Auckland Leaders in Music Endorse

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 41, 27 April 1928, Page 16

Auckland Leaders in Music Endorse

Company’s Committee Scheme

Comprehensive Committee Appointed by Enthusiastic Meeting

= comprehetsive meeting Kia of representatives of musical and dramatic ‘committees was held at 1YA Auckland on Friday last to discuss the formation of an advisory comunitjee. Present: Madame Irene Ainsley (Ainsley Operatic Society), Messrs. T. {. Garland (Auckland Savage Club), G. " Lee (Aeolian Orchestra), N. R. Mc. Robie (Royal Auckland Choir), V. Trask (Athenian Club), Karl Atkinson (Auckland Gramophone Society), J. D. Crawford (Auckland Orphans’ Club), Cc, B. Plummer (Auckland Choral Society), L. EB. Lambert (Bohemian Orchestra), J. F. Montague (Auckland Comedy Players), Dr. Kenneth Phillips (Society of Musicians), A, R. Harris (general manager, Radio Broadcasting Co. N.Z.), W. J. Bellingham (Director of Music, Radio Broadcasting Co. N.Z.), S. J. Hayden (Station Director at 1YA). On the motion of Mr, Plummer, seconded ,by Mr. Montague, Mr. Karl Atkinson was unanimously elected to the chair.

The Company’s Policy. Mr. A, R. Harris, general manager of the Broadcasting Company, in outlining the proposals to form a musical and dramatic committee said the company was guided in this matter by the fact that certain activities of the Broadcasting Company were closely allied with the aims and objects of other public organisations. In the circumstances the directors felt that some kind of public relationship between these organisations atid the Broadcasting Company would be of particular interest to the societies and of national benefit to the public at large. A workable arrangement, however, was not 4 simple matter. The company did not wish those present to think that it wanted free advice as to how to run its" business. As a matter of fact it employed a competent staff of experts for this work, and had also retained the services of overseas authorities for consultation on any important matters. These experts also kept the company posted on any new ideas developing elsewhere. Te knew that those present had for many years given a_ great amount of their time to maintaining and developing interest in musical and dramatic art. He assumed therefore, representatives were interested to learn what effect broadcasting would have on their past efforts or future endeavours. As this applied to other organisations of a definite type, the difficulty was to provide a medium for discussion Ssatisfactory to all parties. The General Adviscrv Board idea introduced in other countries was more political than prac-

ticable. He was of opinion that this was due to diversity of interests. These interests could not all be represented on such a board, and in any case were so opposed to one another that little if any benefit resulted as far as the actual service was concerned. On the other hand certain work of the Broadcasting Company touched upon activities already being undertaken in the more customaty way by well defined public organisations. These could be classified into definite types, all organised for specific objects of an ideal nature. The company had therefore decided that committees consisting of allied societies were the only satisfactory method of obtaining worth while results. Such an arrangement would be fundamettal and on the lines of the company’s policy in respect to the other phases of its programme. In arranging programme sessions psychological, as well as other factors had, been cotsidered and there was a logical reason for a certain type of programme at 4 certain hour, whether that session was afternoon, children’s, news and information, or entertainment, For instance, news and information session has been fixed at 7.8 p.m., because adults in gen- eral ufter a days’ work are more sus‘ceptible at that particular time of the day to broadcasts of a newsy or instractional character. The same condition of affairs applied to the 8 p.m. to 10 p-m. session, which had been fixed for entertainment entirely. ‘[ypes of programme are also organised fundamentally. It was apparent that with the varying types of individuals that make up a broadcast audience it was impossible to cater for all or even the majority of tastes at one time. The compaty had, therefore, decided on the plan of endeavouring to cater for a definite section of listeners at a definite time, and another section on the following evening and so forth, in the hope of satisfying the majority at one time or another. As far as possible programmes are arranged so as to present a different type of programme each night in the week, ‘hese had been classified as classical, opera and hevay, band and light ballads, popular, vaudeville, and sacred nights. Under this arrangement the company had distinct and definite programines. ‘This system opened the way for the co-operation of committees of allied interests. Church service committees consisting of representatives of the more prominent detlominations, childrens’ session committees, consisting of representatives of Children’s Welfare Leagues were functioning to the benefit of all parties and listeners generally. The reprsentatives present were then invited to discuss the formation of a 1YA Auckland Musical and

