The Adult Education Board (AEB) country tours were a pioneering regional outreach initiative managed by the University of Western Australia (UWA). Operating at their peak from the 1930s through the 1960s, these tours brought high-quality lectures, theatrical productions, classical music concerts, and films to remote outback towns and agricultural communities across Western Australia. They served as a vital cultural lifleline for rural communities that were otherwise isolated from metropolitan cultural hubs.
In the 1930s, the UWA Adult Education Board established the “Box Scheme”. This program sent boxes of books and accompanying educational notes written by UWA academics via the state’s railway network to rural study groups. This structural network laid the foundation for physical travelling tours.
Following World War II, under the leadership of directors like Hew Roberts, the AEB significantly expanded its geographical reach. It introduced the “Music for Everyone” spring tours, which sent renowned classical musicians and vocalists to regional halls.
1950
Jack Harrison went on Adult Education Tours in the Country to: Moora, Carnamah, Geraldton, Morowa, Goomalling and Wongan Hills representing this year’s State finalists in the A.B.C. vocal and concerto competition.
ABC Winner On Tour
Miss Elise Longwill, of Claremont, winner of the vocal section of the Australia wide concerto and vocal competition, who returned from Sydney on Friday, left Perth today on a tour of the wheat belt. On tour with her are clarinettist Jack Harrison and pianist Flora Bunning and Adult Education Assistant Director J. Birman. Their first recital will be given tonight at Moora, after which they will go to Carnamah, Geraldton, Morawa, Goomalling and Wongan Hills. The tour, which will end on Saturday night, will be the first of three tours by these artists under the auspices of the Adult Education Board.
The Daily News Monday 10 July 1950 page 2
MOORA
EVERYMAN’S MUSIC RECITAL
Those citizens of Moora Who are Interested In the cultural advancement of the district, owe a debt of gratitude to the Adult Education Board of W.A. for giving them the opportunity to hear artists of such excellence as Flora Bunning. Elise Longwill and Jack Harrison. A representative group of people were present and they made up in enthusiasm for the many empty seats. The highlight musically speaking, of the evening, was undoubtedly Miss Flora Bunnings brilliant interpretation of the Etude in C Minor (Chopin). Probably the majority of her listeners would find it difficult to analyse accurately the course of their excessive enjoyment and appreciation. Miss Bunning’s beautiful legato playing, of the famous D flat Major Nocturne (Chopin) was greatly marred (in the opinion of the writer) by the untunefulness of the pianoforte. The untunefulness was not so apparent in either Debussy Arabesque or the modern Spanish where the clearness and neatness of the rapid passages masked the deficiencies of the instrument. Forest Murmurs (Liszt) and Unfinished Waltz, completed the player’s solo list. Miss Bunning showed herself as an admirable ensemble player in association with Miss Elise Longwill and Mr. Jack Harrison. The concerted numbers were very happily conceived, particularly pleasing being the Shepherd on the Rock by Schubert. Miss Longwill delighted us with her group of Early English Songs in the first part of the programme. The group of modern songs in the second part were also well received.
