given under the less pretentious title of “Rehearsal”. It was held in the Temperance Hall, and notwithstanding that additional accommodation had been provided, there were persons who were unable to obtain a seat. Those, however, who were fortunate enough to be present were evidently pleased with the performance, every piece being greeted with unstinted applause and four of them repeated by request. The programme consisted of about twenty selections, the first part sacred and the second part secular; the usual interval being employed by Mr. Warr in giving a terse but lucid exposition of Mr. Curwin’s sol-fa method, under which the local class had been trained. In this explanation the key-relationship, the measuring of time &c. were illustrated vocally by the conductor and by means of a “modulator” exhibited to the audience. The simplicity and truth of the system were further tested by the audience being initiated in first principles, and, subsequently by the performers themselves being required to sing at sight a piece of which they had no knowledge and which for the first time was placed before them. In the course of his remarks Mr. Warr observed that 47,000 persons were then being taught the new notation, and that such was the care bestowed on the selection of music that even the secular pieces always had a moral and elevating tendency. Its enobling influence had been the means of snatching many a one from debasing pursuits. He did not consider himself a professional teacher, but such as had been given to him he again gave to others that he might gladden their homes by inculcating a knowledge and love of music. He thanked the members of his class for the attention they had paid to their studies, and enumerated those whose proficiency entitled them to the Elementary Certificate.
Concerts.
The above described rehearsal was, in its true sense, an excellent concert by St. Leonards amateurs, together with a few persons from Hastings who had joined Mr. Warr’s class. There was also another band of vocalists in St. Leonards known by the title of the
St. Leonards Amateur Musical Union. On the 15th of February this well-trained association gave a concert in the Music Hall in aid of the Infirmary and Dispensary. There was a fashionable and numerous attendance, and the simple fact of there being five pieces encored may be taken as evidence of the gratification experienced by the audience. Mr. F. Thomson efficiently performed the duties of accompanyist and conductor, whilst the vocalists were Messrs. J. Skinner, J. Giles, jun., W. S. Tinley, H. Walter, E. Morfee, H. Phillips and H. Brett, jun. (for 38 years since a journalist and vocalist in New Zealand). These were assisted by Mr. Dean, of the Chichester Cathedral Choir. The programme was well selected and consisted of 22 pieces, among which were five of Hatton’s much admired part-songs, three of -
