The Star. THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1922. COMMUNITY SINGING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16736, 18 May 1922, Page 6

The Star. THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1922. COMMUNITY SINGING.

Tho successful introduction of coin munity singing intd this city is an indication of awakening interest in music, and a proof of the heartening influence of song. There is a great deal of truth in the old saying that a merry heart goes all the way,” and cheerful music is one of the best expressions of a cheerful spirit. Tt is quite a fallacy to imagine that true appreciation of good music is confined to the class which the Americans aptly describe as “ highbrows.” While a musical education enhances tho enjoyment of the listener, there i< in most people a natural love of the concord of sweet sounds. The ms\tinct of appreciation is developed and strengthened by fuller knowledge and experience, and that is how the community will benefit musically b\- community singing It is gratifying to see that an effort is being made to give music a larger place in the lives of the people- The work of the Music in Schools Association is just being launched, and a great deal of very valuable work will bo accomplished by that, organisation. The object is to encourage teachers and scholars to practise and study music, and to cultivate an appreciation of the best instead of the meretricious. Part of the scheme is to place gramophones and records in the schools, the records being accompanied by Tecturettes on the comnositions reproduced. This s an excellent idea, and we hope that the funds wdl be rendilv subscribed to give effect to it. Tt is only in rare instances that school singing reaches a high level, and it would be unfair to expect teachers to add expert musical tuition to their already weighty list of services. The work, to be successful, must he under tho supervision and direction of a capable musician, who could select suitable music and occasionally conduct the school choirs. The association, we believe, intends to make a modest beginning by holding some “ community sings ” for school children. during the current holidays. V e are sure that the movement so happil.inaugurated yesterday will lie. a popular one. and that the work to be done in the schools will command the liberal support of all people who believe in brighter school days for children.