Mr. Jack Harrison (Clarinettist) in the opinion of the writer had by far the hardest task. He gave a very pleasing performance, despite the difficulty of playing with a piano of uncertain tunefulness. The Weber Concertino Opus 26 was very successfully played; also the Nocturne in E flat major (Chopin). The Debussy, however, was his star performance. A lovely bit of musicianship all round, composer, player and accompanist. Altogether, the concert, was one to be remembered in the “mind’s-ear” for many a day, worthy of a much larger audience and a much better piano —Ruth Krieg. The North Midland Times (Moora) Thursday 20th July 1950 page 4
Tuesday 11th July 1950 (Jack in Carnamah)
Recital at Carnamah – Talented Visiting Artists – ENTHUSIASTIC HOUSE
Three gifted artists in Miss Elise Longwill (soprano), Miss Flora Bunning (pianist) and Mr. Jack Harrison (clarinettist) presented a programme —rich in sparkling gems—under the auspices of the Adult Education Board to an appreciative audience last Tuesday night at Carnamah. Fresh from her triumph in Sydney, where she won the final in the vocal section of the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s concerto and vocal competition for 1950, Miss Longwill left the impression that she has a successful career in front of her. She has talent, youth and an unspoiled personality. Her voice is strikingly melodious, with an enunciation so perfect that not a word was lost to anyone. She soared to the top notes with the ease of a lark and like that eminent personality of the concert platform (Peter Dawson) on his last tour in Western Australia showed with songs which were in English that there is a charm in them too often overlooked in the past by those who made foreign compositions a fetish. Only twenty-three years of age, Miss Longwill has already achieved distinction in her profession. Although born in Liverpool, she came to Australia when but four years old and is entitled to regard herself as “a dinkum Aussie.” Jack Harrison first saw the light of day eighteen years ago in Nedlands. He demonstrated that he is a clarinettist of unusual promise. When voice, clarinet and piano were combined he showed an admirable appreciation of all that was required of him, with delicacy, restraint and brilliance wherever needed. The maturity in the art of Miss Flora Bunning was quickly apparent with a confident and understanding approach to her numbers, she soon had the audience captivated, her nimble fingers as they flew over the keyboard plucking the notes forth with a dexterity which had the hallmark of fine musicianship. The left hand work was especially admirable and, whether in the subdued passages or in the sprightly, she was unfailingly effective It was an evening with many enjoyable features and the visitors must have found it a pleasure, too, to discover such. manifest appreciation of their ability. Enthusiasm is contagious and it was clearly in evidence both amongst the audience and artists on Tuesday night. The Irwin Index (Mingenew) Saturday 15 July 1950 page 1
Wednesday 12th July 1950 (Jack in Geraldton)
Geraldton Top of Form- Fine Town Hall Recital – Talented Visiting Artists – ENTHUSIASTIC HOUSE
With the co-operation of the Geraldton Music-Lovers’ Club, the Adult Education Board was responsible in the Geraldton Town Hall last night for the presentation of a recital which will live long in memory. Three gifted artists in Miss Elise Longwill (soprano), Miss Flora Bunning (pianist) and Mr. Jack Harrison (clarinettist) presented a programme rich in sparkling gems. Although the house was on the thin side, its enthusiasm was in inverse proportions to its numerical strength, its warm-hearted appreciation bringing the visitors back for encores. Fresh from her triumph in Sydney, where she won the final in the vocal section of the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s concerto and vocal competition for 1950, Miss Longwill left the impression that she has a successful career in front, of her. She has talent, youth, and an unspoiled personality. Her voice is strikingly melodious, with an enunciation so perfect that not a word was lost in the back rows of the Town Hall last night. She soared to the top notes with the ease of a lark, and like that eminent personality of the concert platform (Peter Dawson) on his last tour in Western Australia showed with songs which were all in English that there is a charm in them too often overlooked in the past by those who made foreign compositions a fetish. Her first four numbers were by seventeenth century composers, with words by William Shakespeare in three of them ; in the second half — again with admirable deportment and facile accomplishment — she submitted three songs by contemporary composers. The initial bracket comprised ‘It was a Lover and his Lass’ (Morley), ‘When Daisies Pied’ (Arne), ‘It Attempt From Love’s Sickness’ (Purcell) and ‘Where the Bee Sucks (Arne) and the latter group ‘Sing, Break Into Song’ (Mallinson), ‘Cloths of Heaven’ (Dunhill) and ‘Five Eyes’ (Gibbs), while an ever popular number in ‘The Road to the Isles’ was sung as an encore. Only twenty-three years of age, Miss Longwill has already achieved distinction in her profession. Although born in Liverpool, she came to Australia when but four years old and is entitled to regard herself as ‘a dinkum Aussie,’
