MUSIC IN NELSON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 1 September 1942, Page 3

MUSIC IN NELSON

Sir.—ln a recent issue ol‘ “The I Mail” you gave two interesting arti- ; cles in Mr Henri Penn’s opinion of | music in New Zealand and in Nelj son. Regarding New Zealand gene- ; rally. Mr Penn said the standard of I music was surprisingly high, espe- | cially mentioning the West Coast. Referring to Nelson, however, Mr ! Penn expressed surprise at the apparent lack of musical activity, and with an established School of Music he was at a loss to understand the | absence of greater musical development in this city since his last visit 25 years ago. He had expected that with this great asset, Nelson would have become a centre of musical activity, but he had seen no evidence of much interest being taken in furthering music and musical appreciation here. Such schools in England encouraged and helped in the formation of choral societies, orchestras and musical circles which were of great interest to the student and gave pleasure to the music lover. Mr j Penn concluded by saying that it' was a great pity there should be a j school to teach music but no orga- j nisation to give the student an op- j portunity of indulging his musical i knowledge and of furthering his in-j terest in music. When one reads these opinions of an examiner of the Trinity College of Music, London, one wonders what is wrong with our School of Music. Have the trustees a reasonable explanation of the lack of musical activity? It seems strange that, with such an institution in the city, the College Governors should find it necessary to advertise for music masters for the two colleges. What is the reason for this? If the School of Music is functioning in a useful manner, surely the College Governors should not need to look further for the musical education of the College pupils. If the trustees of the School of Music are unable to achieve more with their instiitution, perhaps it would be possible. and probably advisable, to hand their job over to the College Governors who could incorporate the teaching of music with their secondary school work. Nelson is considered a leading educational 'centre. Here’s an opportunity to improve its already high reputation.—l am, etc.. “PIANOFORTE.” Nelson, 31st August.