Blind Institute Band

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIV, Issue 111, 24 September 1930, Page 4

Blind Institute Band

■. w . / ——’ —w * CONCERT AT WAIPUKURAU A TREAT IN STORE TO-NIGHT Lovers of good music will be assured of a treat at the Municipal Theatre to-night when the Jubilee Institute for the Blind Band will give a grand concert at Waipukurau. This talented musical combination is making its second tour of the North Island, but will be making it first public appearance at Waipukurau. A specially selected programme will be presented to-night, and will include marches, waltzes, two steps, fantasia and vocal and elocutionary items. In towns already visited the Band has been accorded an enthusiastic reception and patrons have gone home marvelling at the talent displayed by the members despite them being afflicted by one of life’s greatest handicaps.

In passing, it is worthy of note that the primary object of the tour

is not an appeal for funds, but as a demonstration of the splendid results which have been attained by modern training methods* at the Institute in Auckland. The musical development has been of the greatest value to the blind members, as it has widened their interests in life, as well as providing an additional means of earning. There are at present 135 blind men, women and children at the Institute. The children live the ordinary board-ing-school life, receiving their primary education, music, swimming, dancing and a variety of interests and recreations. Almost all gain their proficiency certificates and a number of pupils have passed on to matriculate and to gain the degrees of M.A., 8.A., and LL.B. It is hoped sincerely that a capacity house will greet the Band tonight and that patrons will see to it that generous support is forthcoming.