Jack Harrison first saw the light of ‘day eighteen years ago in Nedlands. He began his contributions to the programme with a Weber selection (Concertino, Op. 26) last night and soon demonstrated that he is a clarinettist of unusual promise. When voice, clarinet and piano were combined at the close of the opening half in ‘The Shepherd on the Rock’ (Schubert), he showed an admirable appreciation of all that was required of him, with delicacy, restraint and brilliance wherever needed. Beginning the second half of the delightful programme, he submitted the Nocturne in E Flat Major (Chopin), ‘Fantaisie Miniature’ (Paquot) and ‘The Little Nigger’ (Debussy) with ‘On Wings of Song’ (Mendelssohn) as an encore. Miss Bunning, Miss Longwill and Mr. Harrison at the close offered ‘Bird Songs at Eventide’ (Coates) and ‘The Pipes of Pan’ (Lehar), the last named proving one of the outstanding successes of the evening. (The final verse was again given to a delighted house as an encore). The maturity in the art of Miss Flora Bunning was quickly apparent. With a confident and understanding approach to her numbers, she soon had the audience captivated, her nimble fingers as they flew over the keyboard plucking the notes forth with a dexterity which had the hallmark of fine musicianship. The left hand work was especially admirable and, whether in the subdued passages or in the sprightly, she was unfailingly effective. She opened with Chopin’s Study in A Flat Major before going on to two further Chopin numbers in the Nocturne in D Flat Major and the Etude in C Minor Revolutionary Study, giving Liszt’s ‘Forgotten Waltz’ as an encore. In the second half Miss Bunning was again in high favor with ‘Arabesque’ (Debussy) and ‘Concert Allegro’ (Granados). The last named was particularly impressive and in response to sustained applause the artist played ‘Clair de Lune’ (Debussy). It was aa evening with many enjoyable features and the visitors must have found it a pleasure, too, to discover such manifest appreciation of their ability. Enthusiasm is contagious and it was clearly in evidence both amongst the audience and artists last night. Geraldton Guardian Thursday 13 July 1950 page 5
Thursday 13th July 1950 Jack in Morawa
Thursday, 13th July, 1950, At 8.15 p.m. MORAWA TOWN HALL
MAKE SURE OF YOUR SEAT – For a Magnificent Concert – Three Brilliant Artists: ELISE LONGWILL, Soprano (1950 Winner of A.B.C. Concerto and Vocal Competition), JACK HARRISON, Clarinettist (Finalist 1950 A.B.C. Competition), FLORA RUNNING, Pianist. Box Plan at Smith’s Pharmacy, Res 4/- ; At Doors 2/6. (No Tax), Children 1 6 to all parts of Hall. Direction :—ADULT EDUCATION BOARD. Greenough Sun Thursday 6 July 1950 page 5
Friday 14th July 1950 Jack in Goomalling
Celebrity Artists For Goomalling
A number of activities is planned this year by the Adult Education Board for country centres. The Acting Director of Adult Education (Mr. John Birman) announced in Perth that his Board is going to present to country centres a series of concerts and recitals and ballet performances in the next few months, which will bring the standard of amenities in country areas up to that prevailing in Perth. This expansion of policy in bringing good music and excellent entertainment to country people was made possible partly by the generous Contribution of the State Government, which voted a certain amount of money for this purpose. Mr. Keith George, of the Linley Wilson School of Dancing and Ballet, has just completed a preliminary tour of northern towns, during which he investigated the state of the stages and the existing facilities for the purpose of presenting the ballet group which will be touring the area late in August and early in September. Of immediate interest to the people of Goomalling is the forthcoming visit of three brilliant Perth artists, two of whom have recently successfully competed in the annual vocal and concerto competition conducted by the ABC. The party, consisting of Miss Elise Longwill, soprano (the winner of this year’s competition), Jack Harrison, clarinettist (a finalist), and Miss Flora Bunning, the well-known Perth pianist, will give a concert at Goomalling on Friday, July 14. Box plan. is open at Garnet Royal’s, and it is hoped that this and other activities will meet with the full support of the public. Local arrangements are made by a committee acting on behalf of the Adult Education Board, and all inquiries should be sent to Miss B. Hymus. Goomalling Gazette Thursday 13 July 1950 page 2
Saturday 15th July Jack in Wongan Hills – end of tour
Wongan Hills Hall at 8.15pm – MAKE SURE OF YOUR SEAT – For a Magnificent Concert – Three Brilliant Artists: ELISE LONGWILL, Soprano (1950 Winner of A.B.C. Concerto and Vocal Competition), JACK HARRISON, Clarinetist (Finalist 1950 A.B.C. Competition), FLORA RUNNING, Pianist. Box Plan at Pelham’s Newsagency. Res. 4/ at door 2/6 (no tax). Children 1/6 to all parts of hall. Wongan-Ballidu Budget Thursday 6 July page 2
From Monday 23rd October 1950 Jack Harrison toured to country centres under the auspices of the Adult Education Board and was accompanied on piano by and Stephanie James and vocalist Pamela Flower.
