MUSICAL SOCIETY WANTED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 178, 10 November 1941, Page 4

MUSICAL SOCIETY WANTED

"MUSICALLY dead" was the verdict of a recent visitor to Whakatane who had spent the early spring weeks in the town, and who departed lately. By this it was explained that while there was no actual dearth of vocal and musical talent in the town, it lacked organisation, and the only efforts .made to bring out and encourage it were apparently made by church choirs. This;, while most laudable, and calculated to materially assist the individual churches concerned, does not make for a permanent musical society in the town, one which would be representative of all denominations and which could from time to time be depended on to give recitals upon festive and other occasions. There is no reason in the world why those of our citizens who are musically inclined should not band together and form such a cjhoir or society. Municipal choirs are a distinct asset to the towns producing and maintaining them —why not Whakatane ? That we have many keen musicians in our midst is .beyond dispute, and it only requires an initial move to weld them together,as a body which would be capable of great things. The introduction of radio to the home has been the main reason for the lack of personal effort, for when music is ready-made and at the disposal of householders at any time to be turned on. and off at will, there is that familiarity which invariably breeds contempt for the finest things on earth. However, nothing can displace the genuine article, and music heard first-hand, with artists, vocal or instrumental, visible and giving of their best, must ever have the greater appeal. But there is another vital reason why something should be done towards bringing out and encouraging talent. The rising generation requires -the softening and refining influence of personal musical effort, and if it is denied them parents are failing to a certain extent in their duty. It is not sufficient that they should be brought up to be dependent upon others for their musical entertainment. It must be discovered in and revealed to the child himself. That is the ideal which should be the aim of every parent. It is pleasing to note that at least one of our local church choirs is preparing something to mark the approaching Christmas season. We are justly proud of the splendid musical talent in our Native Schools, and no opportunity is wasted in bringing it to the fore:, for the entertainment and edification of music-lovers of both races. But from the pakeha point of view, as we have said, music in Whakatane is either confined to the churches or the wailing out of modern song hits by dance orchestras. Times are not propitious for the founding of new and forward institutions which aim at lifting the cultural level of the community., but surely we can. make a start by creating an interest in real music before it languishes completely as a, lost art.