MACANDREW ROAD SCHOOL

Evening Star, Issue 21748, 16 June 1934, Page 10

MACANDREW ROAD SCHOOL

ENJOYABLE CHORAL CONCERT The presentation by school children of a programme embodying items that give scope for the development of musical and dramatic qualities offers valuable opportunities for cultural advancement 'and the infusion of self-confid-ence. All those qualities were evident in the performances of the senior pupils of the Macaudrew Hoad School last night, when a choral concert was given in the presence of a capacity house at the South Dunedin Town Hal!. In both drama and music it was evident that much arduous preparatory work had been spent in raising the standard to a level that so favourably impressed at this concert. With such a galaxy of youthful talent available, and such a capable instructor in Mr A. H. Robinson for making the most of it, the future success of the school’s activities in that direction are assured. Perhaps the most striking testimony to the careful manner in which the children have been trained was seen in an item by the choir, ‘Creation’s Hymn ’ (Beethoven). This celebrated song is full of technical difficulties, especially in phrasing and intonation, yet its rendition was given in a sure and forqeful manner, though the attack was inclined to be rather'ragged. All the other songs, both concerted and individual efforts, reflected a careful attention to the training of the voice and delivery that gave the librettos a singular clearness. Dramatic worth of a uniformly high order was- displayed in three sketches, and a revue that was the outstanding item of the evening. Into this playlet was woven a simple yet skilful plot, which was unravelled in a delightful manner by a cast of sis principals, together with choruses of robbers and sailors, all garbed in appropriate fashion. As the king, Mane Wilson gave a very natural performance, and she was accorded excellent support by Thelma Stevenson, Audrey: M'Queen, Bert Wilson, George Booth, Noel Clark, and Louis Paul. _ ' _ The following was-the remainder of the programme:—Choir’s selections: ‘ Forward Gaily,’ ‘ Funiculi,’ ‘ Soldiers’ Choru- ’ (Faust), ‘ When You and I Were Young,’ 1 Waiati Poi,’ ‘ Robbers’ Song, ‘ Jersusalem ’ (Parry), 1 Home From the Sea,’ ‘ Heave Away,’ ‘ Capital Ship,’ and ‘ Good-night ’; song, ‘ Litle Gir], Don’t Cry,’ Sophie Howie; duet, ‘Dutch Song,’ Helen Wright and Daphne Freeman; sketch, ‘ A Weather Tragedy,’ Evelyn Donald and Phillis Simpson; song, ‘ Buy Me a Milk Pail,’ junior girls; selection, band; song, ‘ Midshipmite,’ Ivan Douglas. Mr A. H. Robinson was the conductor, and Mrs F. Clark, A.T.C.L., the accompanist.