130 PUPILS FORM ORCHESTRA

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24907, 21 June 1946, Page 6

130 PUPILS FORM ORCHESTRA

TECHNICAL COLLEGE SCHEME

MUSICAL TRAINING ARRANGED About 130 pupils of the Christchurch Technical College, most of Whom had never touched a musical instrument before this year, ■ now form an orchestra from which members are chosen to play for the daily assembly. The orchestra will present its first concert toward the end of this year. The scheme was developed on advice frqffi Dr. Vernon Griffiths, Professor of Music at Canterbury University College, who was responsible for inaugurating general musical training at the King Edward Technical College, in Dunedin, where practically the whole school engages in orchestral or choral work. Visits to Christchurch of a/section of this huge organisation had done much tioi stimulate interest in the local scheme, said the principal (Dr. D. E. Hansen) yesterday. Securing musical instruments was the biggest problem, Dr. Hansen continued, but an appeal to pupils early this year produced about 40 violins. Mr R. E. Perks, who was a pupil at the King Edward Technical College when Dr. V. E. Galway began activity there, and who later received his Bachelor of Music degree under Dr. Galway, was appointed full-time music master at the Christchurch Technical College, and commenced organising the • orchestra about March. Other instructors were obtained to give tuition on individual instruments.

Each Saturday morning players spent about three hours practising at the college. They were divided into string, woodwind, and brass sections, and it was not uncommon to see 35 violins being played under one instructor while in another part, of the building there would be 20 cornets. All instruction was given at the college, including grounding in the theory of music, and as the aptitude of pupils became apparent it was hoped to send them to professional teachers for individual tuition. Excellent progress had been made, considering so few of the players knew anything of music previously. Dr. Hansen said. It was intended to supplement the orchestra from evening school students, and because the brass section was so strong it was hoped soon to form a school band.

1116 duties of Mr Perks kept him fully occupied during school time, Dr. Hansen said. Besides giving training in musical appreciation and theory, he was helping with the vocal work, which had been in the charge of Mr A, G. Thompson for many years. Since music had been dropped from the syllabus for the University entrance examination, fewer pupils had taken up the subject; but its inclusion in the School Certificate, selection, coupled with the increased interest through practical work, would no doubt increase support. The Board of Governors advanced £l5O for the-purchase of additional instruments, Dr. Hansen said, and some good material had been obtained through the National Patriotic Fund Board. Private advertising had also helped to increase the instruments available and, where pupils wished to purchase their own, help was given in the choice of good instruments. When the orchestra was able to give concerts for its own funds, further improvements would be possible.