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Response to a vision the first hundred years of the Nelson School of Music

By Shirley Tunnicliff Published by Nelson School of Music 1994.168p. hard cover $39.95

"The Nelson School of Music is unique in New Zealand's musical history". This opening sentence on the flap of the dust jacket of this book epitomizes the scope of this comprehensive survey not only of the School of Music but also the important part that music played in the cultural life of Nelson from the arrival of the early settlers right up to the present day.

The first two chapters deal with organized musical endeavour in the infant settlement, culminating in the formation of the Nelson Harmonic Society in 1860. 1893 was a crucial year in the history of music in Nelson, for it marked the arrival from Germany of Michael Balling who had been appointed conductor of the Harmonic Society. Balling made an indelible impact on Nelson's musical life and Mrs Tunnicliff has fittingly dedicated her book to his memory. Balling became a firm friend of J.H. Cock, an influential businessman and shipping agent. It was their mutual interest in mountaineering that led them both on an expedition to Mount Cook and, while weather-bound in a mountain hut, Balling elaborated to Cock his idea of establishing a school of music based on a smaller version of a German conservatorium. The plan appealed to Cock who arranged a public meeting upon their return to Nelson. The proposal was enthusiastically accepted by the audience and so was born the Nelson School of Music. In 1896 Balling returned to Europe, but the impetus which he had initiated led J.H. Cock and EG. Gibbs, Headmaster of Boys' Central School, with financial backing from Thomas Cawthron, to embark upon the construction of a building which would provide a concert chamber as well as teaching rooms. The building was opened in 1901 with Julius B. Lemmer as Principal. Lemmer's contribution is noteworthy for he remained Principal for 45 years, embracing a period during which the School felt the effect of financial stringencies caused by two World Wars and an economic depression.

A substantial bequest by Beatrice Kidson in 1961 enabled the School to expand its teaching facilities, but it was ten years before the new block, named the Beatrice Kidson Block, was opened.

One cannot but admire the depth of research which Mrs Tunnicliff has undertaken in writing this history. The references quoted at the conclusion of each chapter demonstrate the time that she has devoted in preparing a comprehensive yet very readable account of the history of this unique institution. Biographical notes covering principals, teachers and administrators are included as an appendix, together with a bibliography and a comprehensive index. Numerous illustrations and portraits enhance the text.

This book is the work of a dedicated historian.