RECREATION AND THE ARTS
Music training classes for 4010 young people aged from 6 to 23 were held in the eight music training centres located in various districts in the territory. Under the Instrumental Music Training Scheme, 790 classes for both Western and Chinese music were run in the year. Aural and theory training were provided to complement instrumental tuition. In addition, master classes and seminars were conducted by visiting overseas musicians, including Professor Phyllis Young on cello, Jeffrey Campbell on piano, the Carmina Quartet on chamber music, Robert Skelton on violin, and Antony Hopkins on music appreciation.
A musical instruments hire scheme enabled the trainees to acquire musical instruments for home practice at a small monthly rental. When the total sum paid meets the purchase cost, the instrument becomes the property of the trainee.
An integral part of the instrumental music training is orchestral and band training for trainees who have attained an acceptable standard. During the year, the office managed one youth symphony orchestra, five youth string orchestras, six youth Chinese orchestras, six youth symphonic bands and one children's symphonic band. The office has two instructors' orchestras, one Chinese and one Western, and two choirs. Whenever possible, the groups are given the opportunity for cultural exchange with visiting musicians as well as orchestras and bands.
The Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra, which is made up of the best talents in the Music Office, had a successful annual concert in April.
The office organises a programme of international music exchange to foster international understanding and to widen young musicians' horizons. Such activities provide local and overseas youth music groups with the chance to rehearse and perform together and an opportunity for cultural and musical exchange. In 1989, visiting youth groups included the New South Wales Conservatorium Chorale, the Long Island Youth Orchestra, the Hakata Girls' High School Wind Band, and the Narashino High School Wind Band.
In July, the 25-member Hong Kong Youth Strings went on a concert tour of California. This was the first time that young musicians from the Music Office had visited the United States. The group performed in Los Angeles, Palo Alto and San Francisco. The tour enabled the young cultural ambassadors to bring string music and friendship to American audiences.
Each summer the office organises a music camp to provide intensive music training for young people over a period of two weeks. This year, the camp was held at the Lei Yue Mun Park and over 400 young musicians were able to benefit from the expert tuition provided by eight musicians from China, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as to enjoy a programme of recreational and social activities.
Other activities included exhibitions of musical instruments, music lectures and music appreciation sessions. Music competitions were arranged with a number of local arts organisations and government departments. These activities are usually organised on a district basis, aiming at educating and cultivating new audiences in music performances.
A major activity of the Music Office is the Music for the Millions concert programme, which introduces music to new audiences. Concerts are given by the office instructors' orchestras, bands and ensembles in schools, playgrounds, hospitals, shopping malls and community halls. During the year, 261 concerts were staged for over 151 850 people.
Jockey Club Music Fund
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music Fund was set up in December 1979 with a donation of $10 million from the club for the promotion and development of music, dance and other
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