History of Out of School Music Classes Invercargill

"As a timid 12-year-old, I was one of the first-day pupils at the Invercargill Out of School Music Classes 55 years ago. The idea for OSMC came about when a group of local musicians including my Father and renowned composer John Emeleus met to discuss how they could make music affordable for every child. My instrument of choice was the double bass which I then went on to play in orchestras, dance bands, church music groups, show concerts, and wherever a bass player was needed. I think the teachers donated their time for free for the first few years. While my family was very musical, it was playing in a group with fellow musicians and forming friendships which taught me how to be part of a team, how to explore the joy of music and have fun. We used to hold week-long music camps with the Dunedin OSMC students, the week ending in a concert showing off our skills. Last week, I was blessed to attend the end-of-year concert for the OSMC where my grandchildren performed. 

While digital has its place, nothing can compare with the joy of mastering your first tune on an instrument. The music scene around New Zealand has been enhanced by the Saturday Morning lessons taught at OSMC. Invercargill has produced musicians in all instrumental genres who are now performing on the International Stage. I still have my A Tune a Day books 1 and 2 which was what most tutors used. That way when we had an orchestra practice we all knew some songs in common. The retail price per book was a princely 70 cents. The teacher's note in book one is dated April 1968."

• Shirley Cranstoun, Invercargill (2023).