COUNTRY MUSIC TOUR
Three well-known local artists will leave on Monday on a tour of country towns under the auspices of the Adult Education Board. They are Miss Stephanie James, pianist, Miss Pamela Flower, soprano, and Mr. Jack Harrison, clarinettist. The assistant-director of Adult Education (Mr. John Birman) said yesterday that towns to be visited would include Harvey, Balingup, Donnybrook, Busselton, Boyup Brook, Kojonup, Katanning and Pingelly. This would be the last of a series of concerts in country districts presented by the board during this year. Afternoon, performances for children would be given, in conformity with the board’s policy to arrange concerts for schoolchildren whenever possible, Mr. Birman said.
The West Australian Saturday 21 October 1950 page 8
Tuesday October 24 1950 – Harvey – Outstanding Trio Of Artists
An outstanding trio of artists will present a concert at Harvey on Tuesday, October 24, under the auspices of the Adult Education Board. They are Miss Stephanie James, pianist, brilliant young West Australian, who has just returned home from overseas studies; Miss Pamela Flower, soprano, who is this year’s winner of the West Australian section of the Mobil Quest competition and who performed last year as soloist with the Perth Symphony Orchestra; and last, but not least, a very outstanding young man, Jack Harrison, who is well known throughout the State for his ability as a clarinet player. Mr. Harrison was this year’s State finalist in the A.B.C. vocal and concerto competition. There will be a school matinee in the afternoon.
Harvey-Murray Times Friday 29 September 1950 page 2
WEDNESDAY 25 OCTOBER 1950 – BALINGUP
A letter from the Adult Education Board which was read at the fast meeting of the CWA at Balingup intimated that there “was an opportunity of providing Balingup with a concert on Wednesday, 25th October. Three excellent Western. Australian artists will be making the trip and will include Miss Pamela Flower, soprano, this year’s winner of the WA division of the mobile quest competition. Jack Harrison, clarinettist, the finalist of this year’s ABC Vocal and Concerto competition and Miss Stephanie James who has just returned home from extensive studies abroad. There will be one evening performance and one afternoon performance for the children.
Blackwood-Warren Sentinel Thursday 5 October 1950 page 6
Thursday October 26 1950 – DONNYBROOK
The Adult Education Board advised that their next visit to Donnybrook with a group of artists would be on Thursday, October 26. The visiting group would include Pamela Flower, soprano; Jack Harrison, clarionetist; with Stephanie James, pianist. The secretary reported that the hall had been booked and preliminary arrangements made.