Dramatic Committee, on the lines of the constitution submitted, Musical Director’s Remarks. Mr. W. J. Bellingham said that the committee representing as it did the leading organisations of their kind in the city, would naturally be interested in stimulating the higher forms of music and art from an aesthetic point of view. They would recognise at the same time that the majority of listeners wanted entertainment of the lighter variety. ‘This demand would be met by the company, and was being provided for by the company’s experts in collaboration wtih other authorities. At tke present time it was receiving every possible consideration. | Nevertheless it was being discovered through the world that with the development of broadcasting a demand was arising for better forms of entertainment. ‘This was due to the fact that in large doses, lighter forms of entertainment became satiating. It was recognised that in some countries broadcasting had to a great extent been prostituted by jazz. A prominent judge recently said: ‘There is no worse form of monopoly in America than the present monopoly of the air by jazz music,’’ Several years ago Amreican plebiscites gave approximately 80 per cent. votes to jazz, whilst a recent vote showed only 5 per cent. in favour. It would be the concern of the committee to watch the development of broadcasting and co-operate with the Broadcasting Company, to foster the aims and objects for which their societies existed. ‘The Radio Broadcasting Company proposed to place certain fours at the disposal of the various. societies. ‘The committee would be in a position officially to represent the 1esponsible musical and dramatic organigations and their considered opinions would catry more weight than the private opinions of individual members. They would thus he able to assist to preserve a balance between pute vaudeville on the one hand and their ideals of art on the other. Good Music First. The chairman, Mr, Karl Atkinson remarked that so far as he was concerned the interests of good music wete always placed first and he regarded with favour any scheme which would further such interests. Althongh broadcasting was a new ficld or comparatively so, he fet] that the science had an immense power to bring before the public and assist in the appreciation of the higher and other forms of music, and a committee as proposed, would, undoubtedly reflect to the advantage of the societies concerned.

Dr. Kenneth Phillips, who recently returned from Europe, was fully in accord with the proposal. He was of opinion that the local programmes compared more than favourably with those. from Australia and were also on a par with those broadcast in Eugland, bearing in mind the relative resources of talent available. He had listened to programmes with interest and thought that the majority uf tastes were well catered for. However he had one or two suggestions to make which he felt would make for further improvement, Up to the piesent he had noted no orchestra renditions of the better class of work. Many of the symphonies of Beethoven and Mozart lent themselves peculiarly to orchestral performance, particularly such compositions as Mozart’s Symphony in G Minor, Figaro, and the overture to Don Giovanni. ‘The average person could be delighted with such works which were by no meatis too heavy and could be easily appreciated. i¢nglish music of the present day composers should form a distinct part of the work, Nevertheless the Spanish, Russian and French school should not be forgotten since it was only by the study of all nationals that a wide outlook in music could be obtained. Dr. Phillips regretted that German Lieder was so seldom heard as this comprised some of the most beautiful vocal music. Another matter was the question of musical lectures. ‘These could well be included in the programmes ou the lines of those at present appearing on ihe programmes in England. ‘These lectures could be given by recoguised authorities and might with advantage be illustrated with excerpts from the composer’s works. However, he felt that it would not be advisable to projong such lectures beyond forty-five minutes as the interest of the average listener had to be maintained. The societies should not regard the retdering of assistance on these lines from a restricted viewpoint, but should be prepared to assist the furtherance of musical app.‘eciation through the miedium of radio broadcasting as well as by means of their own organisations. ‘he remarks and lectures from examiners visiting the citv should prove a valuable adjunct and comment from these gentlemen on the ability of candidates offering for examination would be invaluable to those concerted. Value of Orchestras. Mr. C. B. Plummer agreed with Dr. Phillips’s remarks concerning orchestras and considered that orchestral ac-, companiments to vocal operatic rendi-

tions by quartets and double quartets should be aimed at. Mr. Bellingham pointed out that the company had already completed arrangeiments with the leading periormers of Wellington to iorm an orchestia for ZYA. However, whilst appreciating Mr. Plummer’s suggestion regarding accompaniments for operas, the difficulty was to secure orchestral parts tor this class of work. It would be necessary for manuscript orchestrations to be made and some of these were already in hand. Mr. ly. If. Lambert said that an orchestra on the lines of that arranged at Wellington was a distinct edvance, and although the 2YA orchestra would at the outset comprise ten performers this would be quite sufficient to faithfully interpret the class of music referred to. This was ainply borne out by the small orchestras at present recording for the gramophone companies. He thought the societies were indebted to the company for the opportunity offered in the contemplated forming of such a committec. Messrs. J. 1. Crawford and T. T. Garland considered the arramugement and presentation of studio programmes by their respective clubs would be a welcome adjunct, Mr. J. &. Montague mentioned the interest that would accrne to the dra matic societies and thought that the rendering of short pleys and sketches would add variety. Madame Irene Ainsley also touched ou the operatic aspect of the matter. Committee Formed. The chairman, Mr. Karl Atkinson, said that from the suggestions already heard the proposed committee would obviously be of immense henefit ty listeners the societies and the company. The folowing motion was then put fo the meeting and earried utiam: mously :- * ‘That this conference approve of the Radio Broadcasting Company’s proposals for the formation of a TYA musical and dramatic committee for the purpose of stimulating interest in musical and dramatic arts and that those present form themselves into a committee. The proposed constiution was then discussed in detail and carried by the committee, and it was decided that the first committee meeting be held on Friday, May 4. The general manager, Mr. A, R. Harris, thanked the delegates for their presence, and a vote of thanks to the chairman concluded a | very enthusiastic meeting.