HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 15887, 27 July 1923, Page 5

HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT.

SUCCESSFUL EVENING. The piano at the High School having just about outlived its usefulness (it was -purchased second-hand some 40 years ago) friends of the school thought it quite time a new instrument was provided. Consequently Mr Garry Jenkin promised to arrange a concert which took place in the Central Hall last evening. The old instrument was on view all day yesterday outside the Hall, and clearly demonstrated the fact that it had seen its best days many years ago.

The attendance at last night’s concert'was very large, every seat in the building being occupied, people having to stand along both sides of the Hall. The programme was a varied one, and proved very pleasant, entertaining and highly amusing, and included orchestra items by Mr A. Williams’ novelty band, comprising many instruments, elocutionary, humorous recitations and monologues, costume, and national dances, violin and vocal solos, with a very amusing farce entitled “Box and Cox.” The band oiaened the concert with H. J. Crosby’s “Magnificent,” their opening piece in the second part being the popular foxtrot, “Smiling.” Two pupils of Mrs Doidge’s, Misses Peggy Frogley and Jessie Law, gave a costume dance, and Miss Gordon followed with the solo, “Mountain Lovers.” The monologue, “Johnny, Me and You,” by Miss Arthur, met with prolonged applause, and her second item was “The Dustman’s Answer.” Mr Jenkin sang “Just a-wearyin’ for you,” and for bis encore item chose “A Perfect Day.” A dance with orchestral accompaniment was given by Miss Jessie Law, followed by the solo, “Garden of Sleep,” by Miss Buchan. Master C. Wooller was recalled for his violin solo, and Miss Rita Agnew concluded the first part by singing “Coal Black Mammy,” for which she was asked to repeat the last verse. After the interval, and the band had contributed “Smiling,” Miss Usher danced the Highland Fling in costume. Mr IT. Baker was heard to advantage in his solo, “Youth,” and to a request for a second number contributed “If I might only come to you.” Miss E. Kelly was splendid in her monologue, “The Knight’s Toast,” for Avhich she was obliged to contribute two more pieces, “The Inventor’s Wife,” and “Goblins.” Miss Tonge selected “Whatever is, is best,” as her solo, and Mr Arthur kept the audience highly amused with his recitations. Mr E. Watson’s solo, “The Company Sergeant-Major,” met with spontaneous approval, ancl*he gave as his second item, “Keep on Hopin’.” A pretty dance by Misses Vera Butler and Marge Coombs was f'olloAved by the farce, “Box and Cox,” the parts being ably taken by Mrs Garland and Messrs. Garland and Marshall.

The supervision and arranging of the programme was most ably carried out by Mr Garrv Jen'kin, while Mr T. -T. Buchan accompanied the singers and dancers on the piano. Before closing the programme Mr Hoult, the principal of the school, thanked those present for their attendance. and to all who had in any wav assisted in making the concert so successful. He announced the receipts would enable them to purchase a new piano. The National Anthem closed a very enjoyable evening.