South Western times Thursday 28 September 1950 page 2
DONNYBROOK EDUCATION BOARD RECITAL
Visit Of Talented West Australian Artists Under the direction of the Adult Education Board Donnybrook was given the opportunity last Thursday to hear three brilliant West Australian artists, Miss Stephanie James (pianist), Miss Pamela Flower (soprano) and Mr Jack Harrison (clarinettist). The programme presented was well chosen, this being evident by the warm reception it received from a fairly large audience. Most gratifying to the local committee was the enthusiastic comments made by those who were fortunate to be present. This augurs well for the future. Mr. Jack Harrison opened the programme with Weber’s Concertino Op. 26 His control of tone and well rounded phrasing at once gave evidence of his ability. Worthy of note was the tonal work in the sustained passages of the slow movements. Later he was heard in “Hymn to the Sun” (Rimsky-Korsakov) Arabesque, an adaptation from Debussy’s No. 2 Prelude and Anita’s Dance from the Peer Gynt Suite by Grieg. Concluding both halves of the programme the voice, clarinet j and piano were heard together in “The Thrush” (Harrhy), “Bird Songs at Eventide” (Coates), “By the Waters of Minnetonka” (Lieurance), “Pipes of Pan” (Monckton). This could have been improved if the clarinet obligato was arranged and not merely the subtraction of certain passages from the piano accompaniment. Mention must be made of Miss James as the accompanist. At all times she was able to catch the mood and tempo of the soloists which is no mean feat. Her ability is remarkable. At the conclusion of the concert members of the local committee of the Adult Education Board entertained the artists at supper. Both Mr. Newton, the Adult Education Board representative and Miss Stephanie James, the leader of the artists thanked the committee. Among the audience were noticed the chairman of the Preston Road Board, Mr. J. K. Kirkpatrick and Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Mr. and Mrs. Newman (Lowden), Mr. and Mrs. R. Skinner, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Brockman, Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Skinner (Lowden), Mr. R. Trevena and Miss Trevena, Mr. A. O. W. Knight, Mr. L. Miller, Mr. T. V. Finch, Mr. and Mrs. L. Mortlock, Mr. and Mrs. G. V. Mitchell, Mrs. A. C. Fenn.
The Preston Mail and District Advocate Thursday 2 November 1950 page 3
THURSDAY October 26 1950 – CONSUMMATE ARTISTRY – Young Westralians Please – DONNYBROOK
A greatly improved patronage was afforded the Adult Education Board’s recital on Thursday evening last when the programme was presented by three brilliant young West Australian artists. The interest now being displayed in what the A.E.B. designates Everyman’s Music is most heartening to the committee which has undertaken the local arrangements. In this respect a word of thanks is due to Mr. Frank Arbuthnott who prepared an ideal stage setting, with the requisite lighting, and to Mr. L. J. Mortlock who made a new Mignon piano, from his showroom, available for the occasion. The visiting party paid glowing tributes to the way they had been received in Donnybrook and of the arrangements
made for the concert presentation. The local Adult Education Committee entertained Misses James and Flower and Messrs. Harrison and Newton (manager) at supper at the conclusion of the entertainment. During the afternoon a short matinee performance was given to about two hundred and fifty children drawn from the Donnybrook schools and the young folk evinced keen appreciation in the fare presented, especially when the mouth organ was produced by Jack Harrison. A pleasing feature of the afternoon was the way the children joined in singing the National Anthem.
The evening opened with Jack Harrison performing the clarinet solo part of Concertino Op. 26 (Weber), Stephanie James explaining that the Concertino was originally written to be played with orchestra. The clarinet was heard to good advantage in slow sustained passages and fingering left little to be desired. The first half of the programme concluded with concerted numbers for voice, clarinet and piano. This was particularly pleasing work, the numbers being “The Thrush” (Edith Harrhy) and “Bird Songs at Eventide” (Eric Coates) , the voice and clarinet harmonising to good effect. Jack Harrison again opened after the interval, choosing “Hymn To The Sun” (Rimsky- Korsakov), “Arabesque” (Debussy) and “Anita’s Dance” (Grieg). Here again the tone was beautiful and brought the audience to its toes. The programme concluded with another concerted group by the voice, clarinet and piano. These numbers “By The Waters Of Minnetonka” (Thurlow Lieurance) and “Pipes Of Pan” (Monckton) lent themselves admirably to the co-ordination of voice and clarinet. For the whole programme sympathetic accompaniments were given by Stephanie James. Thanks To Adult Education Board At the conclusion of the programme Mr. A. C. Frost, provisional chairman of the Donnybrook Adult Education Board Committee, on behalf of the audience, thanked the A.E.B. and the artists for the excellent programme given. Speaking on behalf of the committee he thanked the audience for their splendid response and voiced thanks to Mr. Len Mortlock for the loan of the new piano for the concert. He also expressed the hope that it would be possible to bring other artists and bigger ventures to Donnybrook. One of the requisites for more ambitious programmes was a concert grand piano and the Proton Road Board had now set in motion a proposition to purchase such an instrument for the hall. Previous generations, he said, were long sighted enough to provide a big hall and a stage of requisite size and now support from the Donnybrook people could make the completion of the whole project possible. Replying, Mr. Newton said that it was most heartening to the artists to receive such a warm reception and to have such a satisfactory setting prepared for which to give the concert. He went on to congratulate the Donnybrook civic fathers on their foresight and wisdom in securing a beautiful instrument for their hall. He promised that the A.E.B. would do everything possible to send programmes that will measure to the standard that is being set, mentioning the new State Symphony Orchestra. Finally, Mr. Newton thanked the committee for the setting they had provided on the stage for this concert\ as it was very rarely that the stage is well set and he felt sure that Mr. Arnott’s attention to these details had brought out the very best from the artists. He concluded by saying that the children’s audience at that afternoon’s matinee had been a credit to the parents of Donnybrook.
