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RECREATION AND THE ARTS
academy receives a government subvention, it depends on private donations to continue its expansion programme. By September, the number of students enrolled in full-time ballet training was 27. The four-year curriculum provides training in classical ballet and other dance forms and in the history of dance. Scholarships are given by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club Music Fund and, since 1982, the Zonta Club; school graduates are auditioned for the company.
During the year, the company's professional dancers gave performances in schools, at various arts festivals, and at the City Hall.
Music Office
During 1982, more than 2 500 students were receiving weekly instrumental training under the auspices of the Recreation and Culture Department's Music Office. The office was established in 1977 to provide instrumental music training for young people, to promote and stimulate interest in music, and to encourage and assist in organising music activities in all districts. During 1982, the scope of its activities was further expanded, so that on average about 530 classes were conducted each week at the office's seven Music Centres, various schools and community centres.
Aural and theory training supplemented instrumental instruction, special training was provided for 32 talented young musicians, and master classes and seminars were conducted by visiting musicians. The office continued to consolidate and expand the training of youth orchestras, bands and choirs, and it now operates two youth symphony orchestras, six youth Chinese orchestras, five youth symphonic bands, seven choirs, a children's marching band and a trainees' string orchestra. Members attended weekly rehearsals and gave public performances during the year.
'Music for the Millions' concerts given by the Music Office instructors' orchestras, youth orchestras, bands and ensembles were held at various schools, playgrounds and community halls to introduce music to new audiences. During the year, 324 concerts were held for a combined audience of over 210 000 people.
The office continued to organise international exchange programmes and young musicians participated in music camps and festivals in the United Kingdom and Australia. The Third Hong Kong Youth Music Camp was held in the summer at St Stephen's College, Stanley. Over 300 young musicians including 20 overseas delegates participated, and 10 renowned overseas musicians joined the camp's faculty staff. The Fifth Hong Kong Youth Symphonic Band Festival was held in November.
Hong Kong Conservatory of Music
The Hong Kong Conservatory of Music provides professional training in Chinese and Western music. It offers a four-year diploma course for instrumental performers and teachers which includes instrumental training, the history and theory of music, and musicianship. Located at the Arts Centre, the conservatory has been providing full-time training since October 1978. There are presently 46 students enrolled in the conservatory and its first students graduated in July 1982.
Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club Music Fund
In December 1979, the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club donated $10 million to establish a non-statutory trust fund to promote and develop music, dance and other related activities. The music fund is administered by a board of trustees chaired by the Commissioner for Recreation and Culture and comprising eight members. Up to the end of 1982, grants and