N.Z. “Music Week” To Be In August

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 878, 23 January 1930, Page 10

N.Z. “Music Week” To Be In August

SUPPORT PROMISED BIG CONCERTED EFFORT To attract public attention to music and give further encouragement to the art in the Dominion, a “Music Week” will be held throughout Hew Zealand in August. This decision was arrived at at the annual conference of professional teachers of music. A special sub-committee sot up by the conference of Professional Teachers of Music to go into the question drew up a circular which will be submitted to all musical societies, clubs, and other bodies in the Dominion which might be interested. On the first and second Sundays of the month, recitals will be given by choirs, organs, or bands. The programme drawn up for the remainder of the week is: Monday, male choir, Orphans’ and Savage Clubs; Tuesday, monster children’s choir; Wednesday, modern solo music, vocal and instrumental; exchange soloists, Thursday, orchestral and choral; Friday lieder and chamber music; Saturday, massed bands and operatic excerpts. In the afternoons there will be illustrated musical lectures.

Musicians, representatives of the music trade, officers of Auckland musi- j cal societies, educational authorities, ministers of religion, and representatives of various organisations, when approached by a Sun representative | this morning, were unanimous in their J offers of support for the proposed j Music Week, to be held throughout ; Hew Zealand in August next. Many . warmly congratulated the conference of Professional Music Teachers on what they termed the most progressive proposal yet brought forward by Hew Zealand musicians. Representative opinions are given as follow; Mr. L. Alfred Eady, managingdirector of Lewis Eady. Ltd.: —The conference of music teachers is to be congratulated on the attitude it has taken up in regard to the suggestion of holding a Dominion Music Week. This movement has widely spread throughout the English-speaking world, and in England for some time past music weeks have been observed with great enthusiasm. It is obvious that the conference has realised the growing conviction of the people to the value of music to the community, particularly from an educational atid inspirational standpoint. In an article which appeared in a recent issue of The Sun, Sir Landon Ronald, in commenting upon the high standard of mechanical reproduction, said that undoubtedly this was bringing about a reaction in favour of personal effort. Personally he thought that handplayed instruments and vocal music were coming back again into their oldtime popularity, and that the time was indeed ripe for music generally to make a forward move. It was indeed very encouraging to see such signs of healthy activity, and he thought the Conference of Professional Musicians was to be congratulated upon the bold and progressive step contemplated. Mr. G. H. Woolley, chairman of the Bohemian Orchestra:—l think the movement can be assured of the hearty co-operation of all the musical societies in Auckland. I think the ilea is a good one. Apart from the general benefit that must result to music from an organised Music Week, the societies themselves would also benefit as a result of such a co-operative effort. * * * Dr. Thomas, conductor of the Royal Auckland Choir: —If it succeeds in attracting greater public interest in music great good must result. Although it is difficult to comment without knowledge of the organisation proposed, I think the idea is a good one. s * * Rev. R. C. Roberts, 8.A., D. 8., Congregational Minister: From my experience of the Eisteddfods in Wales I think that such a movement would do a great deal toward advancing the cause of music in Hew Zealand. During this week the churches could well assist by concentrating their efforts toward the improvement of congregational singing, which is not as good as it might be. There is a tendency on the part of congregations to give up the singing to the choirs. Instead of taking over the whole of the singing the choirs should merely lead. This would be a very good opportunity for the churches to co-operate. I think there is good material in this country and I also think that a combined effort such as suggested should result in great good. Mr. A. Burns. Chairman, Auckland Education Board: In brightening our homes and forming a bond between people music is of great value to the community. In the schools, and particularly at the Training College, the board is always keen to encourage the development of music. I think that Music Week would do a great deal of good and feel sure that the board would be quite sympathetic and would do whatever help. Mr. Len Barnes, Station Director at IYA: This is one of the most progressive things yet contemplated in Hew Zealand music. As a member of the Dominion Council of the Professional Teachers Association several years ago I was keenly interested in a similar proposal and naturally am glad to see that something definite is being done. To make it a complete success the assistance of tbe business community is essential and I am quite sure that the Broadcasting Company will be in full sympathy with the movement. * * * Mr. S. Reid, President of the Auckland Rotary Club: In the Rotary gatherings music plays an important part. Realising the value of music to the community I am quite sure that Rotarians will do their best to help the movement along. • * » Mr. Colin Muston, conductor of the Bohemian Orchestra, Auckland Choral Society, and Auckland Operatic Society; “This is a very good idea, and providing it is well organis€;d a big impetus should be given no music throughout the Dominion. Local organisations should comprise representatives of all musical organisations, and 1 am quite sure that all societies would stand solidly behind the movement. The programme is very comprehensive, and there should be no great difficulty in carrying it out. or in attracting big attendances.” * * * Mr. C. 33. Plummer, chairman, Auckland Choral Society; “Any concentrated effort of such a nature must result in a great deal of good. I think that the support of all musical organisations will be assured and that the public will be interested and attracted by the programme submitted.” • * * Rev. Jasper Calder, Anglican City Missioner: “I am absolutely keen. For years past I have wanted to see this Music Week idea adopted, and now that it has come about I will give it every help I can. I will also try and interest my brother clergy in the movement because there is so much we could do that week with congregational singing. I am a great believer of music in the home, and if people cannot sing or play potted music through the medium of the gramophone or radio is a great help toward establishing pleasant home ; conditions. It is one of the greatest regrets of my life that as a boy I did not persist with the drudgery "of the piano. After one passes through that stage it is a great asset in social life to be able to play a musical instrument and particularly to accompany. I always make a point of encouraging ynurig people to stick to the drudgery of learning. T heartily congratulate the conference and promise my wholehearted support.”