More Info →Guy Donaldson, music career Part 2 - Manawatu Conversations

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 9th April 2024. Part 2 of 5. While at Canterbury University it was suggested he take up secondary school teaching. Decided to be a teacher of English and French but was persuaded to drop French and take music. Started teaching at Rongotai College in Wellington where he was eventually in charge of music. Teaching boys songs often descended into chaos. Met his first wife who was also on the staff of Rongotai College.  Was in charge of the Bach Choir in Wellington for one year before Roy Tankersley took over as music director. Decided to resuscitate his piano playing so had sessions with Maurice Collier who he had previously met at Whanganui Collegiate. Maurice lived near Taihape. Moved to Palmerston North to Freyberg High School. Became involved in the Operatic Society then took up a position with the Palmerston North Choral Society. Also taught at Awatapu College. Wanted more time to focus on piano so resigned from Awatapu College and became a private piano teacher in the 1980s, His wife was a teacher at Linton prison.