ENG-1990 — Page 383

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

In addition to the arena, this stadium also has badminton, squash, volleyball and basketball courts, table-tennis play areas, gymnasia and committee rooms. These ancillary facilities were utilised by some 146 780 people during the year.

Regional Council Venues

The Regional Council manages three major civic centres in Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun and three smaller ones in Yuen Long, North District and Tai Po.

Centrally located in the town centres, these civic centres are well served by public transport. Each major civic centre has a 1 400-seat multi-purpose auditorium designed for staging various types of performances, ranging from concerts to dramas. They are equipped with computerised lighting and sound equipment.

Each major centre also has a multi-purpose Cultural Activities Hall with a capacity for 300, designed for small-scale performances and film shows.

Other facilities provided in these civic centres include an exhibition hall, lecture rooms, conference rooms, music studios, dance studios, rehearsal rooms and practice rooms for public hire.

The three smaller civic centres provide facilities that include an 800-seat auditorium and rehearsal rooms.

Computerised Ticketing

The Urban Council's computerised ticketing system - URBTIX - has entered its seventh year of operation. Operating on an enhanced system, URBTIX provides ticketing services for presentations in Urban Council venues and presentations elsewhere by the Regional Council, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and other organisations.

A new URBTIX box office opened at the Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre in November, increasing the total number of outlets to 16. The Visual Display Units at these outlets have been replaced by new models, providing a clearer image to enhance ticket purchasing.

Music Office

The Music Office, which is a part of the Government Secretariat's Recreation and Culture Branch, plays an active role in providing instrumental music training and promoting interest in music among young people.

Music training classes for 3 500 young people aged from 6 to 23 were held in the eight music training centres. Under the Instrumental Music Training Scheme, 700 classes for both Western and Chinese music were run in the year. Aural and theory training were provided to complement instrumental tuition. Masterclasses and seminars were conducted by overseas visiting musicians, some of whom participated in the annual Music Camp which this year provided intensive music training for 273 young musicians in the attractive setting of Lei Yue Mun Park. The Music Office operates a low-cost hire purchase scheme which enables trainees to acquire their own instruments in an affordable way.

To provide orchestral and band experience, the Music Office manages several music groups composed of young trainees, including a symphony orchestra, five string or- chestras, five Chinese orchestras and seven symphonic bands. These groups and others staffed by instructors participated in the Music Office's programme of Music for the Millions, which mounted 291 concerts for a total audience of 150 000 in 1990.

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