MUSICAL CULTURE IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 7, 27 February 1952, Page 2

MUSICAL CULTURE IN TAUPO

AN INTERESTING MOVE "In congvatulating!. you on your enterprise in launching the Taupo Times, apart from its news value, it provides an excellent avenue for reaching the public on matters pertiainiing to the progress of Taupo that previpusly did not exist," writes Mr E. E. Marsden, of Rotokawa St reef. "Taupo s gjrowing importance as a meeting place from .all parts of the island he adds is creating the need for developing the entertainment side, particularly at the holiday periods, when Taupo is crowded with visitors. There are splendid possibilities, in the reserves adjacent to the river for outdoor entertainment, and an amphitheatre on the natural slope leading to the jetty. Being partly surrounded by water and trees the acoustics would be excellent, with a stage placed at a convenient point on the low level. "Further, the completion of a new modern hall with adequate staging will be achieved it is hoped, with the completion of the new hall sponsored by the R.S.A. This will be a very fitting adjunct to the town's amenities, and would provide a suitable place for entertainments, whose objects would be to develope the entertainment side in every aspect." Mr Marsden, who has been associated with music practically all his life, is anxious to see some musical organisation on the way in readiness for the opening of this new hall. He is quite sure there is enough talent among the European and Maori population of Taupo. Just what would be the nature of this organisation, a talent quest he says, could decide, but he would like to see four part harmony as a feature of its work, "it might be presumptious" he says, "to suggest that any singing organisation could reach the standard of the Kentucky Minstels, but this f ine body is n its unique position simply by application and practice. What niakes their work outstanding is their wonderful balance in four part harmony." Mr Marsden fcuggests ttiat for the present the organisation should be of the minstre! type, as providing the most popular entertainment for outdoors, when facilities are available. One of the perquisites for success is j a body of reasonably good singers and instr-umentalists, enthusiastic, and with a conscience for practice attendance. Mr Marsden is making his room in Rotokawa Street (by Peare's Auto Park) available for practices. This contains a modern piano, and seating* wjll be provided for 24. He is in semi-retirement and spends a fortnight in each month in Taupo. Practices can be arranged for both sections during that period, and later on, when required, a little oftener. Intending members who have i

conveyances might eontact t/hose who haven't, and thus ensure that no enthusiast is prevented from attending through iack of transport. As advertised in this issue Mr Marsden is setting the first meeting for Tuesday, March 4, at 7.30 p.m. at his Rotokawa Street residence. This will be in the nature of a business meeting and talent quest. As soon as the required' number is assured, and the type of entertainment decided, the members will get down to practice. Any eorrespondence for the present should be addressed to E. E. Marsden, P.O. Taupo.