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.