What Would They Think?

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 18, 14 November 1930, Page 8

What Would They Think?

"Students in Novel Programme UST over two years ago the Auckland Students’ Association was formed, and since then it has exerted an ingreasingly beneficial influence in the musical life of the Queen City. With a membership of thirty to forty, the association’s activities are most useful in character, holding every other Monday, during the season, an evening devoted to mutual study. All members take an active part in the meetings, which are given over to expositions of various aspects of piano theory, musical form, history, etc., with practical examples of various composers’ works. Special stress is laid on two-piano work, facilities of which are provided at the association’s rooms. The spirit of mutual help and sympathy permeates all, and the ranks of the association seem to contain nearly a hundred per cent. of live, aspiring musicians. The papers prepared and the demonstrations given at the gatherings reflect a seriousness of purpose that is refreshing in the present difficult times for music. Various prominent musicians who yisit Auckland have given the members every encouragement by advice and helpful talks, as have also leading local professional musicians. It seems a pity that the movement could not spread to other centres, which by affiliation might advance the cause of piano music generally. Much work, of course, falls on the president, Miss Joyce Parker, and the hon, secretary, Miss Reita Kennedy, but with the wholehearted support of the members their duties are rendered less onerous. The association is represented on the 1YA Musical and Dramatic Committee by Mr. Karl Atkinson. A feature of the recital to be broadcast by 1YA on Wednesday, November 19, will be some examples of two-piano work. inthe course of the programme the shades of Beethoven and Chopin will discuss the present state of music from an instructive and entertaining angle. The dialogue will be conducted by Messrs. Karl Atkinson and W. E. MeMichael. The vocalists will be Mr. W. BE. McMichael, Miss Winifred Hill, Miss Patti Schnackenberg, and Mr. Tom Copsey.