted their efforts. In a series of exercises a number of boys demonstrated the art of keeping fit. The pupils performed their gyrations with precision and vigour. In the second part of the entertainment an operetta, “The Two Queens,” was easily the most polished and meritorious item of the programme. The various scenes were brightly coloured and the costuming was rich in many shades. The singing and dancing were delightful and reflected great credit on pupils and masters alike.