Music

business of putting out and collecting service sheets; to the ever increasing band of servers, to Mrs. Wilson for washing and repairing the linen, and to Mrs. Nix and her helpers who have kept the Chapel beautiful with flowers; and of course to Keith Pemberton and the choir for all their loyal and devoted service? We do appreciate it so much.

May I end with a word of personal thanks to Arthur Ellery, David Cummin and the Head Master for their never failing support and en-

couragement.

N.H.K.-W.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

In past years, the produce brought for the Harvest Festival has been distributed amongst Clifton residents, notably those living in the Almshouses—but this year, some of the gifts were used for a party, held in the Sports Centre, for handicapped people It was such gifts as eggs, sandwich filling, and tinned food which were particularly welcome—and these were supplemented by cakes baked by masters' wives. In particular, we must thank Mrs. Shuttleworth for arranging all this catering—and for performing the necessary but unwelcome task of buttering the bread!

The party was held on the balcony, and for much of the time there was activity in the hall below, football, basketball and other sports; musical entertainment was provided by Howard Clough, Barry Creasy, Paddy Smith and Howard Gatiss—and the visitors were encouraged to sing along in "Mud, Mud". Apart from such obvious contributors, many others were involved in helping, by wheeling the old people from their cars, by transporting food from the Manor, by acting as waiters: and by washing up!

This was, I am sure, a very worthwhile way of using all the gifts for the Festival; the enjoyment of our visitors was evident not only from their thanks at the end of the evening, but also from the letter we received. Thanks again to all who helped (practically all the Manor, it seemed to me!) and particularly to Mrs. Shuttleworth for making the whole thing possible.

H.C.G

MUSIC

A strong intake of experienced trebles from St Olave's and the Song School promoted a suggestion that the Choir should combat the decline in use made of it by the establishment by voluntarily singing Choral Evensong on certain Wednesday afternoons. Rehearsals were held at 3.0 p.m. and Evensong sung at 4.0 p.m. The support for this was good and it enabled the repertoire of services and anthems to be kept alive; it is hoped to repeat the experiment during the Christmas and Easter terms next year.

The orchestral strings also received a good injection of new blood and this has had a stimulating effect, especially in the creation of a chamber music string group (now known as the Petrus Ensemble) who have played under the direction of Mr. Finch. The remainder of the 20

strings have been strong enough to rehearse separately and this has enabled useful basic training to be undertaken.

The wind group was not so fortunate in its new members and has relied more on the experience of boys in their '0' level year, some of whom have provided a good demonstration of the sense in keeping instrumental work going through this difficult year and of the relaxation it can afford. However, in deference to the exams, we did not take a brass group to the Minster for the St. Peter's Procession.

In the Christmas term, Iolanthe was rehearsed and performed with enjoyment, choruses and principals all contributing to a fine spectacle. The House Singing Competition took place at half term and while it undoubtedly proved entertaining and created some House spirit, its actual musical value from a competitive aspect was suspect. Gone are the days when each house would produce a prescribed unison song, an unaccompanied song in four part harmony and a small instrumental ensemble. A suggestion that the entertainment value of the event should be increased at the expense of the competitive in the manner of the House Plays has been discussed and may reshape next year's performance.

During the Easter Term the go ahead was received for the purchase of a new grand piano for the Hall. The project, which had existed as a pipe dream for some years, was brought nearer by the suggestion that a memorial to Freddie Waine should take this form. In the end it was decided to associate the name of this oustanding Director of Music with the Music Scholarship awarded to new boys, but the piano was also to be purchased. The delivery of the new instrument took place during the period already heavily booked for House plays and Trial Exams so there was little opportunity to hear it. At the beginning of the Summer Term several piano pupils gave a recital, and later, an outside recitalist, Dorothea Law, gave an impressive demonstration of the instrument's potential. The Music Prize Competition also produced some good piano playing, and it was noticeable how much more sympathetically strings and woodwind could be accompanied.

In the Minster we sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic to mark the coincidence of our St. Peter's Procession with the American Independence Bicentenary celebration, and the year ended with a concert in the last week of term, socially so desirable, but what a problem! '0' and `A' exams, moving of desks, timing rehearsals, the heat, and an unexpected bonus problem—the visit of the Associated Board examiner on the same day!

K.R.P.

The following successes have been obtained in Associated Board

exams during the year. (Pass, unless otherwise indicated).

Name Grade Instrument P. V. Aagaard 1 Piano 4 Cello 5 Theory

M. B. Anderson 5 Violin Merit 5 Theory

C. R. Bird 5 Violin

C. A. F. Brown 4 Piano

J. E. A. Brown R. D. E. Brown 3 Trombone 4 Piano