THE INFANT BAND OF PORT JACKSON.
There is at present lying in Port Jackson, Australia, a training-ship called the Vernon, and some of the boys who have musical ability are regularly trained in the study of music, with the view to becoming efficient musicians, and thereby able to take their place in military or orchestral bands. So small are these children, that it has been jokingly said half a dozen of them could readily be accommodated in their own big drum; whilst the grand ophicleide would afford a comfortable lodging for one or two at least! But small as they are, their playing is one of the wonders of the neighbourhood, and the delight of all who have had the good fortune to hear them. These diminutive artists execute classical music, as well as music of a lighter character, with a vigour and precision, and a finished taste and expression that are nearly incredible, and should be heard to be believed. In fact, many an ordinary military band might well take a lesson from them in the grace and point with which they play, and also in the perfect tune and delicacy of tone of all their instruments—virtues that are not common to boys’ bands; extreme roughness, want of tune and tone, and total absence of grace or expression, being the usual failings of juvenile players. That the Vernon band is carefully taught, and trained with the utmost care and skill, there can be little doubt; and great credit is due to the directors and commander of the vessel, which, apart from the unrivalled band, is a model as regards drill, discipline, order, and cleanliness. The Vernon is maintained entirely at the cost of the state, not by private subscriptions, donations, or rates.