South Western Times (Bunbury) Thursday 2 November 1950 page 2
FRIDAY 27 October 1950 – BUSSELTON EVERYMAN’S MUSIC RECITAL – POPULAR VISITING ARTISTS
The programme presented in the Regal Theatre last Friday night by the artists, Stephanie James (pianiste), Pamela Flower (soprano) and Jack Harrison (clarinettist) proved to be one of the most popular and enjoyable Busselton has yet heard. The youth and charm of the performers appealed instantly to the audience, while the sincerity and quality of their work revealed them as musicians of high calibre. In turn, the warmth and appreciation of the audience inspired the artists, so that in such a pleasant, atmosphere, it was not surprising that the hours tied all too quickly. The programme opened with Weber’s Concertino, played by Jack Harrison, very ably accompanied by Stephanie James, who described. the piece beforehand as a small concerto. Jack Harrison’s artistry and tone were displayed again later in Rimsky Korsakov’s “Hymn to the Sun,” Debussy’s “Arabesque” and Grieg’s “‘Anitra’s Dance.” The three artists combined most effectively in two groups, one at the end of the first half of the programme and the other at the conclusion. So enjoyable was this combination, with the blending of the clarinet, voice and piano, that, the audience demanded an encore. On Friday afternoon, the children of the State School and Busselton Convent attended a short concert given by the visiting artists. Judging from the warmth of the applause the children enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
The South Western News (Busselton) Thursday 2 November 1950 page 5
Saturday October 28 1950 – Celebrity Concert At Boyup Brook
On October 28, under the auspices of the Boyup Brook Chamber of Commerce, the Adult Education Board included Boyup Brook in its itinerary and gave two hours of delightful instrumental and vocal recital. Those who were unable to attend are to be sympathised with for missing a musical treat which will long be remembered by those fortunate enough to be there. At conclusion the recital, two dainty posies of roses were handed to the lady artists by Mr. R. U Graham, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, after which Mr. B. Ryan, on behalf of the Chamber and residents of the district thanked the Director, Mr. B. Newton, the artists and the Adult Education Board for the recital. He expressed the appreciation of the real music loving section of the community and hoped the Education Board would always include Boyup Brook in its future itineraries. In responding, Mr. Newton said the Board would always include Boyup Brook in its itineraries. He emphasised how pleased he, and the artists were with the reception they had received, and made special comment on the decorations of the stage with flowers from local gardens, which he and the artists regarded as a special token of artistic appreciation. After the recital, he and the artists, accompanied by Members of the Chamber of Commerce and a few friends were entertained at “Blackwood” the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Graham, to a delightful supper, at conclusion of which Mr. Newton thanked the host and hostess for their hospitality. At conclusion of supper, Mr. Harrison was persuaded to bring out his mouth organ, on which instrument he is one of Australia’s most outstanding artists, he gave two excellently rendered numbers which showed his ability with that instrument as well as with the clarinet. Noticeable features of the Director and the Artists were their sociability. They enjoyed themselves just as much as those present enjoyed their company. It was a happy conclusion to a pleasant evening and musical feast. On Sunday they, were taken on a tour round the district by Members of the Chamber of Commerce and by invitation were the guests to afternoon tea at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ritson. They were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Graham as host and hostess and Mr. and Mrs. A.T, Smith-Ryan. On the Monday they gave a morning concert to scholars from the Boyup Brook, Chowerup and Greenbushes schools in the Boyup Brook Town Hall. Over three hundred scholars were there.
