SCHOOL CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3704, 15 October 1927, Page 2

SCHOOL CONCERT.

FOLK SONGS, ROUNDS AND

CHORUSES,

Some time ago the District High School committee decided to engage the services of Mr. J. Holmes Runnicies, professor of music, to instruct the pupils in the art of singing ■This wisdom of this step was exemplified at the concert given in the Town Hall on Thursday evening last before a large an appreciative audience. Perhaps some people were disappointed because the concert was not staged on the orthodox spectacular lines associated with 1 the annual break up. The object of this particular concert and, possibly subsequent ones, is to demonstrate to parents and public the course of vocal instruction, at the school, which aims at encouraging and developing the art, giving a true interpretation of the songs by correct tones and rhythm. In this connection folk songs, dances and rounds are included. To carry out this work the primary school pupils are divided up into four groups, viz., infants, Sts. I and 11, Sts. 111, and IV, and Sts. V and VI. All the children take part, ithere being- no exemptions because a child is supposed to be tuneless. The children are all encouraged to make a joyfull and tuneful noise and it is surprising how they look forward to the singing period. The whole process was demonstrated at the concert and the audience could not but be impressed with the progress the children have made. They entered into the singing with a delightful naturalness and the tone, enunciation and movements indicated correct conception which 'reflected credit , upon the painstaking and skilled method adopted by Mr. Runnieles. That the children will derive lasting benefit from the special training provided goes without saying and the committee and the head-master (Mr. Mason) are to be commended for the innovation. Perhaps the gem of the concert was the singing of “The Birth of Morn,” by Sts. ni and TV. The balance and tone was excellent. The following were the items submitted: —Group I (infant classes), —“Spring Song,” “Jack Frost,” “Polly put the kettle on,” .“Eurhythmies,” “See how the men row,” “Merry Brown Thrush,” 1 “Mary had a little lamb,” “My Dream.” Group 11. (Sts. 1 and H). — “Come lasses and. lads” and may- ' pole dance,” “The Fairy Artist,” “A Farmer’s Son,” “Little lamb, ■ God bless thee,” “Land of Nod,” “Twas on a Monday morning,” J “Golden Slumbers,” “A man shall mow a meadow,” community item “Some Folk do,” folk dance. Group 111. (Sts. 11l and"lV). — ' “Birth of Morn,” “The Bailiff’s \ Daughter,” “Bingo,” “Drink to me only,” “Keys of Heaven,” “Vesper ' Hymn,” “Early one morning,” “Fair shines the moon,” community item JF “Gospel Train,” and folk dance. | Group IV. (Sts. V and Vl). Round, —“Mark where the Bee,” ■ “Oh, no John,” “When daisies died,” “The mermaids?” round, “The spi- ' der and the fly,” “Shenandoah,” “I’m seventeen come Sunday,” round, “London’s Burning,” community item, “Tree in the wood.” | The concert concluded with the , ’ National Anthem. Mr. J. K. Hornblow (chairman of 1 committee), and Mr. Runnieles, briefly addressed the audence. Subsequently the committee entertained Mr. Runnicl.es and the teaching staff at supper.