MUSIC FOR OUR SCHOOLS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 56, 6 March 1869, Page 5

MUSIC FOR OUR SCHOOLS.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.) Sin, — I think it will be acknowledged by all ta.it, ?t no time in tho history of the present age, did music occupy such a prominent position, or play "such an important part in the daily life of sublunary mortals as it does at present. Much has been done, both by public and private effort, to teach the " million " the science of music ; but hitherto the effort has been chiefly confined to those whose parents were in affluent circumstances, and who could well afford to pay the expenses of a refined education for their children. The door of this department, until very recently, has been closed upon the low and the vulgar ; and it has often been forgotten that some of our most eminent composers and most of our great singers sprung from the "lower class," as they are sometimes termed. Much has been done by governments to educate the people ; but they haye — with, the noble exception of the Government of this province — hitherto not considered music worthy of encoui'agement and j assistance from the State. I believe I am correct in stating that tho Otago ! Government is the first that has taken the initiative in making provision for the instruction of music in the public ! schools. True, some of our teachers were, and arc, in the habit of giving the children instruction in music ; but this custom was not general. The knowledge of this state of things, and a desire to have music taught in our schools, as a branch of bur educational system, induced a gentleman — now an ex-M.P.C, but then in the " House " — to bring the matter before the Government. This 'gentleman, having a practical knowledge of music, and being able to pitch E.B.C. with any man, made, a powerful appeal on behalf of the young. As in most cases, there was a great show of opposition ; and, as usual, a good deal was said by those who had no music in their soul, save what was in the sole of their boot. Then there was the old cry, "we cannot afford it;" while some went as far as to say that the hon. member had " pitched his key note too high." Others said he was a " flat," and if the House were wise they would cast a "alur" on the endeavours ' of the hon. member, and make "short measure " of the motion. The hon. member, however, not being accustomed to have a " bar " thrown in his way, was determined to give the House and the country a "stave." Consequently, having got over the ' three aforesaid notes, E.B.C, the leave was given, the measure introduced, and the public schools of Ofcago a^e now reaping the benefit. The day will coino when the rising generation will give that gentleman credit for a measure which, as far a3 we have seen, has told beneficially upon the young. Years may elapse ere the "laurel wreath " descends upon hii brow ; "but it is, like the " good lime coming," to come. He will have the lasting satisfaction of having done his utmost to give the children the benefit of this elevating and soul-inspiring branch of education, and of raising up a people

who will make tlio earth vocal with tlie praiaea of Q-od. Having secured this desirable boon, and also the services of a gentleman in every way fitted to carry out to a practical issue the benefits of the measure, it ia to be hoped the Government will not stop short with this ; nay, we cannot stand still : having got over the first bar or two, we- are so charmed that we must increase our means of instruction. I happen to know that some of those gentlemen who were opposed to the measure will, next session,, be on the other side ; and would support a measure for teaching our giiis the pianoforte, should any member ha.ye the gallantry to bring it forward. Having made one step, we may safely venture another £500, and give our children an education filling them cither* for the Church or the world. If the Grovernment do not step in and grant us this boon, there are a large number of young ladies who will rise up into life without this accomplishment. Tfe want companions for our well-to-do educated classes, and this appears to be one method for attaining this desirable end. I have no doubt that school committees, for these are ever liberal, would be only too glad to purchase the necessary machinery, if the Government provided the teacher ;—; — of course the committees who were refractory and did not see the utility of the measui'e, by mailing no provision, would be debarred the privilege. We have a greater responsibility on our shoulders than we are free to admit, with regard to the young ; it is not only Groverninent aud parents that are interested, but young men and churches, ministers, superintendants of Sunday schools, and precentors of choirs, are all deeply interested in giving children" the best of music, and allowing them to exercise their powers of voice in assisting in the praiacs of the sanctuary. I have a great contempt for men who do as the stern disciples did — order the children out of their way. -Some, I know, are very delicate on' this point, and I could wish, they were as delicate in voice as they are in nerve ; I should then excuse them. But until the young are encouraged to have a share in this delightful part of the service of God's House, we shall never fill His house | nor our hearts with His praiso. Too ' many of the leaders of our psalmody are so self-inflated that J despair in doing any good in this direction. I have spoken out on several occasions, and shall again, until I see the psalmody of our churches and chapels conducted by those who will honour the service. Many a good sermon gets spoiled through bad music, and mauy seats remain empty from the same cause. "We ought to avail ourselves of this power in the young women and children, but in many cases we dare not for fear of offending some heavy suppoi*ter to the cause. It is high time that in this respect we should quit ourselves like men, and do away with our men leaders, very few of whom, are abls to sing tin treble ; it is the peculiar province of the softer sex. If we cannot sing our own part, wo should " shut uj>." Our music is only fit for the capstan — very good for weighing anchors, but not at all suited for the service of God's House. — I remain, sir, yours faithfully, Oxi> Peteb Pipes. Wefcherstone3 Braes, March 2, 1869.