Blackwood – Warren Sentinel (Bridgetown) Thursday 9 November 1950 page 1
ARTISTS ENTERTAINED – Saturday October 28 1950
The president of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr. R. L. Graham) and Mrs. Graham invited members of the Chamber of Commerce and their wives to a supper party at their home on Saturday evening last in honour of concert artists Miss Stephanie James, Miss Pamela Flower and Mr. Jack Harrison and Mr. Newton, of the Adult Education Board. An enjoyable supper was served, after which Mr. Jack Harrison favoured the guests with several mouth organ solos, accompanied by Miss James at the piano. On behalf of the artists, Mr. Newton thanked Mr. and Mrs. Graham for their informality and help in making the party such a success. Among those present were: The secretary (Mr. W. Bainbridge) and Mrs. Bainbridge, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Cummins, Mr. and Mrs. F. Proctor, Mr. and Mrs. A. Smith-Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. V. Randell, Mr. B. 0. Ryan, Miss J. Graham and Mr. E. Godfrey, Mr. P. Scammel and Mr. and Mrs. W. Drown. On Sunday Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Graham and Mr. and Mrs. A. Smith-Ryan took Miss James, Miss Flower and Mr. Harrison touring around the district and later, by invitation, they visited the farm of Mr. and Mrs. F. Ritson and had afternoon tea.
The Blackwood Times (Greensbushes) Friday 3 November 1950 page 8
Monday 30 October 1950 at 8.15pm – KOJONUP MEMORIAL HALL
TUESDAY, 31st OCTOBER, 1950 at 8.15 p.m. in the – KATANNING TOWN HALL
MAKE SURE AND BOOK YOUR SEATS FOR THE CONCERT Featuring three Brilliant young West Australian Artists. STEPHANIE JAMES (Pianist) (First Public appearance after return from abroad), PAMELA FLOWER (Soprano) ,(West Australian Finalist Mobil Quest Competition), JACK HARRISON (Clarinettist) (West Australian Finalist A.B.C. Concerto Competition).
Box plan at Blythe’s Newsagency; Box plan at Barkley & Gilbert’s. Prices: 4/- (No Tax); Children, 1/6 anywhere Direction : Adult Education Board.
The Great southern Herald (Katanning) Friday 20 October 1950 page 4
CONCERT ARTISTS AT KATANNING – PROGRAMME TO BE PRESENTED ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 31
The Adult Education Board has advised that three concert artists will be presenting a programme at the Katanning Town Hall on Tuesday, October 3. The artists are all well-known in musical circles and their visit to Katanning will be welcomed. The third artist is also a West Australian, who has advanced very well in the musical world. He is Jackie Harrison who, since a very small lad, has been broadcasting over all stations. Mr. Harrison plays several instruments but is visiting Katanning as a clarinettist on this occasion. He is now only 20, but is the proud leader of his own dance band in Perth. He is perhaps better known among the younger people for his success in the jazz band contests in Perth each year. His twin sister plays the piano and his family in general are very musical.
