Competition Comment

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 132, 25 August 1927, Page 14

Competition Comment

By

C SHARP.

“I have been wonderfully impressed with all the children’s classes,” said the adjudicator in the elocutionary section last evening. “Those who are not here do not know what they are missing.” “The piano solo, for children 10 years and under 12, has been a revelation to me. I was amazed that children so young should play in the style they did.”—Mr. F. Slater, adjudicator in the musical section. “There must be a high standard in piano teaching in Auckland,” remarked Mr. F. W. Slater last evening. At the conclusion of the session Mr. Slater said he could well compliment the teaching profession on the excellent work that was done by the juvenile performers. In practically every instance the competitors showed evidence of sound tuition. “I was absolutely astounded at the quality of the class,” said the judge in the elocutionary section last evening. Referring to the character recital for ages ten to twelve, Mr. Borradale said that there were 24 wonderful performances, and it was really amazing that such work should be done by children under the age of 12. Never in his experience had he seen such a uniformly good class. * * * Excellent fare was provided at the day sessions yesterday, and with the three best in each class recalled for the evening, a very interesting session resulted. The only two classes that were not up to standard were the juvenile recitation, boys from nine to ten, and the baritone solo, “Eleanore.” For the purpose of encouraging juvenile talent the appearance of children of tender years might be necessary, but it certainly is not very interesting. * * •, There seems to be a hard-and-fast rule among amateur performers that unless they are working in character numbers make-up is not permissible. Although marks are not provided for personal appearance there is no reason in the world why performers (lady performers, of course) should not neutralise the hardening effect of strong stage lights by the judicious use of a little rouge and lipstick. This is one of the many little things in which showmanship can enter into competitions to their general improvement. * • * The standard usually exhibited in the baritone and tenor sections at competitions must not be regarded as an index to the vocal talent of a district. Male competitors in these sections appear to be becoming rarer and rarer as the seasons pass, and the standard is consequently suffering. The baritone section last evening was not good, and the piece selected, Coleridge Taylor’s rather melancholy “Eleanore,” did not help it out. Brighter test pieces help a lot to enliven dull classes. A John Ireland number, for instance, would have been a great improvement last evening. The musical judge, Mr. F. Slater, was set a very pleasant task in being called upon to adjudicate in the schoolgirl choir class yesterday afternoon, ft proved to be the best class in that section that has yet been presented. Although the standard was good all round, the performance of the winners. Bayfield District School, Herne Bay, was outstanding. The tonal quality was excellent, and the pleasing restraint with which the two numbers were sung preserved the effect. The balance was also very good, and with the requirements of light and shade tastefully acknowledged, a very pleasing performance resulted. The judge stated that it was the finest school choir he had ever heard. It takes a very good entertainment to be able to hold the interest of an audience for four hours, and no showman ever attempts it. It might bo argued that there is no place for showmanship in competitions or in art, but from recent experience of some of the “world-famous artists” it would appear that the extent of their fame depends to no small extent upon their showmanship and tho ability of their publicity agents. The question of brightening up competitions will have to be taken up by societies if they want to attract more public support. Merit alone, and there is often quite a lot of it, is not sufficient. Last night’s session, which was a really good one, would have been better still if it had concluded shortly after 10 o’clock instead of half past eleven.