BLIND INSTITUTE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 212, 10 September 1935, Page 5

BLIND INSTITUTE

BAND AND CONCERT PARTY VISIT TO WANGANUI NEXT MONTH. The band and concert partv of th* New Zealand Institute for the Blind (Auckland) are to visit Wanganui next month, and are expected to be here on October 5 and 6. Th e majority of its 24 members are totally blind, but tbit fact has by no means affected f heir capacity as musicians; indeed, because of their keen ear, memory training, and natural enjoyment, they have material advantages. Cheerful and in J forested in many things, thev are a. happy band of young men who have connuered blindness and allow it to trouble them no more. If is seven years since the band, 1R months after its formation, paid its first visit to this seitv and many people will remember its excellent performance on that occasion. Four of the members belong to *ho South Island, but, as the institute in Auckland is the only orin in the Jominion. they attend there for training or employment. All are active workers at the institute, the’r occupations including basketware, cane and seagrass furniture, mat making. piano tuning, joinery, professional music, teaching, whi'e some are in senior school grades. The band is a military combination, comprising s"x rlarinets, 1 saxonhone, 5 cornets. 3 tenor horns, 1 baritone, 1 euphonium. 2 trofhbones, 2 basses, and 2 drummers. A dance band combination of eight members is ahn included in the larger band, which filled no fewer than 127 engagements last year. Several vocalists and instrumental soloist* of high quality go to complete this interesting and versatile partv. Thev are assured nf a warm welcome to Wanganui. where the Rotnrv Cluh is taking charge of the organisation. It is probable that Sir C’utha ‘ N. Mnekenz : e, director of the Institute, will be with the party.