Soundtrack to your studies - 1961

Early on in the university year the Capping Revue show presented the best of student musical and performance talent. Two of the most important events on the student calendar in 1961 were the Freshers Ball and the Graduation Ball. This year, the organisers of the Freshers Ball decided it needed to take place in a bigger venue. They took the risk of moving it to The Peter Pan Cabaret, where the Graduation Ball took place - an important difference being that alcohol was forbidden for Freshers, whilst still available to graduates until 6pm.

The review of the event in Craccum showed this move to be a wonderful success.

"Despite the claims of the pessimists that 6/6 single was far too expensive (old price 3/6) and the cabaret atmosphere would be too overwhelming for the freshers’ first introduction to varsity social life, the committee won exec’s approval and went ahead modestly planning for an attendance of five hundred … they were dumbfounded when 1002 students finally descended on the cabaret … The band - sorry orchestra - no doubt inspired to new heights by such a gay and receptive crowd, provided a constant stream of really danceable music, from 8pm to one in the morning. A special vote of thanks to the leader, Arthur Skelton, for such a fine performance."

The review also made mention of the guest vocalists Desina and Clyde Scott (who also released one of New Zealand’s first garage rock originals ‘Gravedigger’s Rock’). The latter had dropped in from his usual haunt of the Montmartre Cafe to perform ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Mac the Knife.’ However, the reviewer was less impressed with vocal group The High Brows - “Their guitar-jangling style was definitely non-u.”

The evening also saw a surprise performance by musicians from O’Rorke Hall who rushed the stage uninvited with their instruments to play a short rendition of ‘The Saints Go Marching In’ to advertise their own ball!

The music coverage in Craccum tended to focus on jazz and classical music. For example, Finnish bass singer Kim Borg received a sizable review and there was a discussion of how the free jazz of Ornette Coleman (on Tomorrow Is The Question) should be understood by the listener.

This was also the year the popular Shiralee coffee lounge opened on Customs Street. It was frequented by teenagers, but also attracted some university students who were more keen on the latest rock’n’roll music.

Meanwhile, the biggest album of the year was from a film that was breaking box office records worldwide, Westside Story. The album arrived at the end of the year, though the film itself wasn’t shown in New Zealand until two years later. Here is one of the film’s most memorable musical sequences, which takes place over the song ‘America.’

What was on your turntable while you were on campus? Suggest songs to add to our 1960s playlist, and you could win $100 Flying Out voucher.