Music 1957

1957 Magazine Report

The ancient Greek philosopher Plato, describing what he considered to be an ideal training for young people, attached particular importance to 2 subjects - music and physical training. Pursuance of these 2 subjects, he said, would inculcate a love of goodness and beauty along with moral and physical strength. It is certainly very doubtful whether any parents would send their children to a school where only these 2 subjects were taught; but conversely, a school where neither subject appeared on the timetable would not be a very good school. It is very often true to say that the “tone” of a school can be measured by the quality and extent of its music-making.

There are ample opportunities at Grange for boys to take part in musical activities either as instrumentalists, singers or listeners, and many do take advantage of the facilities available. For example, almost 40 boys are learning to play instruments at the school instrumental classes. It might be useful to mention here that we should be most grateful to receive from old boys and others gifts or loans of orchestral or brass band instruments.

The school orchestra is a small and select body. It is small because it is select. However, its numbers are growing, and as its members are rather on the young side, they are likely to remain with us for a year or two. At a concert given during the summer the orchestra played the Minuet and Trio movement from Haydn’s 104th Symphony.

The Music Club has held a number of meetings throughout the past year, mainly to listen to records. We have a very fine and extensive collection of records along with modern equipment for playing them. It is hoped to include more “live” concerts during the coming year.

Last but by no means least there is the choir. In the forefront at several important events of the school year, the choir is representative of the school and the school must to a certain extent be judged by the singing and general bearing of members of the choir.. The Jubilee celebrations brought with them a heavy programme for the choirs. On the Sunday afternoon at the Jubilee service the choir led the singing and gave a performance of Purcell’s fine verse anthem, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Only 2 days later came the Jubilee Speech Day at St George’s Hall at which the choir again played a prominent part. The 4-part choir sang again at the Carol Service, the trebles being joined by tenors and basses from the staff and senior boys. Some of the finest carol tunes come from France and 3 of the carols sung this year - “The Infant King,” “Whence is that goodly Fragrance” and “Ding dong merrily on high” - were set to French tunes, the latter being a 16th century dance tune. The main item, however, was not a carol but the chorus “And the Glory” from the Christmas music in Handel’s Messiah. It was given a “spirited rendering” and marked a fitting conclusion to the service.

The choir is hoping to go to Ilkley again this year to join battle with other choirs on the occasion of the Wharfedale Festival.

May we express a hope in conclusion that as many boys as possible in the school will take part in musical activities during the coming year and that they will find an increasing interest and enjoyment in making music and listening to it.