The Great southern Herald (Katanning) Friday 6 October 1950 page 2
KATANNING ADULT EDUCATION CONCERT – DELIGHTFUL PROGRAMME PRESENTED AT KATANNING
Sponsored by the Adult Education Board, three concert artists presented a delightful programme of great appeal at the Katanning Town Hall on Tuesday. Miss Stephanie James, who is well known in Katanning and who recently returned from further studying abroad, is regarded as one of the most promising pianists in Western Australia. Complementary with the other artists, Miss James showed her skill as a component artist and, as a soloist, played with great sensitivity and understanding Miss Pamela Flower’s chief quality was the delicate and restrained manner in which she handled the work she had chosen. Her stage presence was remarkable for one so young. Jack Harrison has had a meteoric rise to fame as a clarinet virtuoso and gave an unusual selection which was greatly appreciated. The choice of programme was ideally suited for the audience to which it was presented and evidence of its appeal was obvious through out. PIANO NEEDED IN KATANNING At the conclusion of the “presentation, Mr. B. Newton of the Adult Education Board, expressed the appreciation of the artists for the reception they had received at Katanning. He thanked particularly Miss Rae Ricket, and those who had assisted her, for making the local arrangements for the concert and for stage decorations. In thanking Miss Russell, headmistress of “Kobeelya,” for the loan of a piano, Mr. Newton considered it possible that presentations of Adult Education concerts at Katanning might increase in the future, in which case a good piano would he required at the Town Hall. He stated that a small local authority, not very far from Katanning, had recently purchased for its town hall a £900 instrument.
The Great Southern Herald (Katanning) Friday 3 November 1950 page 2
PINGELLY WEDNESDAY NOV 1 and NOV 2 1950
Miss Pamela Flower (soprano), this year’s W.A. finalist in the Mobil Quest competition; Jack Harrison, Clarinettist (finalist in the A.B.C. vocal and concerto competition), Miss Stephanie James, pianist (just returned from studies aboard), are to visit Pingelly under the auspices of the Adult Education Board). The Pingelly Committee finalised arrangements early this week for the visit of these outstanding artists, who are to combine in a Music-Song Recital in the Pingelly Town Hall on Wednesday evening, November 1, and a special programme for district school children, on Thursday morning, November 2. Residents of Pingelly, Brookton and surrounding districts will learn with pleasure of this visit by such well-known and highly rated artists and -at the same time will accord a measure of appreciation to those resi- dents responsible for the arrangements. The box plan will open shortly at the Pingelly Newsagency and further details will be given later.
Pingelly Brookton Leader Thursday 5 October 1950 page 2
Pingelly Adult Education Board – Visit of Outstanding Artists. – Wednesday 1st NOVEMBER
It must have been a disappointment to those residents responsible for the visit to this centre on Wednesday evening of last week three such brilliant artists as Miss Stephanie James (pianist), Miss Pamela) Flower (soprano), and Mr. Jack Harrison (clarionetist), that the Everyman’s Music Recital in which these three artists took part should have been accorded such relatively poor patronage. The Adult Education Board, under the auspices of which the recital was made possible, is commended for its efforts in bringing top ranking artists to rural centres and when a town of the size of Pingelly is privileged to participate in these tours, it is regrettable that the audience is not as large as it should be. Those who attended Wednesday evening’s concert were indeed fortunate, for the performance of the artists was really excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Mr. Jack Harrison fully retained, if not enhanced, his reputation with delightful renditions on his clarionet.
Pingelly – Brookton Leader Thursday 9 November 1950 page 2
ADULT EDUCATION CONCERT ENJOYED – Wednesday 1st NOVEMBER
Although the attendance at the Everyman’s Music Recital on Wednesday night last, was perhaps, a little disappointing, those who went along thoroughly enjoyed the program submitted by the three Adult Education Board artistes. Fortunately, there were sufficient patrons present to warrant a return at a later date of a similar program, which according to the manager, Mr. E. Newton, would be available in the near future. Many people attended, thinking that all the, music played would be of a classical level well above the heads of the ordinary layman. They were, however, very-agreeably surprised, to find that the majority of the program was well known and those songs which were not so well known were so well presented that they were usually as well enjoyed. Mr. Jack Harrison, who commenced the program with Concertino On. 26 by Weber literally thrilled his listeners with his uncanny technique and control of his clarinet. The rich mellow tone which he so effortlessly produced from this tube of wood and metal won him instant favour. Trios comprising piano, voice and clarinet obligato were exceptionally well presented and proved very popular.
Blackwood – Warren Sentinel Thursday 2 November 1950 page 6
The tour ended after schools’ performances the morning of Thursday 2nd November in Pingelly, a two hour drive from Perth.